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.
Here is an update on the batteries and a question. Of course there is that BIG CAT battery. I don't know the condition yet. The deep cycle that the PO had installed in the fabricated compartment at the end of the quarter berth is a GP27. I had it checked and after I charged it for a day it was only showing 5.7 V. I am going to have to replace it. I just picked up (from a good dealer)a used Yamaha 9.9 4 stroke. Elec start with alternator. I do not plan on any extended periods on a hook. I have the shore power for at the dock and a battery tender. My first replacement will be a deep cycle and when I can get the CAT out, I plan on getting a starting batt. Will 2 GP 24s be ok or should I stay with the GP27 for the deep cycle and get a 24 for the starting battery? Thanks for any input Jay
Jay South County RI Cat 25 SR/FK/Trad #5645 Wind Dancer
Jay, I would remove the battery from the quarter berth as well as the CAT battery. The CAT battery offers good amp hours (when new), but it isn't deep cycle, which means it likely didn't survive long periods at full discharge. It really isn't meant for marine applications, and I would bet it's in similar condition to the starting battery.
I recommend a marine starting battery for the motor and a 27-series for the house batt. Put them under the starboard settee where Catalina intended them. I would also take this opportunity to fully inspect and check the battery cables to make sure they're in good condition, of marine grade (tinned copper), and sufficient gauge.
I agree with James and add one more suggestion - whatever wiring you set up for charging the battery or supplying the house circuits, as well as any switching (A-B-Both-Off) needs to have a right-sized fuse (not electromechanical circuit breaker) in line within one foot of the battery terminal. High amperage wires can carry lots of current that can cause catastrophic fires aboard. High amperage fuses are available for boats and when you buy one always get a spare so you can replace it while underway. Too many folks have replaced 30A fuses with 500A pennies or jumpers and unfortunately have suffered the results of their poor decisions.
Bruce Ross Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032 Port Captain — Milford, CT
You really don't need a starting battery and it offers no benefit. The 30 or so amps your motor needs for starting is well within the range of a deep cycle. Starting batteries are designed for short bursts of high current and immediate recharge, like an inboard with a big alternator, and their thinner plates are less durable and more prone to sulfation. Get deep cycles, all the same size in case you want to combine them sometime through a 1-2-both-off switch. I have 2 group 27's under the starboard settee
Dave B. aboard Pearl 1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399 Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle
I currently use 2 group 31 bateries in side by side configuration in the starboard settee. I have no bat boxes,just hold down straps. I have been cg inspected many times and as long as I have them strapped they are OK with it.
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.