Association Forum - 2nd Battery = where to put the switch ???

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

2nd Battery = where to put the switch ???

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/16/2005 : 19:40:34

Moving ahead with the second battery installation.
Got the Boat Electrics simplified book and the diagram with the new off-1-all-2 switch.

Figured out the wiring, but where to locate the switch.
Everything I have read suggests keeping the cabling from the battery to the switch as short as possible. One place would be to put it at the back of the aft berth, but that is not very easy to reach when you need it.

I have pullled the aft berth backboard out and can see where to mount the battery (just to the port side of the existing battery).

Right now I'm considering putting the switch inside the aftmost bulkhead of the Stbd Cockpit locker. As high as it will go in the locker.

I don't think I have to worry about inadvertant operation of the switch (tossing a fender or rope into the locker etc.) because the switch is pretty stiff.

Anyone see any problems with positioning the switch there? Or have a better/other idea as to where to put the switch.

Plan would be to cut out a circlular hole (3&5/8") to pass the switch though from the inside of the aft berth so that just the switch face plate sticks out into the locker. Mounting it with some nuts-n-bolts through the aft bulkhead of the locker. Then sealing it in place with silicone sealant.

The switch is from WMarine and is Model 281469 pg 635 of their catalog.

Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.

Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2005 : 23:57:26

I didn't use a switch, I just hooked up my two batteries in Parallel. Longest I've stayed out has been 5 days and did not have any problems. My 2 (8 watt) solar panels kept the batteries charged. And that's with my youngest watching movies on the portable DVD player all day and night (he's a movie nut) not much of a sailor yet but he's coming around. Figured if I ran the batteries down to low I could always use the rope starter to fire up the outboard and recharge but never needed to.

Edited by - Tom Potter on 07/16/2005 23:58:01

welshoff
Captain

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USA
253 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2005 : 15:16:45

My boat has the second battery located to the port side of factory battery. The 1,2,off switch is located starboard of the access hole in the bulkhead separating batteries from rear berth (switch faces the rear berth).

I don't find this too much of an inconvience as far as location goes. I only access it once when I head out on the water and once when I put the boat away.

FYI - I run it in the "all" position. I never have used the separate banks. I don't have a high electric draw either, only cabin lights and engine start. My solar panel keeps me charged up all the time and I never have had to plug into shore power.