[C320-list] Riddle me this - a battery charger question

[Jack Brennan]

Hi Dean:

I’m not familiar with that model, but I’m assuming it is one set up to charge two banks. In that case, check the manual for settings. There usually is a way to channel  30 amps to one bank or 15 to each of two banks.

It sounds like 30 amps is being directed to bank one and nothing to bank two.

A test: turn off the fridge and turn the selector switch to off. When you turn on the charger, you should read 13.8 to 14.2 volts on each battery because the charger should bypass the selector switch. If bank 2 is still 12.5 or whatever, that confirms the above.

In addition to the charger settings, make sure the two positive leads from the charger are individually connected to each of the battery connection posts in the port cockpit locker. 

Hope this helps.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl












Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Dean Vermeire
Sent: Saturday, August 8, 2020 5:20 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Riddle me this - a battery charger question

I recently replaced the old charger with a ProNautic 1230P.  I have two 
4D batteries in the original configuration in a 2001 320 (#847).  Both 
of the batteries have positive cables from the charger.

The problem is that if I leave the boat at the marina with the battery 
selector switched to batter 2, the battery runs down, even though the 
charger is on.  This was true with the old charger, as well.  So, at 
least I haven't made things worse.

Now, the fact that the battery runs down (the only load was the 
refrigerator, which was running) tells me that it is hooked up to the 
selector switch.  The negative terminal is tied to the negative of 
battery 1.  The charger's positive cable is hooked up.  The charger's 
negative cable is to the common ground.  The charger works and charges 
battery 1.  It also charges battery 2 when the switch is on both.

What on earth am I missing?

Dean Vermeire

#847