Dear Friends, I have a catalina 22 on a mooring ball and am currently using a small solar panel to keep my battery charged. I went to the boat yesterday and found my battery dead. the only thing i am running on the boat is a small gps system and a am/fm cd player. I haven't sailed at night so don't use the running lights too much. Is there anyone with any suggestions on how to keep the battery charged better and also what would be the best battery to buy if I was to buy a new battery? thanks, Bernie
battery question
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Batteries
Hi Bernie - I don't know what type of battery (or how old) your current system uses, but you should get a deep cycle battery if it's not already. Also, depending on the size of the solar panel, you may need a larger one (make sure it's regulated), or another charging source. Does your outboard motor have an alternator to bring the battery up faster? It also might not be a bad idea to run two separate batteries (1 start and 1 house). I would think that since your electrical requirements are relatively small, you might go with one or more Group 27 batteries. Just some thoughts, Trevor
Hi Bernie - I don't know what type of battery (or how old) your current system uses, but you should get a deep cycle battery if it's not already. Also, depending on the size of the solar panel, you may need a larger one (make sure it's regulated), or another charging source. Does your outboard motor have an alternator to bring the battery up faster? It also might not be a bad idea to run two separate batteries (1 start and 1 house). I would think that since your electrical requirements are relatively small, you might go with one or more Group 27 batteries. Just some thoughts, Trevor
Diode in?
I would assume that even a small solar panel would keep the battery charged. Is the panel a recent addition? Did you install the diode to prevent drain at night? L
I would assume that even a small solar panel would keep the battery charged. Is the panel a recent addition? Did you install the diode to prevent drain at night? L
hi there, i had the marina install the panel two summers ago and i don't know if it has a diode, but i will ask them on wednesday. thanks
dead battery
hi there, i don't have an electric start on the motor so, would it still be a good idea to carry two batteries? i found out after i posted the message that the running lights were left on and that must have killed the battery. i still think the solar panel may be too small so I may need to upgrade. the solar panel will never get the battery charged up again, I will be pulling it out and getting it charged asap. all the best,
hi there, i don't have an electric start on the motor so, would it still be a good idea to carry two batteries? i found out after i posted the message that the running lights were left on and that must have killed the battery. i still think the solar panel may be too small so I may need to upgrade. the solar panel will never get the battery charged up again, I will be pulling it out and getting it charged asap. all the best,
re-charge
Hello Bernie, If you use the boat for a few hours on the weekend, and let the solar charger work all week it should be more than sufficient. The solar charger will NOT be enough to recharge a dead battery. So you will have to bring the battery home and put it on a regular charger. Once it is it topped up (and hold a charge) the solar panel will keep it fully charged. I had the same problem on my C22 - it's easy to accidently turn on a switch. I got in the habit of checking the panel right before I closed the main hatch. Good luck, Barry
Hello Bernie, If you use the boat for a few hours on the weekend, and let the solar charger work all week it should be more than sufficient. The solar charger will NOT be enough to recharge a dead battery. So you will have to bring the battery home and put it on a regular charger. Once it is it topped up (and hold a charge) the solar panel will keep it fully charged. I had the same problem on my C22 - it's easy to accidently turn on a switch. I got in the habit of checking the panel right before I closed the main hatch. Good luck, Barry
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