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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Battery Selection and Charging

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Initially Posted - 03/18/2004 : 21:38:20

I am keeping the original dual purpose battery to start the outboard, but plan to install a second deep cycle battery for lights, stereo, etc. Two questions: 1. Can I use the outboard (3Amp output) to charge the deep cycle battery the same way I have been charging the dual purpose battery? and 2. Am I correct in assuming that a deep cycle battery is better suited to running the electronic gear and lights?

I will have the two batteries connected to the outboard through a battery switch, so they will be charged independantly. If if I connect the two batteries to connections 1 & 2 respectively on the switch, and the outboard to the "both" terminal, will that permit me to move the switch between 1 and 2 to charge the batteries independantly?

Clearly I missed the week in physics where we learned about dc systems. I appreciate your thoughts and ideas.

Alan Therrien
"Moonpenny"
C250K #418

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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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1349 Posts

Response Posted - 03/18/2004 : 23:20:57

You are correct in your assumption. The thing to remember is when switching from 1 to 2 turn the switch through the BOTH position not thru OFF if you engine is running and putting out AMPs. This is to insure a continuous supply of power to your circuits. The other part of this is that most switches are not designed to stand the switching through OFF under full rated current. The instructions on mine said to make sure all loads were off and the alternator shut down before switching to OFF. W.M. electrical section (starting on page 606) has some good stuff on types of batteries and the care and feeding of same. Hope this is of some help to you.

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Bay Tripper
1st Mate

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56 Posts

Response Posted - 03/19/2004 : 06:49:30

I would like to install another "house" battery on my boat. Where on the boat is the best place to install the second battery and where are you putting the selector switch?

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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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1349 Posts

Response Posted - 03/19/2004 : 07:37:19

The additional batteries will go in the V-berth. As for the selector switch, I have not decided yet whether to install it on the Aft bulkhead or around the propane tank valve switch. Take a look in the tech tips, I seem to recall some info on the mod also look on Aryln's site. I would put a link here for you, but I don't know how to do that yet.

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Arlyn Stewart
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2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/19/2004 : 13:20:22

Quite a few options. First, I agree that extra battery capacity needs to go in the V berth. The battery switch location is not as easy. I put it on the aft bulkhead but its not an ideal location especially when I am cruising and have the berth stuffed. I'd opt for a location near the switch panel if doing again.

If the motor has electric start, I'd connect the starter directly to the one battery in the aft compartment.

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Alan Therrien
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Response Posted - 03/19/2004 : 16:11:15

Thanks to all for your answers, suggestions and ideas.

Arlyn, If I connect the outboard directly to the starter battery, how would I charge the second/house battery?

Alan

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Arlyn Stewart
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Response Posted - 03/19/2004 : 18:03:09

I don't think 3 amps from the outboard is enough to charge the batteries unless doing a lot of motoring during cruising. My motor outputs 12 amps and does a great job wired like this. Use the both or 1&2 position.

To do this, both battery banks should be the same battery technology, ie both wet cells.

I have two six volt golf carts in the V berth and one group 24 in the aft compartment but all being wet cells, their voltages are the same excepting a slight voltage drop from the additional length of wire. I do not find however that the group 24 cooks while the golf carts undercharge.

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zebra50
Captain

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408 Posts

Response Posted - 03/19/2004 : 20:52:21

Hey Arlyn, do those golf carts take up much room? are they used for shore excursions or just to go from the v berth to the aft cabin?

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Dkn420
Captain

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298 Posts

Response Posted - 03/20/2004 : 00:37:41

Jay: I would bet we will see some kind of new "cart davit" on a future tech tip

Or, at least a new entry in the "Bloopers Hall of Fame"

Dan #727

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sailgal
Captain

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400 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2004 : 16:53:17

Here is my switch location, easy to get to, but I do have my two batteries in the rear so wires ran along and inside space between liner and hull.

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2004 : 17:42:36

Tropical Sleigh's switch location is where I wish I'd put R&R's...

And... yeah, the cart davits are wayyyyy down the list.

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frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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1349 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2004 : 19:15:47

Thanks Suzie, you just showed me were to put my switch. Now all I have to do is get the two 12 gallon water tanks installed permanently then I can figure out were the batteries will go.

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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.