I purchased a 1979 22ft Cat 2 years ago from a local marina and I have really enjoyed learning to sail her through out the Tampa Bay waters. I have really enjoyed reading the forum archives for ideas about my 22. Thanks to your advice I installed a single line reef system. Now, I need to update/improve my battery system. I use the battery to run my lights and depth gauge/compass. I also have an outlet for the Autohelm, but no autopilot yet. I have two batteries on the boat. One is hooked up and the other is a spare. When the batttery gets low, I change it out and take it home and charge it on a battery charger. There has got to be a better way to do this. I'm looking for some advice. I'm thinking of 3 options: 1. The battery is rigged to charge from the engine.(2003 Nissan 8 hp 2 stroke)The engine I have does not have the alternator on it. I can have the alternator/charge kit installed and hooked up for about $250.00. 2. My rigger told me he can install the 2nd battery and put a battery charger on the boat for about $250.00. (just a charger, no on shore power) 3. I have been looking at a solar charger, but I am not sure what size charger I would need and if I would need a charge controller in order to regulate the voltage. I'm not even sure of the cost. Can anyone help me? I'm looking for Pros and Cons of any otpion. Your advice is greatly appreciated.Thanks!
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Glad to hear you are enjoying you Catalina 22. I've had mine for 10 years now and also really enjoy it. Not sure if you are aware of Chip Ford's website. Chip has taken an early model C22 and has done numerous upkeep and upgrade projects. Link provided below. Chip also maintains a C22 owners list which I have found to be packed with all kind of discussion issues regarding the C22. Recommend you join the discussion group if you haven't already. You'll get all kinds of responses, pros and cons, to the 3 options you outline regarding battery maintenance. Personally, I use a solar charger to maintain mine. Cheers, Pete
Glad to hear you are enjoying you Catalina 22. I've had mine for 10 years now and also really enjoy it. Not sure if you are aware of Chip Ford's website. Chip has taken an early model C22 and has done numerous upkeep and upgrade projects. Link provided below. Chip also maintains a C22 owners list which I have found to be packed with all kind of discussion issues regarding the C22. Recommend you join the discussion group if you haven't already. You'll get all kinds of responses, pros and cons, to the 3 options you outline regarding battery maintenance. Personally, I use a solar charger to maintain mine. Cheers, Pete
Motor
I have an older Yamaha outboard that does a fine job of charging the battery. I would put a solar charger on it but I'm sort of afraid of having it walk away if I'm not always watching it. Although we rarely go out at night, I enjoy it so to save on battery usage I have also converted many of the nav lights to LEDs since they use a fraction of the power that the incandescents use. The main battery draw is the fish finder on my 22.
I have an older Yamaha outboard that does a fine job of charging the battery. I would put a solar charger on it but I'm sort of afraid of having it walk away if I'm not always watching it. Although we rarely go out at night, I enjoy it so to save on battery usage I have also converted many of the nav lights to LEDs since they use a fraction of the power that the incandescents use. The main battery draw is the fish finder on my 22.
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