DC Upgrade

[Jim]

I have been looking for the best place to put the third (starting) battery. Where has everyone been putting it? The two house batteries are located in the compartment below the chart/Nav station.

 

[Hayden Watson]

Quarter berth

Mine fits under the Quarter berth. you need to glass in a small leveling block if you use a wet cell battery. Mine are gell, so all I needed to do was secure the tie down strap.Hayden WatsonS/V Papillon1988 C30 tr/bsSpokane, WA

 

[C Robb Worthington]

Over the keel

I put in two 6V batteries in the little storage compartment just aft of the compression post. I have an 88 with the post mount table and full u-shaped seating. This compartment is under the seat. This has the advantage of keeping the weight low, very near center line, and out of the ends of the boat. Be careful to secure any battery against possible capsize. I built a glassed plywood box and bolted it into the compartment.

 

[Larry Mugford]

fuel tank

Mine was installed in a plastic battery box beside the fue tank. Works great

 

[Jim Latoz]

How about with the other batteries?

On our '85 Catalina 30, we installed a third battery on the shelf above the other two. The shelf was modified to allow access below and it was also secured better. The third battery's box is also well secured.

 

[Ron Chandler]

Try a House Bank above the Keel

I originally installed 4 T-105's above the existing batteries. It was easy to do and the wiring was a snap. The only problem is Catalina did not plan on all the extra ballast on that side. (4 T-105 @ 70 lbs. each) Our Cat 30 developed a list to starboard. Solution: Make a U-Shaped settee and install them above the keel.MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ADEQUATE SIZED CABLE FOR POWER TO THE ELECTRICAL CURCUITS.

 

[Ron]

3rd battery

I put my under the 1/4 berth also, near the fuel tank. I glassed in a levelling block, put a plywood pad down and bolted a plastic battery box to it. I used the tie down straps supplied to hold the battery in place. Works great.Ron T.S/V Seascape

 

[Paul]

Next to engine, in front of muffler...

Just build a hold pad to secure the battery...plus short runs to the starter.