[C320-list] Batteries -- some thoughts

[Jeff Hare]

Between the AGMs, the AmpTech 125 and the Balmar MaxCharge regulator, I
easily see well over 100A sustained for 10 min or so before it gradually
dips below 100a.  Typically it stays around 90a for about a half hour,
gradually dropping as the batteries start to build resistance/charge.

With flooded batteries you probably won't see this level of charge current
for long because they cannot accept current at the rate AGMs typically can.

-Jeff Hare

-----Original Message-----
From: C320-list <c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com> On Behalf Of
Warren Updike
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2018 9:46 AM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Batteries -- some thoughts

Wow! The traffic on this "Batteries" thread is interesting. One might get
the impression that batteries are an important issue.

Re. lead-acid gassing, I presume the "codes" mentioned are ABYC codes.
Comments made re. small likelihood of a danger are probably on target. For
those who might be concerned, Yandina Marine Electronics
https://www.yandina.com/NewCatalog.htm makes a ventilation controller that
will manage the venting of a battery compartment. 

As for comparing battery types, Nigel Calder has done an exhaustive
investigation of battery types in terms of cost, performance, +/-. He
concludes that the least cost configuration is with lead-acid type. I think
this was published in editions of Sail magazine. Also, the site
marinehowto.com/category/electrical/ has a number of articles on batteries.
The same author writes as "Maine Sail" on sailboatowners.com. See his " AGM
Batteries - Making The Choice," article in the Forums section.

Re. question of upgrading pulley/belt, the Perkins M30 has a 55amp Lucas
alt. and 3/8" belt. I think I've seen that the more recent Yanmars are 1/2"
belt/pulley. Balmar recommended a maximum alternator of 70-100A on a 3/8"
belt. I have a 100A alt that is restrained by the regulator to 80A (my
choice.) Rarely does it ever reach 60A and spends most time in bulk mode at
about 40A. All that is the choice of the battery.

Re. Alternator upgrade on Perkins M30. Perkins was a British product and the
Lucas Alt. is NOT to US auto alternator mount standards. I think, perhaps,
the Yanmars are US standard mounts. Mark Seyler is correct, upgrading the
Perkins alternator requires alterations to the lower mount and the adjusting
arm on top. For anyone planning this on a Perkins, I have an article and
pictures that might help. 

For any Kent Is. boaters that may be lurking on this list, Howdy Cap.

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, MD (Chesapeake Bay)