I have 2 Group 24 batteries under the chart table in my 85 Catalina 30. I'd like to replace with 2 Group 27 to add capacity. Have others who have done this found that there is room for the Group 27's under the chart table without modifications? Thanks.
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Stu, I measured
Stu- I measured twice and didn't cut at all. The battery compartment for the Cat 30 1985 fits Group 24 perfectly but would need to have the fiberglass liner cut and altered to fit a Group 27 so I decided to keep the Group 24's which have been just fine for day-sailing and overnight cruising. So, now we have the answer next time someone asks.
Stu- I measured twice and didn't cut at all. The battery compartment for the Cat 30 1985 fits Group 24 perfectly but would need to have the fiberglass liner cut and altered to fit a Group 27 so I decided to keep the Group 24's which have been just fine for day-sailing and overnight cruising. So, now we have the answer next time someone asks.
I have Group 27s in a 30
I have had my Cat 30, 1984, for 15 years. I have used group 27s under the chart table without modification (replaced 24s). I also added group 27s under the quarterberth next to fuel tank, and in the starboard locker next to water heater. Had to make bases for the quarterberth and locker ones. Installed extra 1,2, both switch and can charge 1, 2, 3, or 4, or all or any combination. Has worked for 15 years here in Mexico. Batteries (from Costco) last about 5 years.
I have had my Cat 30, 1984, for 15 years. I have used group 27s under the chart table without modification (replaced 24s). I also added group 27s under the quarterberth next to fuel tank, and in the starboard locker next to water heater. Had to make bases for the quarterberth and locker ones. Installed extra 1,2, both switch and can charge 1, 2, 3, or 4, or all or any combination. Has worked for 15 years here in Mexico. Batteries (from Costco) last about 5 years.
Jack- 84 must be bigger
Jack- In my 85' Catalina 30 the molded in fiberglass battery tray under the chart table was too small for the 27's with the battereis in a fore-and-aft configuration. I'm surprised that they would fit in an 84' in the same tray- did you place them in a fore-and-aft or port-starboard position in the molded tray?
Jack- In my 85' Catalina 30 the molded in fiberglass battery tray under the chart table was too small for the 27's with the battereis in a fore-and-aft configuration. I'm surprised that they would fit in an 84' in the same tray- did you place them in a fore-and-aft or port-starboard position in the molded tray?
Battery position-Grp 27s
Dave, they are in a port/starboard position and fit tightly, but they fit. I did no mods to get them in. Cut a 1" board the base size of a grp 27 (or 2) and try them. I have about 3 inches separating the batteries (the gap running port/starboard) and they are tight against the fore/aft sides of the molded in case. They are Costco group 27 deep cycle marine type, but I think it is a standard size. These batteries have 115 Amp hours each, so it's a good upgrade.
Dave, they are in a port/starboard position and fit tightly, but they fit. I did no mods to get them in. Cut a 1" board the base size of a grp 27 (or 2) and try them. I have about 3 inches separating the batteries (the gap running port/starboard) and they are tight against the fore/aft sides of the molded in case. They are Costco group 27 deep cycle marine type, but I think it is a standard size. These batteries have 115 Amp hours each, so it's a good upgrade.
Thanks, Jack. One more question.
Jack- thanks for the aditional info, which will be useful to many of us Catalina 30 owners. Do you have both batteries in plastic battery boxes- if not, the fit is so tight I wonder if that's the difference that allowed you to fit them in without modifications. The extra batery power and amps is a nice safety factor. Hope all is well in La Paz.
Jack- thanks for the aditional info, which will be useful to many of us Catalina 30 owners. Do you have both batteries in plastic battery boxes- if not, the fit is so tight I wonder if that's the difference that allowed you to fit them in without modifications. The extra batery power and amps is a nice safety factor. Hope all is well in La Paz.
Grp 27s in Cat 30
Dave, The batteries are not in cases. They are simply dropped into the molded in well. side by side, arranged in the port/starboard axis. The wood shelf sits about 1 inch over the terminals. I keep my spares in plastic containers on that shelf, have a CD player in the compartment beneath the chart table. The batteries have remained clean over their 5 year life. I do spray them with silicone spray. Checking the water level is a pain, but I use a penlight and a mirror, a plastic mustard dispenser to replace distilled water as needed. Boat was damaged in La Paz in Hurricane Marty, came out of a pileup scratched, all stainless smashed, rubrail ruined. Got new stainless, etc. from Catalina, put in boatyard Monday for fiberglass work and painting of hull and deck (Imron). The boat amazed everybody with how it survived compared to others in the pileup. Take about 5 weeks, then a new boat! Good luck with the batteries.
Dave, The batteries are not in cases. They are simply dropped into the molded in well. side by side, arranged in the port/starboard axis. The wood shelf sits about 1 inch over the terminals. I keep my spares in plastic containers on that shelf, have a CD player in the compartment beneath the chart table. The batteries have remained clean over their 5 year life. I do spray them with silicone spray. Checking the water level is a pain, but I use a penlight and a mirror, a plastic mustard dispenser to replace distilled water as needed. Boat was damaged in La Paz in Hurricane Marty, came out of a pileup scratched, all stainless smashed, rubrail ruined. Got new stainless, etc. from Catalina, put in boatyard Monday for fiberglass work and painting of hull and deck (Imron). The boat amazed everybody with how it survived compared to others in the pileup. Take about 5 weeks, then a new boat! Good luck with the batteries.
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