[C320-list] Battery Charger Mystery

[Jbrown5093]

Can't be condensation. That would not be salty

Sent from my iPhone

On May 31, 2012, at 3:05 PM, "Henderson, David" <dhender at allstate.com> wrote:

> Hello All,  I have an issue that I don't remember ever seeing on the
> list, and would appreciate any input or advice.
> 
> Boat was launched last Friday afternoon (YEAH!!!).   Sailed her to home
> port in Cohasset, MA next day.  Upon arrival, plugged shore power and
> flipped on the breaker for my Charles Industries 30 amp charger.
> Immediately heard a "snap, crackle & pop" kind of sound coming from the
> direction of the port cockpit locker.  Shut off the breaker and went to
> investigate.  Found water droplets all over the cover of the charger and
> a smell of something electrical that had burned.  Subsequent multimeter
> test of the charger confirmed it was dead  - plenty of AC still going
> in, but no DC coming out.  I think it's safe to assume that the water
> got inside as well and fried it.  Upon removing the charger next day,
> noticed salt crystals all over exterior - it would seem that ocean water
> is the culprit.
> 
> I have shipped the charger back to Charles to see if it can be repaired.
> Meantime, my real question is, how the heck did the water get in there?
> This is 8th season with this boat and have never had this problem
> before.   The weather conditions during Saturday's sail were light winds
> and calm seas.  No waves or chop, and no chance of getting the rail in
> the water.  
> 
> Two possibilities I can think of:  1) The vented loop in the locker.
> Believe this is part of raw water cooling system.   I checked the hose
> clamps and they were reasonably (not completely) tight.  When I started
> engine for first time, it took several minutes for the pink stuff
> antifreeze to pump through and out.  It must have coagulated or there
> was some other blockage as all of a sudden there was a big burp and a
> bunch came out at once, and she pumped pure salt water beautifully after
> that.  Before it cleared itself, perhaps there was enough back pressure
> to force salt water out of the vented loop, and it sprayed onto the
> charger???   2) Condensation  -  There were a couple of very wet towels
> and coils of line in the locker.  Were the drops of water on/in the
> charger just condensation???? 
> 
> Anybody else lose a charger in this way?  Thanks much.
> 
> Dave Henderson
> 
> "Dottie B"  #1049
> 
> 
>