[C320-list] Starter Battery and Echo Charger

[Jack Brennan]

Hi Sara:

An easier alternative, which I use on trips, is to buy a quality portable jump starter from an auto store and keep in one of the interior lockers so it’s not exposed to weather.

If you deplete the batteries, use the alligator clips to connect to the batteries. Your engine will start right up as long as you charge it at 110 volts periodically.

As for solar, I use a 160 watt Renogy panel that I have rigged behind the boom, using the backstays and a U-shaped brace made of one-inch SS tubing, rail fittings and two SS flagpole rail fittings that will take one-inch SS tubing. 

The good thing is that I can remove the panel in 10 minutes, which is essential in hurricane land.

I can get 50 to 80 amps a day, depending on clouds and the time of year. After four days ay anchor, it needs the diesel alternator to top off the batteries because we like to play music and do other activities that run down the batteries.

Right now, in the Florida summer, I leave the fridge on all the time at dock and power it only with solar.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.



Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Sara Skinner Schroeder
Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2020 12:08 AM
To: C320 Blog
Subject: [C320-list] Starter Battery and Echo Charger

My 2000 C20 has two 4D deep cycle batteries.  I figure I have about 190amp hr capacity for each which if they are not discharged more than 50% I have about 80amp hrs each.  She has never had a starter battery. After a weekend rafting with friends I did some analysis on my battery usage. It goes without saying that the refrigeration was the biggest draw.  I got nervous that the batteries would not have enough CCA to start the engine so I turned off the refer the night before heading home.  I did charge the batteries for a few hours on day 2 but was still not comfortable with how fast the batteries were being depleted.  I have a few, somewhat unrelated questions, as I figure out what’s going to be added to the boat next.
1.  What kind and size of starter battery do you recommend. Where did you put it?
2.  What kind of echo charger do you recommend.
3.  My 20 yr old Adler Barber refrigerator compressor is drawing 5.5amps at a setting of 4-5.  Does that seem reasonable?  I’m wondering if the compressor is starting to fail.  It works great and I always have ice but I have no idea how long they usually last.
4.  I’m also thinking of getting a solar panel I can throw on the deck to help with battery charging at anchor.  Does anyone do this?

This stuff is still smoke-and-mirrors to me so I appreciate the input.  Finally, my last post was about the installation of my Raymarine autopilot. Thanks to Jack Brennan’s advice and instructions it’s up and running!  I even replaced the steering cable while I had it all torn apart.  Whew!!!  
Sara 
Wandering Star 
2000/#707

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