Joe's Reply
Still learning here and thanks for explaining "in series" and "paralell". Yes, I have four six volt golf cart batteries that each have 220 AH for a total of 440AH at 12 volts. While Im away and the boat is in the slip the only DC requirements that I can think of is the main bilge pump which I wired directly to the batteries. All other power while I'm away is coming from the AC side. I leave a fan running and my Norcold refrigerator is powered by the AC while in the slip. My engine is a Yanmar 3GMF with the standard 35 amp altenator. That will likely be the next area I look to upgrade (suggestions?).
I read the advise about the 10% rule espoused by the likes of West Marine but I didn't think it was necessary for the way I mostly use my boat which is usually once a week day sails with a monthly over nighter (1-2 nights), and two longer trips, one in the spring and one in the fall (5-6 nights). I do have hopes of some longer trips of up to 2-3 weeks but in the forseeable future don't see anything longer than that.
Thanks for the responses. I think I have a pretty good handle on what the different considerations are and will make up my mind in the next day or so. Any other input is welcomed.
Joe Mullee
s/v TaknMyTime
1983 Hunter 34
Shady Side, MD
Still learning here and thanks for explaining "in series" and "paralell". Yes, I have four six volt golf cart batteries that each have 220 AH for a total of 440AH at 12 volts. While Im away and the boat is in the slip the only DC requirements that I can think of is the main bilge pump which I wired directly to the batteries. All other power while I'm away is coming from the AC side. I leave a fan running and my Norcold refrigerator is powered by the AC while in the slip. My engine is a Yanmar 3GMF with the standard 35 amp altenator. That will likely be the next area I look to upgrade (suggestions?).
I read the advise about the 10% rule espoused by the likes of West Marine but I didn't think it was necessary for the way I mostly use my boat which is usually once a week day sails with a monthly over nighter (1-2 nights), and two longer trips, one in the spring and one in the fall (5-6 nights). I do have hopes of some longer trips of up to 2-3 weeks but in the forseeable future don't see anything longer than that.
Thanks for the responses. I think I have a pretty good handle on what the different considerations are and will make up my mind in the next day or so. Any other input is welcomed.
Joe Mullee
s/v TaknMyTime
1983 Hunter 34
Shady Side, MD
