Hey Folks,
We have made some improvements around electrical capacity LiFoPO4 house bank (T-class fuse, dc-dc converter etc) so now have a robust future proofed capacity for starter and house (still lead acid starter, separate side) along with about 300 watts of solar.
There are many 'circuit breaker' options at the distribution panel side now with very good DC rated breakers (solar panels industry are pushing this). I am going through the process of changing out my distribution panel / nav table setup so that I can have my raspberry pi5 screen showing relevant system information in addition to having DC and AC distribution abilities with circuit breakers instead of fuses. I have changed all of my instruments and radar to N2K system with the only original sensor being the airmar depth but is converted to NMEA2000. I am also putting some of the temps and other engine etc related info to be carried on the n2k bus. This changes what a nav table is and how that area is used. Yes, not historically accurate but hey, this is my floating lab for trying out 'stuff' - I do marine upgrades for electric vessels and shore charging as my normal 'day job'.
Anyone done / doing this type of upgrade to your Catalina (especially 30)? Any photos? Thoughts..
I'm an electrical engineer so not worried about conductor sizing requirements or trying to read spec sheets of circuit breakers, but more interested in what you thought was important to change/modify to our 'useful' nav table area built in 1983... I have some spare mahogany and teak, so will definitely incorporate that into the mix!
Thanks in advance!
James
Breezing
1983 Cat 30, M25 (rebuilt - when it dies, probably electric)
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
We have made some improvements around electrical capacity LiFoPO4 house bank (T-class fuse, dc-dc converter etc) so now have a robust future proofed capacity for starter and house (still lead acid starter, separate side) along with about 300 watts of solar.
There are many 'circuit breaker' options at the distribution panel side now with very good DC rated breakers (solar panels industry are pushing this). I am going through the process of changing out my distribution panel / nav table setup so that I can have my raspberry pi5 screen showing relevant system information in addition to having DC and AC distribution abilities with circuit breakers instead of fuses. I have changed all of my instruments and radar to N2K system with the only original sensor being the airmar depth but is converted to NMEA2000. I am also putting some of the temps and other engine etc related info to be carried on the n2k bus. This changes what a nav table is and how that area is used. Yes, not historically accurate but hey, this is my floating lab for trying out 'stuff' - I do marine upgrades for electric vessels and shore charging as my normal 'day job'.
Anyone done / doing this type of upgrade to your Catalina (especially 30)? Any photos? Thoughts..
I'm an electrical engineer so not worried about conductor sizing requirements or trying to read spec sheets of circuit breakers, but more interested in what you thought was important to change/modify to our 'useful' nav table area built in 1983... I have some spare mahogany and teak, so will definitely incorporate that into the mix!
Thanks in advance!
James
Breezing
1983 Cat 30, M25 (rebuilt - when it dies, probably electric)
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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