[C320-list] Trojan batteries

[Jack Brennan]

Thanks, Dave. That sounds like a good way to approach it. I think I may copy you when I get around to the new batteries.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, no. 528
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay




Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Utility Comcast
Sent: Monday, November 4, 2019 4:03 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Trojan batteries

Jack,

I took out my OEM batteries very carefully.  They were very heavy.  I then used new Polyethylene battery cases that I modified to become battery trays for the new Trojan GC batteries.  The existing fiberglass trays were modified (by me grinding the outboard edge) to accept the new wider polyethylene battery trays.  I glued and screwed them into the existing modified fiberglass battery trays.  Then using stainless steel footman loops to anchor straps tying the entire battery assembly to the floor of the boat.  So the batteries are contained in the new polyethylene battery trays that are anchored to the boat and the assembly is strapped to the boat.  You will see these new battery trays in my C320IA Owners Photos.

Dave

Formerly the owner of:

S/V Emily Ann
2007 C320 MK II, No.1107
Mukilteo, WA



David B. Swanson, P.E., S.E.
LEED AP/F. SEI
Structural Engineer
(425) 508-7971 mobile
kswanson123 at comcast.net



> On Nov 3, 2019, at 9:47 AM, jackbrennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> Thanks, David. I looked at the photos, but couldn't tell how you made the battery housing/cases. If you took out the OEM battery out, what's the best way to do it?
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, no. 528
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay
> 
> Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 
> 
>  On Sun, Nov 3, 2019 at 11:39 AM, Utility Comcast<kswanson123 at comcast.net> wrote:   I did this upgrade with Trojan T105 batteries on my former 2008 C320 MK II.  Photos of my installation are in the Owners Photos section of our C320IA website under David Swanson, S/V Emily Ann.
> 
> Dave
> 
> David B. Swanson, P.E., S.E.
> LEED AP/F. SEI
> Structural Engineer
> (425) 508-7971 mobile
> kswanson123 at comcast.net
> 
> 
> 
>> On Nov 3, 2019, at 6:41 AM, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Troy:
>> 
>> Thanks for the response. It’s nice to confirm that it is possible to fit golf cart batteries in there, however awkward it is.
>> 
>> I think I may take a stab at removing the OEM battery boxes. They are so low that they wouldn’t prevent battery acid from getting into the bilge, which is a main purpose. 
>> 
>> I currently have four group 24s installed by the p.o. They run port to starboard because they are too long to fit in the boxes. I use standard battery boxes, but can’t use the tops because of clearance. I use webbed battery straps bolted to each side of the settee to restrain the batteries.
>> 
>> I originally thought to put in 4Ds, but the local Interstate dealer wouldn’t sell them to me because he has had so much trouble in the past with them. “I don’t want you back here yelling at me in six months,” he said.
>> 
>> Jack Brennan
>> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, no. 528
>> Tierra Verde, Fl.
>> Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay
>> 
>> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>> 
>> From: Troy Dunn
>> Sent: Saturday, November 2, 2019 6:48 PM
>> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
>> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Trojan batteries
>> 
>> I have made the switch to GC2s.  I have some pictures now in my album along
>> with wiring diagrams but I have not got it written up yet.  GC2s will not
>> fit in the trays, and the headroom situation is not fantastic.  I made it
>> work for now using cut down battery boxes to hold any spills and stainless
>> footmen to get the batteries strapped in place.  I plan to rip out the
>> entire battery area and re-fit it to properly house the 4 GC2s and the
>> start battery.
>> 
>> Troy Dunn
>> Hull #514 (1998)
>> 
>