Does anyone have a schematic of how the alternator, batteries, on/off switch are wired on a 1985 Catalina 30'
12 volt schematic
- Thread starter jaydog5000
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Be careful
Given the age of your boat, the POs may well have modified it. If you're looking for a basic wiring diagram, try any of the Associations, most have the Catalina manual which came with the boats. C30, C34, C36 Assoc websites. I would strongly urge you to trace the wires yourself, not only cause it's good wholesome family fun, but you'll learn a lot and it's safer not to assume anything with these systems. Given that, the alternator is wired to thE C post of the 1-2-B switch and the positives of the batteries go to 1 & 2. The negative of the batteries goes to the engine for ground. Rather simple and basic, with much room for improvement.
Given the age of your boat, the POs may well have modified it. If you're looking for a basic wiring diagram, try any of the Associations, most have the Catalina manual which came with the boats. C30, C34, C36 Assoc websites. I would strongly urge you to trace the wires yourself, not only cause it's good wholesome family fun, but you'll learn a lot and it's safer not to assume anything with these systems. Given that, the alternator is wired to thE C post of the 1-2-B switch and the positives of the batteries go to 1 & 2. The negative of the batteries goes to the engine for ground. Rather simple and basic, with much room for improvement.
Agree with Stu
Modifications may have been done so trace the wires yourself. My Catalina 30 had 2 battery banks with auto batteries. (no start/house distinction) The wiring went as follows: Alternator + to C term of 3-way switch alternator - was body ground to engine mount battery 1 + to #1 term of 3=way switch battery 1 - to battery 2 - battery 2 + to #2 term of 3-way switch battery 2 - to engine ground 3-way term C to main panel We had no charger but it would be hooked to the engine ground and 3-way C term. We left the 3-way on both except for when sailing or at anchor. We used one or the other battery in those cases and kept the other for starting the engine.
Modifications may have been done so trace the wires yourself. My Catalina 30 had 2 battery banks with auto batteries. (no start/house distinction) The wiring went as follows: Alternator + to C term of 3-way switch alternator - was body ground to engine mount battery 1 + to #1 term of 3=way switch battery 1 - to battery 2 - battery 2 + to #2 term of 3-way switch battery 2 - to engine ground 3-way term C to main panel We had no charger but it would be hooked to the engine ground and 3-way C term. We left the 3-way on both except for when sailing or at anchor. We used one or the other battery in those cases and kept the other for starting the engine.
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