Keep in mind, also, that a running alternator MUST have some kind of load. Otherwise the alternator will quickly destroy itself -- alternators are not designed for open circuit operation (aka infinite resistance).
The one boat I got to look at in detail with a multiple bank system had a charge controller between the alternator and the battery banks, and the charge controller was designed specifically for the number of banks (three in the case of the one I saw). It was also a shore power charger but not an inverter. IIRC, the owner said it was rather expensive but worth it. Good luck, David On Sat, Feb 27, 2010 at 5:20 PM, Phil Agur <[email protected]> wrote: > > > Hi Ben, > > I think you're headed for trouble. You appear to have moved the battery > selector switch and set up the alternator so it can be asked to charge all > three batteries at once. The man at the alternator shop who was rebuilding > my alternator explained that 55A rating is not meant to be a continuous > rating. When attached to a single battery needing a heavy charge in a very > few minutes the charge current will fall to 35 amps or less, a level the > alternator can sustain for long periods. If, as I did, you start your > engine > from a third source and then ask it to charge two fairly drained batteries > at the same time, you'll need to visit the alternator shop soon. > > You are also missing that all important all off (except for the bilge pump) > kind of wiring. > > Phil Agur > <http://www.catalina27.org/public_pages/profile270.htm> s/v Wing Tip > C270 LE #184 MMSI 366901790 > > From: [email protected] <IC27A%40yahoogroups.com> [mailto: > [email protected] <IC27A%40yahoogroups.com>] On Behalf Of > bebar8361 > Sent: Saturday, February 27, 2010 7:37 AM > To: [email protected] <IC27A%40yahoogroups.com> > Subject: [IC27A] Request for Help with Catalina 27 D/C Electrical Project > > > I purchased a neglected 1985 Catalina 27 Tall Rig with an Inboard Universal > 18 Diesel almost one year ago. I'm in the process of restoring/upgrading > her > for use on Lake Hartwell, SC. > > I have pretty much read all 2,000-plus posts in this Yahoo Group and VERY > MUCH appreciate how generous people have been volunteering their time and > expertise. > > This is my first time posting and was hoping I could get some feedback > regarding my efforts to re-wire the D/C system in my Catalina 27 taking > advantage of an older model, Xantrex Freedom 10 charger. > > I have superifical experience with both A/C and D/C current but could use > some re-assurance I am doing this right. > > The Plan: > 1. Have two battery banks (one house bank and one engine bank) > 2. Take advantage of the inverter/charger while on shore power and charge > all when at dock > 3. When motoring, utilize the alternator (old Motorolla 8RG2009A 55Amp) and > charge both banks > 4. Make sure that the INVERTER/CHARGER, does not draw current from the > ENGINE battery when generating A/C current. > > Would like ANY and ALL feedback regarding improvement I can make to my > schematic.....and of course....any red flags that may burn down this boat! > > I have posted the wiring diagram and some other pics on my server: > > PDF OF WIRING DIAGRAM: > > http://www.etelligentmedia.com/moorningbeautiful/boat_battery_system_v0.1.pd > > f > > GIF OF WIRING DIAGRAM: > > http://www.etelligentmedia.com/moorningbeautiful/boat_battery_system_v0.1.gi > > f > > GENERAL PICS OF HER ORIGINAL CONDITION: > http://www.etelligentmedia.com/albums/moorningbeautiful/ > > Thanks for your help, > Ben > > Greenville, SC > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IC27A/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IC27A/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
