82' model Hunter.Bought used,need help on learning how to use power when sailing.No instructions came with boat, can someone tell me how to use d/c power when on water without draining batteries? Need basic info on how to use battery 1 and 2, charging tips, etc. thanks for the help!
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Marc Honey
DC on water.
One battery should be reserved as "starting" battery and the other as "house". Assuming you have a "1,2,all and off" switch, most people start engine on #1 or all, once engine is running, switch to #2 for "house" use. If #2 runs down, you still have #1 to start engine. You should be able to charge batteries through alternator while on the water. At your slip/dock you hopefully have shore power to which you can hook up a "smart charger" that will charge multiple banks of batteries, otherwise you'll need to invest in solar panels. I use a group27 dual-purpose "starting" battery and have 2 group27 deep-cycle batteries mounted in parallel for "house" use. All in all, you need to determine how many amp hours of reserve power you need while away from the dock and plan accordingly.
One battery should be reserved as "starting" battery and the other as "house". Assuming you have a "1,2,all and off" switch, most people start engine on #1 or all, once engine is running, switch to #2 for "house" use. If #2 runs down, you still have #1 to start engine. You should be able to charge batteries through alternator while on the water. At your slip/dock you hopefully have shore power to which you can hook up a "smart charger" that will charge multiple banks of batteries, otherwise you'll need to invest in solar panels. I use a group27 dual-purpose "starting" battery and have 2 group27 deep-cycle batteries mounted in parallel for "house" use. All in all, you need to determine how many amp hours of reserve power you need while away from the dock and plan accordingly.
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R.W.Landau
Never switch to off
Your 1,2,both ,and off switch. If you turn the switch to off while the engine is running, you will most likely cook your alternator. r.w.landau
Your 1,2,both ,and off switch. If you turn the switch to off while the engine is running, you will most likely cook your alternator. r.w.landau
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Claude L.-Auger
Switch it off when leaving the boat
at the dock for some time. That way, even if you left something on by mistake you won't return to a boat with dead bateries. Of course that's if you don't have a 12V fridge ! Make sure your bilge pump is direct wired so that it will activate even if switch is off.
at the dock for some time. That way, even if you left something on by mistake you won't return to a boat with dead bateries. Of course that's if you don't have a 12V fridge ! Make sure your bilge pump is direct wired so that it will activate even if switch is off.
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R.W.Landau
Claude
Scott may have an onboard charger that the switch needs to be left on at one, two, or both. Scott this you may have to ask the previous owner or get someone to look at your setup. Unfortunately, almost every electrical system, if it is not factory, is different. r.w.landau
Scott may have an onboard charger that the switch needs to be left on at one, two, or both. Scott this you may have to ask the previous owner or get someone to look at your setup. Unfortunately, almost every electrical system, if it is not factory, is different. r.w.landau
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Eric Lorgus
Need more info on batteries you now have
Scott, As mentioned by the others, there's a lot to consider in power management when you have more than one battery. In your case, do you know what kind of batteries you have? Are they cranking or deep cycle? West Marine catalog or Nigel Calder's "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" both give explanations on battery types, as well as electrolyte variations (flooded, gel, or AGM). My '87 H28.5 has one of each. When I'm sailing with the engine off, I turn my battery selector to #2, which on my boat, is the deep cycle battery. That prevents the starting/cranking battery from being discharged while under sail, ensuring that it's always ready to start the diesel. As for charging, do you have 110VAC powered battery charger? If you keep your boat in a slip with shore power, this is the best way to recharge your batteries. If you don't have one, do *NOT* buy an inexpensive automotive charger. You need a "smart", multi-stage charger to recharge your deep cycle battery(s) efficiently. Lots of threads about batteries and charging in the archives here. Good luck. Eric Lorgus s/v Explorer 87H285
Scott, As mentioned by the others, there's a lot to consider in power management when you have more than one battery. In your case, do you know what kind of batteries you have? Are they cranking or deep cycle? West Marine catalog or Nigel Calder's "Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" both give explanations on battery types, as well as electrolyte variations (flooded, gel, or AGM). My '87 H28.5 has one of each. When I'm sailing with the engine off, I turn my battery selector to #2, which on my boat, is the deep cycle battery. That prevents the starting/cranking battery from being discharged while under sail, ensuring that it's always ready to start the diesel. As for charging, do you have 110VAC powered battery charger? If you keep your boat in a slip with shore power, this is the best way to recharge your batteries. If you don't have one, do *NOT* buy an inexpensive automotive charger. You need a "smart", multi-stage charger to recharge your deep cycle battery(s) efficiently. Lots of threads about batteries and charging in the archives here. Good luck. Eric Lorgus s/v Explorer 87H285
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Claude L.-Auger
R.W. , you are right
but if that was the case, I would seriously consider re-wiring to avoid having a switch left in any open position when I am away from the boat.
but if that was the case, I would seriously consider re-wiring to avoid having a switch left in any open position when I am away from the boat.
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