Location of battery charger?

[Stephen K.]

...as an update, I closed on my new to me 1992 C-30 std rig about 3 weeks ago. After transport and yard work (bring on another thousand...and another...), we are finally in the water and just had a GREAT 1st weekend!The PO was using a 120 volt automotive battery charger that he just plugged in on shore power...this is sure to "cook" the less than 1 year old wet cell batteries. I am going to replace with a Xantrex 10 amp this week. Problem is, I can't figure out where the original battery charger was located and how it was wired. Is it possible did not come with one?The two group 27 batteries are in the stbd. salon compartment just in front of nav station. The nearest location possible for the charger would be preferable. Thanks for your responses.

 

[Rob S.]

Under the Nav desk

I have an '87 Cat 30, and my charger is mounted under the nav desk on the outside wall of the chart tube holder. This is pretty close to the batteries and the panel. This was done by a prior owner so I don't have a feel for how difficult the wiring job was.

 

[Bob]

Congrads!

Congrads on the 30! You would'nt happen to be on "J" dock at Sunrise? We saw a newer 30 their this past weekend. As for the charger, we have the same issues on mounting. I bought a 10 amp (dual bank) unit at West Marine that plugs in and comes with all the wiring for two batteries. The ten amp per battery unit has been perfect for our needs. Simple enough, but its only temporarily set up for now. I have it plugged into the AC receptacle at the bureau area and sitting or nested on the shelf over the starboard settee. The wires run down behind the rear cushion and I cut a small piece of wood out at the corner of the board covering the batteries to allow the wires to come through to attach to the batteries without chaffing. My intent is to connect the AC portion to the bus pole back behind the panel and mount the unit under the navigation station on the teak bulkhead. Should touch the knees sitting down. This way its out of the way, but we can still see the "red charging light" or "green charged light" without breaking our necks!! The wires can be fed easily into the battery area. The only other option depending on big your unit is, is on the upper part of the teak bulkhead above and left of the panel facing the shelf over the settee. Which ever way you choose, it pays to go to you local hardware to pick up a piece of installation to place behind the unit to minimize heat. These units can give off heat and well ventilated areas for installation are recommended. Good luck.BobLake Lanier"Breezin II" 30 Catalina

 

[Stephen K]

Yep

Hi Bob, yes thats me over on J dock...I looked over to I dock and saw your Pacific Blue covers on, so I thought your weren't there. I'll be out this weekend and will make a point to come over to your dock.Thanks to both of you for the responses. I agree that under the nav table along the "chart" side wall makes the most sense for all the reasons mentioned.

 

[Bob]

I'll be there.......

S...Your 30 is beautiful! That split transom has to be a delight as well as the stern pulpit seats. We plan on spending saturday night on board and sailing sunday so do not be shy about stopping by or we will do the same. Should be a beautiful weekend. When we are aboard at dock we often keep the big deck sunbrella cover on as its a major hassel to remove. The previous owner went a bit overboard on the sunbrella as every piece of exposed teak has its own cover! Needless to say keeping it all clean and waterproofed is an effort, but it keeps the varnish fresh looking.LaterBob and MerylBreezin II