I am in the middle of a large battery and charging system convertion on my 2001 380. I am adding a Balmar Digital Duo Charge combiner, a Balmar Max Charge MC-612 regulator and a (soon to be sourced) inverter of some-sort. Question is: I would like to add to my existing pair of 6 volt house batteries (GC-2 225AH). I only have space for another 12v. Does it have to be the same type as the 6v, i.e. flooded deep cycle, or can I go to dry cell etc. Thanks for the help - here's to microwaved popcorn while cruising! Scott Broad 3 Short Toronto
- Status
Same type
if you have one charger for all the batteries. Each type of batteries have a different charging voltage. This is why you can't mix types of batteries.
if you have one charger for all the batteries. Each type of batteries have a different charging voltage. This is why you can't mix types of batteries.
Have done this already
Hi, Scott. I've done the same thing that you are doing on my 1999 Hunter 380 already and have enjoyed a number of seasons with the up grade. I put four 6 volt batteries under the seat directly in front of the galley sink. This centers your weight. I kept the start up battery where it was but replaced it with a Deep discharge Group 27 because of the solar panel which works only with it. I kept the original alternator but added a smart regulator in the engine room. I added a combiner in the starting battery compartment and an Xentrex Statpower 20+ under the navigation locker. If you're going to use a large inverter, go with the Statpower 40+ which can handle that sort of stuff. I also added a Link 2000 Battery monitor. That was the frosting on the cake. I run my freezer/refrig all year long off the batteries, but use shore power when at the dock. I can go about three days without starting my engine when cruising. I didn't go with a bigger alternator because of the possible added strain on the engine. I also wanted some data as to how well the original alternator did in charging with the smart regulator before I would change to a larger one. Decided I didn't need it. Hope this helps. Les
Hi, Scott. I've done the same thing that you are doing on my 1999 Hunter 380 already and have enjoyed a number of seasons with the up grade. I put four 6 volt batteries under the seat directly in front of the galley sink. This centers your weight. I kept the start up battery where it was but replaced it with a Deep discharge Group 27 because of the solar panel which works only with it. I kept the original alternator but added a smart regulator in the engine room. I added a combiner in the starting battery compartment and an Xentrex Statpower 20+ under the navigation locker. If you're going to use a large inverter, go with the Statpower 40+ which can handle that sort of stuff. I also added a Link 2000 Battery monitor. That was the frosting on the cake. I run my freezer/refrig all year long off the batteries, but use shore power when at the dock. I can go about three days without starting my engine when cruising. I didn't go with a bigger alternator because of the possible added strain on the engine. I also wanted some data as to how well the original alternator did in charging with the smart regulator before I would change to a larger one. Decided I didn't need it. Hope this helps. Les
Scott, I Kept Original Alternator
Hi Scott, Sorry to take so long in responding. We kept the original 55 amp Hitachi alternator on the engine with the philosophy that if there were charging problems, I still had the option of going with a bigger alternator. I wanted to see first what this alternator would do and not add any strain on the engine. It seems to be doing a good job of charging under power so far. At the moment I don't think I'll make any changes. My best to you. Write me direct if you have other questions about your 380. leslieblackwell@comcast.net. Les
Hi Scott, Sorry to take so long in responding. We kept the original 55 amp Hitachi alternator on the engine with the philosophy that if there were charging problems, I still had the option of going with a bigger alternator. I wanted to see first what this alternator would do and not add any strain on the engine. It seems to be doing a good job of charging under power so far. At the moment I don't think I'll make any changes. My best to you. Write me direct if you have other questions about your 380. leslieblackwell@comcast.net. Les
- Status