Battery Changeout Questions

[truckman]

Hello, Board members! Anyone with a 310 change out their 2-4d's to 4- 6volt golf cart batteries. I was looking at the space and am not quite sure if they will fit. Height is big worry. I was hoping to add a starter/reserve battery in there as well. I could bust into the adjacent storage under the port settee as well to get more room. Just thought I would ask before I start down the path.

dave

 

[So Cal Gary]

Dave,
I did this project last year and they fit just fine (see photos) on a 2003 vintage. I used US2200XC batteries by U.S. Battery (see pdf). The difficult part was re-configuring the hold down system -- I re-used the original 2 x 4's but cut and notched them and used stainless bolts and tee-nuts for ease of removing. I also relocated the high-amp fuses onto a block up towards the top of the compartment. When situated as shown in the photos, you can access all caps to check water level and refill. I did not add a start battery but I think it (a group 24 or 27) could still fit inboard and forward in the compartment. Note, the cut out in the fiberglass compartment forward edge was there from the factory. It sure is much easier on the back to move these 6V batteries compared to the original 4d's. Hope this helps.
Gary

 

[Witzend]

Nice install!! Where did you get them and how much?

 

[So Cal Gary]

As I recall, they were approx $85.00/ea at the time--found them at a local battery shop--so I could simply go in and pick them up (and turn in the old for the core charge).
Gary

 

[Stu Jackson]

There's some good info and pictures here, but don't think they're any golf carts pictured.

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=104505

 

[truckman]

I love this board! Gary thanks for the great reply and extremely helpful pics. Did you happen to upgrade to a larger alternator as well? Nice work. And thanks again.

 

[rpwillia]

There was another discussion ...

about alternators in the Ask All Sailors forum. I recall Roger Long or MainSail started it off with an analysis of alternators and why it may not be the best upgrade (batteries can only accept so much current so fast).

 

[truckman]

About the alternator

about alternators in the Ask All Sailors forum. I recall Roger Long or MainSail started it off with an analysis of alternators and why it may not be the best upgrade (batteries can only accept so much current so fast).

I am wondering about that. I have a stock alternator and was not sure if I had to upgrade to a larger output alternator or not.

 

[paulj]

So Cal Gary

Top drawer installation.

When my existing 12 volt batteries die, I will probley replace with 6 volt eaiser to handle for old guys batteries.


paulj :troll:

 

[Stu Jackson]

I am wondering about that. I have a stock alternator and was not sure if I had to upgrade to a larger output alternator or not.

You don't "HAVE TO" upgrade the alternator, because the acceptance of the battery bank will limit the current that can go into them. In most cases the original internal regulator with the stock alternator will provide enough amperage to keep your house bank between the 50% and 85% SOC quite well, albeit somewhat longer than a newer higher output alternator would. Smaller alternator, less charging, longer charging time. If, however, you're a weekend warrior, it'll make little difference. In all cases, though, there is a steadily diminishing law of input power from an alternator alone on a house bank, which is why, unless you have alternate charging sources like solar or wind, you will need to plug into shorepower at least weekly to bring your house bank up to full. Written up in most reliable electrical source books, like Calder.