Charger as original equipment?

[Dan]

I just bought a 1990 28 and I can't seem to find a switch on the AC panel for a battery charger. Did this boat come from the factory with a separate battery charger or does it charge directly from the alternator? Has anyone added a charger, any suggestions? Love the boat, sails with great balance, tall rig and in super shape, can't wait until next season.

 

[Tom Speitel]

28' 1992 battery charger

My electrical panel does not have a separate battery charger switch. The charger itself has several settings (including off). It is found under and forward of the forward port seat in the cockpit.

 

[Dan]

Doesn't have one

I looked all over the boat including the sales literature and according to the list of standard equipment, a battery charger never came with the 1990 28. Hard to believe they would give you an A/C shore power cord with no way to charge the batteries! Installation looks like a real headache. Anybody ever done this?

 

[Michael]

Charger as Standard?

Dan;I don't believe that a 120V battery charger is standard equipment on any boat. Usually the dealer would install one if the buyer so specified, other wise it is up to the owner. I bought my C36 new in 1993, it did not have a battery charger (except for the alternator) installed. It did, however, have a circuit breaker on the AC panel. It really isn't that tough to install one.Mike

 

[Stanley J. Rogacevicz]

The Newer Ones Do

All the newer Catalinas come standard with a charger. I don't know when they started, but my 96 c28mkII #408 did and of course my 99 c320 did. Go to the Catalina web site and download any models manual and check it out. I set up one on a previous boat and as long as you follow the rules spelled out in a few elec books it's not that bad. It gets a little more complicated dealing with 2 batteries but if you have shore power go for it.Stan"Christy Leigh"c320 #656