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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Battery Ventilation

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Brent
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/02/2005 : 09:58:16

Does anyone have any experience with battery ventilation requirements while charging.

I was thinking about cutting a vent into the battery storage area so that the seat and cushions do not have to be held open during charging. I am just not sure if a passive vent would be enough to vent the battery box properly.

Thanks,
Brent

Brent
84 C25 SK/TR

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 03/02/2005 : 11:55:56

I have two batteries under my starboard settee, they are charging 24/7 except when sailing. I have never given a thought to venting. I have never discerned an odor nor been concerned. I check my water levels every few months and have never seen any change. That tells me that there is minimal gas being generated. I am not suggesting that you should not do what ever makes you comfortable but I would not worry about it. I have never heard this brought up at my club or on this board.

edit:
All of this presumes you are using a proper battery charger.

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 03/02/2005 11:56:39

Dave Laux
Captain

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318 Posts

Response Posted - 03/02/2005 : 12:50:04

Hydrogen, which is the gas that you are worried about from the batteries, is very light and disapates fast. The normal loosness of the cover over the bateries should allow it to escape. Dave

Edited by - on

SailormanCGA72
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 03/03/2005 : 10:53:57

Brent,
If your boat was inspected by the Coast Guard, they would want a vent line running from the top of the battery box to open air. Fortunately, the application on our little boats doesn't apply. The simple motion of opening the lid to my battery box would dissipate any hydrogen. The key to safety though is to make sure to have a trickle charge to the batteries. Charging at too high a rate could cause the battery itself to explode. If you have to put a high charge on the battery, open the tops to let any gas escape, and monitor the operation.

Edited by - on

ngrinich
1st Mate

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28 Posts

Response Posted - 03/06/2005 : 16:40:35

I recently bought a Catalina 25 fin keel. The prior owner put 2 batteries in, one a deep cycle, the other appears to be a standard auto type battery. Is this a problem or can I "get by" with this arrangement? There is currently no system on board to charge the batteries. Is it reasonable to use an auto type battery charger by plugging it into an outlet while connected to shore power? Do I set the red battery switch to off and do I charge each battery seperately? Eventually, I would like to install an onboard charging system; any recommendations on where to find out about these? The old 10 hp honda OB that came with the boat apparently has an alternator but it is not wired to the boat. Is there enough current generated from an OB to charge the batteries? Thanks to all for helping me get going with the boat. Nick

Edited by - on

seastream
Navigator

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USA
242 Posts

Response Posted - 03/11/2005 : 20:33:49

Ngrinich: I would get rid of the auto 'starting' battery. If you want two batteries, replace it with another deep cycle battery. Depending on the age of your current deep cycle battery, you may want to replace it at the same time. Don't use an automobile battery charger...they don't 'trickle charge' deep cycle batteries properly. Position of the master battery switch shouldn't matter if things are wired properly...chargers are usually wired directly to the batteries. Your OB probably provides about 5 amps or so charging current...'is it enough' depends on both how much you draw the batteries down and how long you expect to run the motor daily. Since most of us are 'weekend warriors', to ensure a full charge, many run an appropriate dockside charger overnight. Some will leave it on all week.
Bob

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ngrinich
1st Mate

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28 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2005 : 02:53:29

Bob; Thanks for your help. I plan to find another deep cycle battery to match the one already on board. I've seen a number of 110 volt battery chargers in the WM catalog, but most are not UL approved for marine use. It sounds like that is not a big issue. I expect to find wiring instructions with the WM charger, but my old Honda B100 10 HP motor has no owners manual . The PO did give me a plug that fits the OB and goes into the apparent outlet for the alternator. Do I wire this directly to both batteries? It seems that if the alternator puts out 5 amps, overcharging will likely not be a problem. The PO never got around to doing much with the onboard electronics. I still need to add a VHF, dephth meter, compass, autohelm, etc.. Maybe I should get more batteries! Thanks, Nick

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2005 : 10:06:14

IMHO responses to NG's questions...

"Is this a problem or can I "get by" with this arrangement? " (2 different batteries)

What are your power demands? Unless you're cruising on multi-day trips, or have high power demands (running stereo, microwave, blender, autopilot, lights for hours, etc) IMHO they should be just fine... heck, one decent battery will do. Of course, the 'bristol' setup is to have matching battery types.

" Do I set the red battery switch to off and do I charge each battery seperately?"

With different battery types, that's probably what I'd do.

"Is it reasonable to use an auto type battery charger by plugging it into an outlet while connected to shore power?"

Lots of folks do just that... be sure to get a 'smart' charger, i.e. one that's self-regulating. Most of the newer units will have a switch that can be set to battery type... 'deep cycle or starting' (you charge deep cycle batteries at a lower rate). Getting a 'smart' charger reduces/eliminates chance of boilover and battery damage. (about $50)

I use a very compact 'permanently mounted' smart-charger designed for boats... (1.5 amps) that is available from Kragen, Auto-Zone etc for about $25. (by Shumlacher? sp) Had it for several years now, works fine to keep the batteries topped up for daysailing or weekending. Very compact, the mounting bracket fits it right in the compartment with the batteries. I routed the cord out of the way and plugged it into one of my shorepower outlets.

"Is there enough current generated from an OB to charge the batteries?"

IMHO... unless you're going to motor around for extended periods of time, the outboard is only useful for light 'topping off' of the batteries. Since my average outboard runtime is maybe 15 minutes per trip (in/out of the marina)... I haven't even bothered to hook up my alternator. The 'right' answer varies with how you use the boat.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/15/2005 : 10:40:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ClamBeach
 "Is there enough current generated from an OB to charge the batteries?"

IMHO... unless you're going to motor around for extended periods of time, the outboard is only useful for light 'topping off' of the batteries. Since my average outboard runtime is maybe 15 minutes per trip (in/out of the marina)... I haven't even bothered to hook up my alternator. The 'right' answer varies with how you use the boat.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I haven't yet hooked up my alternator (read-fixed PO's questionable wiring) for the same reason, I only run my outboard a few minutes per outing.

Edited by - on

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