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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Charger Location?

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lovelady007
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/02/2008 : 08:41:40

Hey all, a really basic question for you... I just purchased a 1980 Catalina 25 and while it's got two group 24 batteries and shore power, it doesn't have a permanently mounted battery charger, something I'd like to fix ;) However, after inspecting the various lockers available to stash one in, I'm having trouble finding a space with adequate clearances to dissipate the heat that is also relatively close to the battery bank so... general question to anyone that now or formerly owned a '25 "where did you mount yours?". Thanks in advance!

Mike

Mike Lovelady
s/v Lethe
1982 25 #3149 FK/TR
Portland, OR

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5231 Posts

Response Posted - 08/02/2008 : 15:13:04

In terms of proximity, air circulation and space, why not put it in the "dumpster" section bolted underneath the forward-most port-side cockpit seat.

You might be able to mount a piece of 1" wood underneath this area epoxying it up into place, onto which to mount the charger. It has good access to the shore power plug and its behind the DC power distribution panel.

In any event, please make sure to observe the Hot wire + Cold wire + AC ground on the AC supply side, and fuse the DC charger side with the appropriate sized fuse. It might be useful to put an inline switch on the DC side.

To keep water from splashing the unit if the hatch is open, you could mount a piece of stiff plastic about 12" x 4" to the edge of the board.

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3312 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2008 : 11:22:13

I mounted mine under the bottom step of the companionway and then drilled a hole alongside to run the wires into the space under the 1/4berth and thence into the battery compartment. The charger input wire goes through the bulkhead between the 1/4berth and the port locker to an installed plug on the side of the locker.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2008 : 15:48:45

I used the dumpster, it dissipated heat, accessed the battery switch which is a fine place to tap into the system and was easy to install.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2008 : 18:39:50

I mounted mine behind the companionway ladder on the vertical wall and ran the wires through the bilge under the quarterberth to the battery compartment. It is out of the way and I can see the status lights.

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3367 Posts

Response Posted - 08/03/2008 : 22:19:17

A year or so ago, I installed a battery charger inside the cabin starboard side in front of the quarterberth. I also rewired most wiring to a new 8 circuit breaker switch panel located below the main cabin sink.

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lovelady007
Deckhand

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USA
9 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2008 : 10:58:46

Gentlemen,

Thanks for all your responses! As a first time poster / new owner I was wondering what kind of group this would be and it's definitely exceeded all my expectations :) Also, one thing I'd never considered was connecting the battery charger to the "selector switch" as opposed to directly to the batteries, which seems to be what some folks have done (and makes a heck of a lot of sense, at least if I'm reading this correctly??). Are there any advantages / disadvantages to this?

Best,
Mike

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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3367 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2008 : 11:54:04

I hard wired the AC side to the terminals behind the starboard side AC outlet which is located on the side of the seatback wall. The charger DC wires are wired directly to each of my 2 batteries. The charger has 2 DC wires for each of the batteries to charge them simultaneously but independently.

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2008 : 12:27:28

There is no downside as long as the wires from the switch to the battery are the proper gauge... big.
switch before charger connected

you might want to look over some other photos here

http://gallery.mac.com/fhopper#100041

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.