Just bought this boat and its the first sailboat I've owned. In regard to charging batteries while plugged into shore power does the system automatically recharge the batteries on the Mark I (1980) or does the main AC switch and master switch need to be on? Also, does the guest switch need to be on "Both" or turned off to recharge? I've read that in some cases you can cook the batteries if the process is not done correctly?
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You may need to check????
The way it was from the factory is probably not how it is wired today so it depends on who wired it. When I bought my 1980 C-30 it had a heart freedom inverter so the shore power went from the inlet to the inverter charger then to the main switch. If your C-30 has two battery banks (just because it says 1, 2, and both does not mean that it is connected. You need to check the back of the switch and the connections) it should have a two bank automatic charger probably aftermarket installed. If the battery charger is connected before the main with its own circuit breaker then the main does not have to be on. If connected after well then it would have to be on. My boat was upgraded with two golf cart batteries as one bank and was connected to the No. 1 position. Remember that somebody might have been playing with the electical and if you do not understand the system ask the person that you bought it from , a surveyor , marine electrician or just follow the wires. The wires will run from the inlet behind the two drawers next to the icebox up to the electrical panel to the main. Just remove the drawers and four outer cabinet screws and stick your head in and check. Of course when doing these things always unplug the inlet and inverters etc. and turn off the main switch. The other thing to remember is to never turn off the batery switch with the engine running this will harm your alternator. If your boat is wired factory you can check the catalina owners association web site and they have the links to the original electrical diagrams or you can call or email catalina yachts and they will be happy to help you. Hope this helps. I love my 1980 and I wish you lots of happiness. Happy sailing, John
The way it was from the factory is probably not how it is wired today so it depends on who wired it. When I bought my 1980 C-30 it had a heart freedom inverter so the shore power went from the inlet to the inverter charger then to the main switch. If your C-30 has two battery banks (just because it says 1, 2, and both does not mean that it is connected. You need to check the back of the switch and the connections) it should have a two bank automatic charger probably aftermarket installed. If the battery charger is connected before the main with its own circuit breaker then the main does not have to be on. If connected after well then it would have to be on. My boat was upgraded with two golf cart batteries as one bank and was connected to the No. 1 position. Remember that somebody might have been playing with the electical and if you do not understand the system ask the person that you bought it from , a surveyor , marine electrician or just follow the wires. The wires will run from the inlet behind the two drawers next to the icebox up to the electrical panel to the main. Just remove the drawers and four outer cabinet screws and stick your head in and check. Of course when doing these things always unplug the inlet and inverters etc. and turn off the main switch. The other thing to remember is to never turn off the batery switch with the engine running this will harm your alternator. If your boat is wired factory you can check the catalina owners association web site and they have the links to the original electrical diagrams or you can call or email catalina yachts and they will be happy to help you. Hope this helps. I love my 1980 and I wish you lots of happiness. Happy sailing, John
Buy a book
and read up on boat electrical systems. We don't know how your boat is wired, and answering the kinds of questions you raise is best answered by either a local electrician or by yourself. Try Nigel Calder's Boatowner's Manual -- the best $50 you will ever spend on your boat.
and read up on boat electrical systems. We don't know how your boat is wired, and answering the kinds of questions you raise is best answered by either a local electrician or by yourself. Try Nigel Calder's Boatowner's Manual -- the best $50 you will ever spend on your boat.
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