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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Dockside PowerCenter alt. to shore power?

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sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/13/2004 : 12:15:57

Came across this and it looks interesting.

Anyone have any knowledge on these units or possible drawbacks? Seems to be a simple way to use the boats DC outlets and other hardwired DC components (lights radios et.) while also conveniently
charging the batteries. Alternative to going the shore power route with electric panels/breakers... so on.
Any thoughts?? West Marine list price at $289. not cheap

. But I've yet to shop around.
http://www.marinco2.com/nw_SportmanPowerCenter.asp

Suzie, Tropical Sleigh

WB #619 Sarasota FL.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2004 : 13:03:33

IMHO follows:

Unless you're 'seriously' cruising with lotsa big expensive batteries...
I'd buy a 50/10/2 amp 'smart' battery charger from Kragen (or similar store) and call it good.
(ca $60)

Unless your DC needs are extrodinary, it will keep the battery charged and feed DC current to your 12V circuits through the battery cables as required.

For my own needs, I purchased a permanent mount 1.5 amp 'smartcharger' ($26). Keeps things topped up nicely for daysailing/weekending. (Have shorepower setup for extended use at the dock) Your needs may vary.

-----------

http://www.partsamerica.com/PartDetails.asp?SourceArea=&SourcePage=SEARCHRESULTS&MfrCode=SHU&MfrPartNumber=SE112S&CategoryCode=3014

Keeps 12 volt batteries charged. Fully automatic. Turns on and off as needed. Allows safe charging of RV, deep-cycle or most batteries that may have a long storage period. "On Board" feature allows mounting of charger next to battery on collectibles, street rods and other infrequently used vehicles. Hardware and mounting brackets are included.
1.5 amp trickle charge rate-charges in 2 to 12 hours
LED lights-Indicated Power On and Charged.
Reverse-polarity protection.
------------------

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 06/13/2004 : 16:57:07

Suzie, FWIW

West Marine Catalog p 624 the Guest charger 307530 is what I put in. It's a 5/5 (two batteries, 5amps to each) but it hooks up with both to one battery 10A......Did the same thing you are after for us at 1/2 the $$.

Oscar
Catalina 250WB#618 Currently FOR SALE:
http:www.woodenshoemusic.com/C250WB

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2004 : 14:00:13

Oscar, I see your unit and it also plugs into direct AC which is great for ease of use until I can hard wire some day. Since you have shore power, why did you pick that unit over a permanent mount type such as the Xantrex Truecharge 10A (model 333388) on page 623?
Did you end up hard wiring? Where on the boat did you mount the unit? Thanks for your help!

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2004 : 20:32:24

Dont have a catalogue in front of me. I chose it for compactness, price, no maintenance, and flexibility of adding another battery. If you want I can take a picture when I get home. If you put your face in front of your electrical panel and turn it to the right, you look down the "tunnel" under the coaming. I mounted it on the "back wall". Pretty much out of sight, but you can still peek down there to see the led's to see what it's doing. The wires are fed through a 1" hole into the aft area, where I plug it into a female 110 plug wired into the shore power.

Oscar, in Las Vegas, again......

Edited by - on

sterngucker
Navigator

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USA
169 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2004 : 22:50:04

FYI, I found the same charger that Oscar refers to at Overtons for $20 cheaper than West Marine, although WM will probably match if you call them on it. My two cents.

http://www.overtons.com/cgi-bin/overtons/order/pdetail.cgi?37579++

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 06/14/2004 : 22:58:20

That's the one...

Oscar, In Las Vegas....again.

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 06/15/2004 : 19:40:34

thanks fellas, just bought the unit on West Marines web site. Lists for $139. but on sale for 104.99, so I called to order. They said must be an error, but since their web site list it on sale, they'll honor price....kwell!

Will have to go down to the boat and size up the location. Thanks for help!

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 06/15/2004 : 22:41:08

It is the one I use.

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.