Time to start thinking about commissioning!

[gpd955]

Now that the holidays are over, it's time to start preparing for the spring. I have a bunch of things to do and need some advice on 2 things I have never dealt with.

The C-310 has 2 Flooded 4D batteries. (My 30 had 2 regular "car batteries" that lasted several seasons and when they didn't work anymore, i bought new ones at about $70@.) I pulled these 4D's once the boat was on the hard and noticed that the battery case had electrolyte in it. Now the batteries are in the basement and I replenished the cells and fully charged them. I've noticed over the past week or two that one of the cells on each of the batteries is leaking electrolyte and when it's quiet, I can hear them. Do they need to be replaced or is this something that is normal? I've checked the prices and would really love to not have to buy 2 new ones!!

I mentioned this before and Stu advised me of the solution and now I have to actually plan on doing this. During a storm, the dodger frame mount broke away from the cabintop. I noticed that one of the 2 holes is now too big. I have the marine-tex but want to make sure that I repair it right. Do I simply drill both holes a little bigger, fill and then sand and redrill the holes? Is it that simple?? It's a boat....it can't be that simple!!

Thanks for your guidance!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Are we to understand the batteries are actually leaking electrolyte? ["I've noticed over the past week or two that one of the cells on each of the batteries is leaking electrolyte"]

If so, you already know the answer to that problem.

The dodger bow mounts endure a lot of stress for a variety of reasons and it is not uncommon for a mount to break or pull loose. Simply filling the hole with Marine tex likely won't permanently solve the problem. To do it "right", you want to have a uniform, consistent base to which the mount is attached. The filler is just that - it will fill the existing hole and bond to the glass but not sufficient to avoid recurrence unless you are very lucky. The best way is to grind the gel down to bare glass and lay some epoxy impregnated glass on the existing glass to ensure a solid surface to which the screws can bite. As it's such a small area which will be hidden once you reinstall the bow mount, it doesn't need to be pretty.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Most folks who have 4Ds may also still have their original backs. Many have suggested replacing them with golf cart batteries. So as to maintain and keep whatever back you have left. Sounds like you have a battery issue.

And yes, it's still that simple. Unless someone can correct it, as Don just did. His advice is very good.

 

[gpd955]

If so, you already know the answer to that problem.

Actually I didn't but judging by your response, I do now!! Darn!!! Would you suggest switching to gel or AGM??

 

[gpd955]

Thanks guys. That doesn't sound too bad!

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Actually I didn't but judging by your response, I do now!! Darn!!! Would you suggest switching to gel or AGM??

There are some good reasons to choose gels or AGMs but I'd suggest you do some reading on one of the internet battery primers to see if either is a good fit for you. As an example, AGMs require a different charging scheme than typically available with wet cell chargers so you need to factor this into your decision. Obviously price differences exist as well so make sure you choose wisely.


Personally, unless you have a specific reason against wet cells, I'd go with good 6V wet cell batteries in series but that's just my opinion.

 

[JoeWhite]

I understand your concern. I replace the 4D batteries. Here is what I made to remove and re-install the batteries. In this photo the batteries have already been removed. I did not injure may back. I had a back surgery done 6 months ago due to a crushed disk. Be safe.Each batery weighs 90 lb.

 

[alexco38]

Energy conservation for my back's sake

I use LEDs, oil lamps, ice in dry bag etc to help save my back. I don't like batteries, wind, or solar panels. Whatever you can save you don't need to gererate, carry or worry.

Medical cost is one thing, pain and sufferring is real.

 

[jibes138]

you didn't mention how the dodger mounts are attached to the boat but if they are your typical wood or sheet metal screws that is the source of the problem. Screwing directly into fiberglass is a very bad proctice as the material is not very strong in this application. . Plus any water leakage and the core will be shot so the wood inside will not provide the strength either. Marine tex as a temporary fix will work for a while but I'd suggest two other methods. The best would be to drill the holes through to the inside then install with machine screws a suitable backing plate on the inside and lock nuts 9nylon insert nuts). The second option is to drill out the holes a little oversize and insall a screw thread insert andbond that into the hole with epoxy. The machine screws will then thread into the inserts and the larger surface area of the screw thread insert will spread the stress loads.

This is a mold in insert from McMaster Carr made of brass for example. You can get many other types as well.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

Just a little optimistic, are you gpd?

It's going to be a looooong 3 months!

 

[sailingdog]

IMHO, you're better off through-bolting than screwing stuff, especially things like dodger frames that will get a lot of abuse and load on them... Through bolting is stronger and far less likely to leak or cause core damage if it is properly done.

As for the batteries leaking...they're probably toast. What probably happened is they weren't charged well enough and froze at some point previously, cracking the case slightly. I'd replace them with golf-cart batteries, which will be easier to move and will last a long time and are pretty inexpensive as solutions go.

 

[gpd955]

That's what I'm probably going to do. It actually looks like it may be an easier solution that will end up being much better than if I just repaired it.

I've looked at some of the configurations on here for the golf cart batteries, which I can't seem to find now (I actually had seen one in a Catalina 310 which was set up to fit in the existing space). I am considering this if I am able to use my existing charger and can get everything to fit right.

Thanks for the input everyone! And yes, Scott, I am being optimistic. I am already sick of the snow and drove the 45 miles to the boat today just to look at her!

 

[JK_Boston_Catalina310]

Is your dodger a Catalina factory piece or from a third party?

My PO just did the batteries last year. Seems he had similar issues and thoughts as you. He ended up just replacing with the same because he felt there was too much involved with switching to gel or golf cart batteries.

 

[gpd955]

Is your dodger a Catalina factory piece or from a third party?

I do not believe so since it is not on the original purchase order but it could have been an afterthought and invoiced separate.

Stu or anyone else that has drilled through your cabintop: Am I correct if I just drill the existing holes completely through and use 4200 on the bolts and in the holes? And then bed it with Maine Sail's butyl tape? Once again....it's a boat and it can't possibly be that simple!!!!

 

[Stu Jackson]

I've looked at some of the configurations on here for the golf cart batteries, which I can't seem to find now (I actually had seen one in a Catalina 310 which was set up to fit in the existing space). I am considering this if I am able to use my existing charger and can get everything to fit right.

Reply #25, here: http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=104505&page=2

What charger do you have?