[C320-list] Starter Battery and Echo Charger

[Danny Jensen]

I meant to send you this shorter video in my previous post. Here is my test setup of basic solar. https://youtu.be/1It6JXgNAxg

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 11, 2020, at 9:08 PM, Sara Skinner Schroeder <saras951 at comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> 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
> 
> Sent from my iPad