[C320-list] New House Batteries

[Greg Flanagan]

Hi Dean,

A couple of years ago my 8 year old batteries failed, one actually overcharged as a cell went dead and gave off gas which my CO snifter caught and the alarm went off before the boat burned down. 

After an excellent workshop with Nigel Calder on boat electrical systems (he has books), I installed a 140 watt solar panel and regulator, 2 new 4D GM batteries, a Smart Gauge, and LED lights.  My alternator is 60 amp. I have heard earlier 320s had only a 30 amp charger. I now know the actual charge state of batteries at all times, and have not gone below 70%. I had added a starter battery years ago as the original equipment used the house battery for starting. This is kept charged with a Xantrex echo charger. I added a charge centre for all my modern USB chargers and I have a small inverter for the remaining 110V AC needs.

The bottom line: I do not need to plug in during the sailing season. This is fantastic freedom!


Thanks,

Greg Flanagan
10460 Allbay Road
Sidney, BC V8L 2P3
250 665-7245

> On Nov 28, 2016, at 5:32 PM, Dean Agee <dagee at iserv.net> wrote:
> 
> Our recently purchased 2002 - 320 came with 4 ½ year old batteries which I
> discovered to be 4D PowerSource Industrial/Tractor Batteries.
> 
> 
> 
> A recent overnight trip convinced me that they are heading towards the end
> of their life.  Identical replacement batteries are $164 each.  The Marine
> equivalents run around $600-$700.  
> 
> 
> 
> Does anyone have thoughts on battery replacement?  I don’t mind spending the
> extra money – but would like to know what I’m getting for the money.
> 
> 
> 
> Also, in another post, the owner of an early series boat – in the #160s –
> said that the Catalina supplied alternator was “undersized”.  Does anyone
> know if Catalina upgrade the alternator in later boats?
> 
> 
> Thanks!  
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Dean Agee
> 
> 
> 
> AhSeaHola #912
>