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Battery Project

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Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/27/2003 : 01:31:01

Today I replaced the stock group 24 battery that came in my new C250WK with two group 27 AGMs.

I removed the sides of the glassed-in battery tray, but left the bottom in place:
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da06b3127cce96aacefdecad0000001610" border=0>

I used varnished outdoor grade 3/4" plywood for a new base, attaching it to the old tray with #14 x 1 1/4 wood screws and 3M 5200 adhesive:
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da06b3127cce96aacefbecab0000001610" border=0>

I then attached the battery trays:
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da06b3127cce96aacef9eca90000001610" border=0>

then the batteries and top frames:
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3da06b3127cce96aacee66d860000001610" border=0>

Next: wiring...

Al Maniccia
SeaWolf C250WK #698
Marina Del Rey, CA

Edited by - Al on 04/27/2003 01:42:35

Edited by - Al on 04/27/2003 13:07:19

Edited by - Al on 04/27/2003 13:27:01

Edited by - Al on 04/27/2003 14:00:16

Edited by - Al on 05/01/2003 14:45:50

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2003 : 21:08:50

Nice job Al, ......If I see what I think I'm seeing, you took the entire "bulkhead" out, instead of torturing yourself trying to do it through the little hatch opening........I hadn't looked that close yet, gives me inspiration......I've got some ideas for that space.

Oscar
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/LKforumshot.jpg" border=0>
Lady Kay 250 WB #618
In the driveway in Behtlehem, PA ready to go anytime.

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 04/27/2003 : 23:22:19

Yeah, that bulkhead is just held in by a few screws and comes right out. There's really a lot of unused space back there. I also am thinking of utilizing it for lightweight storage or something. Maybe divide it in thirds with just the center third devoted to battery space.

Al Maniccia
SeaWolf C250WK #698
Marina Del Rey, CA

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 04/28/2003 : 10:36:09

Be carefull not to put to much weight back there. If you do you will make a stern heavy boat even heavier.

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df05b3127cce93a99ec449080000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

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USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 04/28/2003 : 15:48:38

I was aware of the weight issue, but still chose to put it there to keep wiring runs short (electric start O/B, charger, inverter), plus keeping the more easily accessible forward compartment available. I haven't checked it out yet, but I think an extra water tank would go up forward, too.

Al Maniccia
SeaWolf C250WK #698
Marina Del Rey, CA

Edited by - on

arlingva
Navigator

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USA
116 Posts

Response Posted - 04/28/2003 : 23:51:27

I have been thinking of doing the same thing under the V berth, but am concerned about the long runs for the wires. Anybody have opinions on that?

Bill Swanson C250 #614

Bill Swanson
C250WK #614

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2003 : 07:52:19

There is an alternative that solves the heavy wiring issue. That is to leave the group 24 in the aft compartment for the starting battery for the outboard...and place additional batteries in the V berth for the house bank.

A #8 guage wire is then sufficient to run aft to a battery switch on the rear bulkhead. Connect the outboard directly to the aft group 24. The forward battery can still be charged with the outboard by placing the switch in the both position.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2003 : 15:59:08

That approach would solve the wiring issue, but seemingly
at the cost of using up more storage space, limiting
yourself to group 24 batteries (since all the batteries
should be nearly identical), and necessitates remembering
to switch to the "Both" position (although, isn't a combiner
the correct way to charge multiple, unequally discharged
batteries? I don't know...). For me, there's not enough
justification.

I chose to wire both 27s in parallel, and use them as both
starting and house batteries. I'll add water tanks or
something up forward to balance things out. With the manual
rope start on the outboard, even if I did drain both
batteries, I'd just have to yank the rope and be charging
away at 12A. True, a failure in one battery could bring
down the other, but that can be solved by fusing between
them.

Then again, maybe I'm missing something that I'll discover
some cold, late afternoon, five miles from home....!

Al Maniccia
SeaWolf C250WK #698
Marina Del Rey, CA

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 04/29/2003 : 18:55:33

Al... your very right that to add the batteries in the V berth does so at a cost to premium real estate compared to the aft compartment.

I did so reluctantly... as usual, driven by the desire for the best possible boat handling.

I had estimated my electrical needs to be quite intensive. This was while owning a pre 2001 Honda. The new motor puts out 12 amps... and my cruising grounds has proven to generally provide more motoring time than I expected or would like. I've been running two six volts and one group 24 for about 300 amp hours but can cut back some. Your two group 27s are likely a good choice and your installation looks great.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2003 : 10:37:18

>With the manual
rope start on the outboard, even if I did drain both
batteries, I'd just have to yank the rope and be charging
away at 12A.<

Has anyone done that? I believe the Honda manual says you need some juice to get it going.....

Oscar
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/LKforumshot.jpg" border=0>
Lady Kay 250 WB #618
In the driveway in Behtlehem, PA ready to go anytime.

Edited by - on

Al
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
269 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2003 : 14:45:19

Under "Emergency Starting" in my (2003) manual, it reads, "If the battery is discharged, or the starter motor and the recoil starter are inoperative, you can start the engine manually using the emergency starter rope...".

I think these motors use a magneto, which generates its own current (or at least they did back in my old drag racing days....!)

Al Maniccia
SeaWolf C250WK #698
Marina Del Rey, CA

Edited by - on

mmodine
1st Mate

Members Avatar

26 Posts

Response Posted - 05/02/2003 : 22:52:51

I just installed two 180 AH batteries in the nose of Luna Maya, 250WK #587.

I built a frame from 2x4 and plywood which is held in place with construction glue. (rough up the glass a bit)

The batteries sit one behind the other in front of the opening in the V-berth, using unused storage space.
They are connected to the original battery with #6 jumper cable wire through a disconnect switch in the afterbirth opening.

The new auxilliary batteries are used for stereo, sonar, lights etc. and are connected manually to the engine charging system when motoring. They could also be used to start the engine, a 15 HP Honda which, along with people in the stern rail seats, tends to make the boat float a little bow up.

The snow just melted a week ago and we are still on the hard for two more weeks until the marina at Lake Granby opens on the 15th.

think wind

"Luna Maya" 250K #579

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.