Oceanis thruster battery charging

[Davidasailor26]

We've recently taken delivery of a new Oceanis 37, and we're just starting to make it our own and understand all of the systems. In the process of looking things over, we noticed that the battery for the bow thruster, in the front cabin, does not charge off the battery charger. It does charge off the alternator. When we look at the electrical diagram in the manual it looks like there should be leads from the charger to each of the batteries:



In the manual for the charger (Xantrex TrueCharge 2), it looks like there should be the capability for three battery outputs. When I traced out the existing connections, it looks like there are only two leads from the charger to the house and engine banks, but none for the thruster. Here's a rudimentary sketch of the connections I could trace. The green line is what I think is missing.



We asked the dealer, and their explanation was that there was no wiring to support a charger connection to the thruster battery. They also stated that a more recent 37 they got in is wired the same as ours. They did say they put a call in to Beneteau to find out what the correct layout is, but they haven't heard back yet.

Anyone else with a 34 or 37 know if their charger is connected to the front battery, or any reason the green line I show shouldn't be added?

 

[Ron20324]

I'll take a guess the thruster was, if not a dealer-instsalled option, it was an option, and thus not prewired at the factory. Maybe you only saw two wires off the charger, but there is most likely a third output. How many amps is the charger rated for? Looking at your diagram, I think you'll get suggestions on how to rewire the system for better performance. Looks like a mess to me.

 

[Captn TJ]

I'll take a guess the thruster was, if not a dealer-instsalled option, it was an option, and thus not prewired at the factory. Maybe you only saw two wires off the charger, but there is most likely a third output. How many amps is the charger rated for? Looking at your diagram, I think you'll get suggestions on how to rewire the system for better performance. Looks like a mess to me.

In the past Beneteau wired the thrusters so they can only operate when the engine is running. Not sure if that mitigates the issue for you since that battery should be charged when the engine is running.

 

[CCHer]

David, my 37 was delivered in fall of 2012 with the thruster wired the same way. A few months later the dealer (AYS-Deltaville) called to say he was coming over to wire the thruster battery to the charger. He had a technical sheet form Beneteau describing how to do it so I presumed it was a factory update. He had sold two other boats that fall with thrusters that needed the fix. I am surprised the factory let yours out without it. I think your sketch is precisely what he did but I advise getting the tech sheet if you want to DIY or ask your dealer about it. The thruster will not operate unless the engine is running-same as the windlass.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Thanks to everyone for the advice.

Ron - The thruster was a factory installed option. I believe it's a 20A charger and I agree the wiring seems to be a little convoluted, but it is functional (this issue not-withstanding) so we'll see how things hold up, especially over the years as the batteries age.

Captn TJ - The thruster is still wired to only operate with the engine, so it should never take a big hit. The only reason I'm concerned is the possibility for the battery to self discharge if not connected to the same charger that keeps the other batteries topped off if the boat is not used for a while. We do have AGM batteries to mitigate the self discharge.

CCHer - Good info! Hopefully our dealer can turn up that same technical sheet and implement it.

 

[rclarke246]

The thruster will not operate unless the engine is running-same as the windlass.

Granted, I'm new, but doesn't it seem crazy to only be able to use the windlass if the engine is running? What if you're dead in the water and would (naturally) like to drop the hook?

 

[Ron20324]

A: I don't believe the engine HAS to be running- as in a breakdown- only that the key has to be on to operate a relay. B: Purpose of the engine running is to lessen the draw on the batteries.

 

[Davidasailor26]

A: I don't believe the engine HAS to be running- as in a breakdown- only that the key has to be on to operate a relay. B: Purpose of the engine running is to lessen the draw on the batteries.

Ron has it right. The windlass should operate as long as the engine is in the run position, not necessarily running. Also in case of emergency the windlass clutch can be loosened to let it freewheel.

 

[Captpete12]

Thruster battery charge

I had to wire my charger to the thruster battery - it was not done by Beneteau.

 

[CCHer]

I had to wire my charger to the thruster battery - it was not done by Beneteau.

I don't think Beneteau ships their boats from Marion with batteries. My batteries where supplied by the dealer at commissioning and he did all the hookups.