[C320-list] Inverter

[Joe Luciano]

Jerry,

To me, charging batteries dockside is a secondary thing because typically if you are there overnight, there is plenty of time to come to a full charge.  The bigger issue is charging from the engine and topping off.  For that, you need an alternator with 3 stage voltage regulation vs. an automotive type alternator that comes standard.  I upgraded mine when new with a Balmar, got one that would fit and run off the same belt as the factory alternator, yet had the 3 stage voltage regulator.  This allows me to top off the last 20% when motoring for a short period depending on how much I’ve pulled the batteries down.

Joe Luciano
Second Wind
2005 C-320 #1024


> On Jul 25, 2021, at 9:36 AM, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi Jerry:
> 
> Battery charging technology has improved so much over the last 20 years that it is worth replacing your charger even if it is working well.
> 
> Older chargers are painfully slow at filling the last 20 percent of charge in your batteries, as is a standard alternator. The new ones do a much faster job, and fully charged batteries means that they last much longer.
> 
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
> 
> From: Jerry's Iphone
> Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2021 11:11 AM
> To: Catalina C320 List
> Subject: [C320-list] Inverter
> 
> Just curious. What’s the expected lifespan of the original charger inverter?
> JellyRoll is 2002. It appears the charge on shore is dwindling. Not sure if it matters but new deep cycle batteries were installed this winter. 
> Any thoughts or recommendations are appreciated. 
> 
> Jerry Sheets
> JellyRoll   890
>