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sailor steve
Deckhand

Member Avatar

USA
7 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/25/2006 : 19:26:42

bought my boat at auction less than a year ago .... sailed her several times but still need to do some routine repairs.

where would a built in battery charger be located, if, in fact, my boat has one ? I've looked and can't seem to locate one. Boat does have two car size batteries (which I have replaced with brand new ones), a battery selector switch, various toggle switches, etc.

Also ... electric outlets in cabin work while connected to shore power but not when disconnected. Might my boat be equipped with some sort of a converter that needs repair or replacing ? What does it look like? Where might it be located ?

head won't flush. mine is a Groco HF ..... so I purchased a new Jabsco hand pump model for $140, but the mounting holes are wider apart than those of the Groco. New Groco is priced @ $300 which I don't want to pay. Anyone ever installed new head with different mounting bolt requirements ? So ... should I order a rebild kit for the Groco or try mounting the new Jabsco ? If I use the Jabsco, how do I mount it ?

One last thing. Galley faucet works fine, but one across from head doesn't pump water. Any ideas on what might be the problem ? Could this be part of the problem with the head not flushing.

Thanks in advance to all who may try to provide much needed help. Perhaps some day I'll be able to provide some of my own.

Edited by - on

TRogers
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
90 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2006 : 20:53:47

If like mine, electrical outlets are tied directly to shore power. No inverter installed, therefore no electrical outlet power away from the dock.

Battery charger on mine is under quarterberth. Interest rigging for it. Power cord is plugged into the electrical outlets and run to under the quarterberth. I would assume that to prior owner that was just a simple way to do it, but it works.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2006 : 21:58:36

Batteries are not up to providing house power type AC. If you want your outlets to work away from the dock, you will need a gas or diesel powered generator...

Your batteries may just be charged by the alternator on your outboard - you may not be charging them when connected to shore power. A battery charger can be quite small, somewhere between the size of a carton and a pack of cigarettes. It can be mounted anywhere...

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2006 : 11:17:15

Welcome, Steve!

Another useful item for power away from the dock is a 12-volt "cigarette lighter" outlet, which you can buy cheaply ane install easily. That takes care of your cell phone, GPS, PC, car vaccuum, etc. Chargers generally weren't among the original equipment--they've mostly been added along the way--e.g., it's likely you don't have one. An inverter (to convert battery power to 110V AC) is a a debatable notion and a tricky installation.

If you have one supply hose going to both the forward sink and the head, then it sounds like either there's a kink, some other kind of blockage, or neither pump is capable of self-priming the line (pulling the air out and the water in). A faulty seal in either the faucet pump or the head could prevent the other from priming the line--try plugging the faucet and then pumping the head.

BTW, it's useful to us when considering your questions to know the vintage and some basics about your boat, which you can list in a "Signature" in your profile so it is appended to each post. Mine was "1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032" (That's Standard Rig/Fin Keel" and the hull number.)

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 11/26/2006 11:26:00

dblitz
Navigator

Members Avatar

240 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2006 : 13:11:02

Hello Steve:
Welcome, I know you will enjoy your boat as much as we all do.
I bought a replacement Groco head for my boat at Boater's World online. They are now offering it for it for $ 249.99, but I paid just $ 209.99 for mine in May 06. Maybe they put it on sale at certain times of the year. You might want to ask.
The new Groco head's base will not line up with your old holes. I used the old brass base and just mounted the new porcelain and new pump housing on it. Worked out well and didn't have to drill and fill holes.

Edited by - on

djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2006 : 14:26:33

Hi Steve, You can drill new mount holes. It is empty space underneath that ledge. I remove my pumper and screwed in a Port-a-potty. Your electrics sounds like mine before I added the charger. You can see were I mounted my in the thread about all the mods I did to my boat. There should be a AC power box somewhere that connect shore power to the outlets. No AC at sea. Cheers and enjoy the tinker.

Edited by - on

ngrinich
1st Mate

Members Avatar

28 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2006 : 23:44:15

I bought and installed the Groco rebuild kit but the head still leaked afterwards. Got the Jabsco on sale at WM and it has given me good service eversince. My Catalina FK 87 did not come with a charger. I've been using an auto charger while at the dock, but I only connect it while on board to keep watch over it. I have a marine grade charger but haven't yet installed it- it's on the list of upgrade projects for this winter. I'am comfortable working on the DC but I get nervous working on the AC. I plan to have someone experienced in marine electrical check out my install work before I plug it into shore power. Have fun with your new-to-you boat.

Edited by - ngrinich on 11/26/2006 23:46:37

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2006 : 11:25:33

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ngrinich
 ...I'm comfortable working on the DC but I get nervous working on the AC. I plan to have someone experienced in marine electrical check out my install work before I plug it into shore power...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Nick: From your friendly forum curmudgeon... Don't be too comfortable with 12v DC work--it can (and does) start fires just like 110v AC can, but unlike your AC, the DC isn't totally shut down when you leave the dock. And all of it is subjected to the motion, vibration, and dampness of the boat. I'd have your electrical expert look at it all.

Edited by - on

sailor steve
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2006 : 14:49:38

Thanks for your reply regarding my battery charger dilema ... was planning to go to the marina this weekend til a Norther blew in here today and is dropping a reported 2-4 inches of snow and ice on us. But, hey, this is Texas .... it still could be 80 degrees by the weekend.

Edited by - on

sailor steve
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2006 : 15:28:24

Thanks for the Welcome Dave !

Since I am new to this forum, I'm not sure if my I am supposed to reply this way or by clicking on send member an email. But hope this is the correct way.

My boat does have the cigarette lighter adapter ... not sure if it works though ( another electric thing to check ). Since I'll just be sailing a local lake, think I'll most likely nix the inverter idea for now anyway.

I'll check for crimps in the lines leading to the head and the sink like you suggested, then possibly plug the hose too.

I've added my signature info ... was in a hurry when I 1st registered.

My father married a lady in Mystic when he was stationed there shortly before being sent overseas at the beginning of WW II ... then she divorced him while he was gone. I never met her .... way before my time !

What does the DPO in your signature stand for ?

Thanks Again for your suggestions.
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 Welcome, Steve!

Another useful item for power away from the dock is a 12-volt "cigarette lighter" outlet, which you can buy cheaply ane install easily. That takes care of your cell phone, GPS, PC, car vaccuum, etc. Chargers generally weren't among the original equipment--they've mostly been added along the way--e.g., it's likely you don't have one. An inverter (to convert battery power to 110V AC) is a a debatable notion and a tricky installation.

If you have one supply hose going to both the forward sink and the head, then it sounds like either there's a kink, some other kind of blockage, or neither pump is capable of self-priming the line (pulling the air out and the water in). A faulty seal in either the faucet pump or the head could prevent the other from priming the line--try plugging the faucet and then pumping the head.

BTW, it's useful to us when considering your questions to know the vintage and some basics about your boat, which you can list in a "Signature" in your profile so it is appended to each post. Mine was "1985 C-25 SR/FK #5032" (That's Standard Rig/Fin Keel" and the hull number.)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

sailor steve
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2006 : 15:37:41

Thanks Daniel !

I have indeed enjoyed my boat so far ... looking forward to getting all the "stuff" working and functional. Yours has an I/O diesel ? Cool. I purchased a brand new Nissan 4 stroke outboard this summer. It's a great motor ... just wish it had an electric start.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dblitz
 Hello Steve:
Welcome, I know you will enjoy your boat as much as we all do.
I bought a replacement Groco head for my boat at Boater's World online. They are now offering it for it for $ 249.99, but I paid just $ 209.99 for mine in May 06. Maybe they put it on sale at certain times of the year. You might want to ask.
The new Groco head's base will not line up with your old holes. I used the old brass base and just mounted the new porcelain and new pump housing on it. Worked out well and didn't have to drill and fill holes.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2006 : 16:25:39

This is the battery charger I use. It is available at West Marine on ebay, note it is really 15amp

[url="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Charles-5000SP-Series-3-Stage-Charger-15Amp-5321260_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ26455QQihZ006QQitemZ160057357496QQtcZphoto"]ebay link[/url]

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/30/2006 : 17:06:52

Steve: You can reply just as you have or by using the Reply to Topic link below the thread, as I'm doing now--that leaves out any quote. Use e-mail if you want to take the discussion off-line. The idea of these forums is to let everyone see the discussion, and we're pretty relaxed about that, as you can see. DPO means D____ Previous Owner (pick your own first word). We all use it when explaining the misguided modifications, damage, and neglect to our boats. It's what I am now to Bill and Amy Van Arsdale (who haven't spoken up here yet, but I know they're reading...)

PS: If you check the two checkboxes at the bottom of the Profile page, your signature will be included in all posts by default, and you'll see everyone else's.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 11/30/2006 17:10:26

sailor steve
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2006 : 10:22:27

Belated thanks to Dennis, Nick, and Frank for their suggestions. All were helpful.

Edited by - on

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