Wanting to get through to winter when I plan to do complete electrical refit.
Here is my present situation. I went sailing last weekend and batteries died after radio use and powering my laptop (Laptop DC charger states up to 10amp charger - perhaps this was the issue). Batteries are "Econo Start" batteries (no idea of manufacturer) dated 2011 so not surprised that they are not able to hold much charge and supply 5 to 6 hours of power.At end of sail could not start engine.
Looking for clarification on what Previous Owner did with the wiring, am I reading this electrical layout correctly.
Looks to me that the batteries are hooked up parallel. Two positive leads are attached going to what appears is an echo device (no product name but has has the 2 Positive DC leads attached, one lead then going to the engine starter and a lead coming off the alternator).
One negative battery lead is attached to the transmission/engine block.
There is a jumper lead going between the two negative terminals of the batteries.
There is a grey wire with Red and Black 12AWG leads that go to a DC power block with the VHF radio, Depth Sounder, and Radar attached. These Equipment Units are fused at this block.
Concern is that there should be a fuse at the battery side of this grey lead, not sure at what amp level. Length of run to block is 8 feet.
I want to attach a DC lead to power my Wallas Furnace 40DT. It sits 16 feet from the battery. Thought is I should attache to battery and not the DC block. The heater is using 12 AWG black and red leads with ring connectors. Which battery terminals would be best to use?
Currently we use Marina's at night where I can attach the boats battery charger (it is an auto battery charger) to recharge for next day's sail.
Future plan is to install Sterling 40 AMP Pro Charger (from Compass Marine - just received - thanks) and an ARC unit using a couple of Golf Cart 6 Volt batteries in series. This is the winter project I identified. Need to get to that time and not burn up boat electrical system.
Your help is most appreciated.
John
Here is my present situation. I went sailing last weekend and batteries died after radio use and powering my laptop (Laptop DC charger states up to 10amp charger - perhaps this was the issue). Batteries are "Econo Start" batteries (no idea of manufacturer) dated 2011 so not surprised that they are not able to hold much charge and supply 5 to 6 hours of power.At end of sail could not start engine.
Looking for clarification on what Previous Owner did with the wiring, am I reading this electrical layout correctly.
Looks to me that the batteries are hooked up parallel. Two positive leads are attached going to what appears is an echo device (no product name but has has the 2 Positive DC leads attached, one lead then going to the engine starter and a lead coming off the alternator).
One negative battery lead is attached to the transmission/engine block.
There is a jumper lead going between the two negative terminals of the batteries.
There is a grey wire with Red and Black 12AWG leads that go to a DC power block with the VHF radio, Depth Sounder, and Radar attached. These Equipment Units are fused at this block.
Concern is that there should be a fuse at the battery side of this grey lead, not sure at what amp level. Length of run to block is 8 feet.
I want to attach a DC lead to power my Wallas Furnace 40DT. It sits 16 feet from the battery. Thought is I should attache to battery and not the DC block. The heater is using 12 AWG black and red leads with ring connectors. Which battery terminals would be best to use?
Currently we use Marina's at night where I can attach the boats battery charger (it is an auto battery charger) to recharge for next day's sail.
Future plan is to install Sterling 40 AMP Pro Charger (from Compass Marine - just received - thanks) and an ARC unit using a couple of Golf Cart 6 Volt batteries in series. This is the winter project I identified. Need to get to that time and not burn up boat electrical system.
Your help is most appreciated.
John