I have a 1983 Catalina 30 which has 2 batteries inside the cabinet below the Navigation table. Last year I added refrigeration to my boat and had no problems with just 2 batteries. This year I am planning on adding Radar and am concerned that my batteries will now be overloaded. I am contemplating adding a 3rd battery to the boat to be able to handle the extra load. My 2 questions: 1) Has anyone added a third battery (or more) and if so, where did you put it and keep it from moving around? 2) What would be the best configuration? Do I keep the 2 old ones for house batteries and keep the 3rd for just starting the engine or is there a better solution? Thanks for your help!!
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
J
Jim
My solution
I changed my DC system around as follows... One battery under the nav station as a starter battery. 4 deep cycle 6volt batteries mounted around my fuel tank (under the aft berth) which serve as my house bank. They provide 255 amp hours before they're half-way discharged (from what I've read, you don't want to go past 50% discharge). My '87 Cat 30 has refrigeration installed, and a few weeks ago I spent Friday night through Sunday morning at anchor and I used a little over half of my available power. Granted, I wasn't on the boat during the day (parties on the beach), but you won't use much DC during the day anyway besides the 'fridge. I do NOT have a radar installed (yet) but I am more concerned about power at anchor....most of the time I'll have the radar on, I'd probably be motoring anyway. If you want pics or a schematic of my layout, let me know and I'll try and come up with one. Jim S/V Jimmy Dreams
I changed my DC system around as follows... One battery under the nav station as a starter battery. 4 deep cycle 6volt batteries mounted around my fuel tank (under the aft berth) which serve as my house bank. They provide 255 amp hours before they're half-way discharged (from what I've read, you don't want to go past 50% discharge). My '87 Cat 30 has refrigeration installed, and a few weeks ago I spent Friday night through Sunday morning at anchor and I used a little over half of my available power. Granted, I wasn't on the boat during the day (parties on the beach), but you won't use much DC during the day anyway besides the 'fridge. I do NOT have a radar installed (yet) but I am more concerned about power at anchor....most of the time I'll have the radar on, I'd probably be motoring anyway. If you want pics or a schematic of my layout, let me know and I'll try and come up with one. Jim S/V Jimmy Dreams
J
Jack Swords
Added batteries this way
We have a '83 Cat 30. We have 2 group 27 batteries under the Nav station. I added 2 more with one in the port locker and another under the quarterberth next to the fuel tank. Both have glassed in bases and are in battery cases. I added another 1,2,all switch in front of the fuel tank (actually to the starboard a bit in front of the new battery). With the Grp 27s I have a total of 440 AH with prudently 50% available. I can connect one, two, three, or all 4 batteries in parallel in any configuration. I can charge them individually or together (depending on the charge needed). Batteries need to be the same and the same age and I monitor the voltage of each by switching them in the circuit one by one. I have refrigeration, radar, and use ham radio for e-mail (heavy amps!). Remember, a well insulated refrig should only cycle on less than 50% of the time. We use 75 watt solar panels to recharge (lots of sun here) on the hook (also directed to selected battery). This system has worked for 6 years with the same batteries.
We have a '83 Cat 30. We have 2 group 27 batteries under the Nav station. I added 2 more with one in the port locker and another under the quarterberth next to the fuel tank. Both have glassed in bases and are in battery cases. I added another 1,2,all switch in front of the fuel tank (actually to the starboard a bit in front of the new battery). With the Grp 27s I have a total of 440 AH with prudently 50% available. I can connect one, two, three, or all 4 batteries in parallel in any configuration. I can charge them individually or together (depending on the charge needed). Batteries need to be the same and the same age and I monitor the voltage of each by switching them in the circuit one by one. I have refrigeration, radar, and use ham radio for e-mail (heavy amps!). Remember, a well insulated refrig should only cycle on less than 50% of the time. We use 75 watt solar panels to recharge (lots of sun here) on the hook (also directed to selected battery). This system has worked for 6 years with the same batteries.
J
Jack Bollinger
The additional batteries
Jack and Jim, Hello Jack and Jim, Whose batteries are you using? Any chance that you guys could post or send me a digital picture of your battery installation? I have a 1983 C30 and I can't find enough space under the under the aft berth that the batteries look like they would fit, as far as height goes,(Trojan T-105's). Jim, I am not sure where you keep your boat here in San Diego, but I would sure like to drive over some time and see the installation if you wouldn't mind. This sure would make my life easier? Thanks for any possible help, Jack Bollinger S/V Hey Jude Jbolling@san.rr.com
Jack and Jim, Hello Jack and Jim, Whose batteries are you using? Any chance that you guys could post or send me a digital picture of your battery installation? I have a 1983 C30 and I can't find enough space under the under the aft berth that the batteries look like they would fit, as far as height goes,(Trojan T-105's). Jim, I am not sure where you keep your boat here in San Diego, but I would sure like to drive over some time and see the installation if you wouldn't mind. This sure would make my life easier? Thanks for any possible help, Jack Bollinger S/V Hey Jude Jbolling@san.rr.com
J
Jack Swords
Jack
Jack, I am in Nipomo, CA at our home, live on the boat in La Paz 6 months in the winter...so no photo. I used 4 Costco group 27 batteries in our Cat 30 ( batteries made by Johnson Controls:same as Sears Diehard). The one under the aft berth lies aligned starboard/port direction next to the fuel tank (starboard side) and about 2 inches from the bulkhead on the front of the berth. In that 2 inches is where I mounted the 1,2,both switch. The other battery in the cockpit locker lies next to the hot water heater. Those under the nav station fit without battery boxes aligned port/starboard with out modification. All fit without changing anything on the boat (except cutting hole for 1,2, both switch). If the boat wasn't 1000 miles away I'd be happy to send a photo.
Jack, I am in Nipomo, CA at our home, live on the boat in La Paz 6 months in the winter...so no photo. I used 4 Costco group 27 batteries in our Cat 30 ( batteries made by Johnson Controls:same as Sears Diehard). The one under the aft berth lies aligned starboard/port direction next to the fuel tank (starboard side) and about 2 inches from the bulkhead on the front of the berth. In that 2 inches is where I mounted the 1,2,both switch. The other battery in the cockpit locker lies next to the hot water heater. Those under the nav station fit without battery boxes aligned port/starboard with out modification. All fit without changing anything on the boat (except cutting hole for 1,2, both switch). If the boat wasn't 1000 miles away I'd be happy to send a photo.
J
Jim
no problem
Jack... I used Trojan T-105's and they JUST barely fit under the aft berth cover. I made some battery boxes and they're also strapped in. My boat is on Harbor Island, and any time you want to come over to check it out, just let me know. I work wierd hours, so let me know. You can email me at jh-socal@pacbell.net if you want. Jim S/V Jimmy Dreams
Jack... I used Trojan T-105's and they JUST barely fit under the aft berth cover. I made some battery boxes and they're also strapped in. My boat is on Harbor Island, and any time you want to come over to check it out, just let me know. I work wierd hours, so let me know. You can email me at jh-socal@pacbell.net if you want. Jim S/V Jimmy Dreams
C
C Robb Worthington
added two golf cart batteries
I added 2 6 volt golf cart batteries in the under seat storage just aft of the compression post (you may not have one of these). I liveaboard full time, no radar but loads of other uses, and charge with a wind generator and 150 watts of solar. In the winter I top up with a Honda generator. I utilize a battery combiner at all times except when using the Honda which powers a dedicated multibank AC 3 stage charger. I highly recommend you look at Calders recommendation for a battery box. I followed it to the letter and am glad I did. The boat bounced around a lot on her mooring during Hurricane Fabian and my batteries didn't budge.
I added 2 6 volt golf cart batteries in the under seat storage just aft of the compression post (you may not have one of these). I liveaboard full time, no radar but loads of other uses, and charge with a wind generator and 150 watts of solar. In the winter I top up with a Honda generator. I utilize a battery combiner at all times except when using the Honda which powers a dedicated multibank AC 3 stage charger. I highly recommend you look at Calders recommendation for a battery box. I followed it to the letter and am glad I did. The boat bounced around a lot on her mooring during Hurricane Fabian and my batteries didn't budge.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.