As most everyone knows from my ramblings on the Moyer forum, one of my winter projects has been a re-wire of my '77 Catalina 30, hull #511. I don't seem to have the same free time as some of our West Coast friends , so this is an ongoing and "in stages" process for me. This winter specifically, I've been focusing on the 'big' part of the re-wire...replacing (& relocating) the electrical panel, as well as the batteries.
One common issue with older Catalina 30s..the boat lists to port.
The problem = too much furniture (& std eqiup.) on the port side of the boat!
One solution, move some stuff! (namely the batteries!) - this also means that I should go ahead and re-wire the 12v distribution system to the stbd side as well, near the batteries' new location. Moving the batteries from their original location accomplishes a few things for my boat. It opens up the engine room for oil filter kit, FWC (on the list), & a 2nd water tank under the port settee (on the list)
I am sure this discussion will evolve, but now it is time to get down to business, and here are the things I am wrestling with regarding this plan:
1. Do I keep a (create a new) spot in the engine compartment (closer to midships ) for a Gr24 start battery, so that I can keep the run short from starter to battery?
2. This could allow me to add a 2nd Gr27 house battery in the new battery area I've built to stbd.
3. Adding a 3rd dedicated start battery, also complicates the wiring significantly...the run to the starter is short, but there are still long runs required for the charging circuit (I have an isolator & batteries on potentially different sides of the boat!) - extra high amp switches could be required (expense, install hassle), etc.etc.
4. Even with a dedicated start battery, my S.O.P. would be to use the house circuit to start, and switch over if I had trouble (my power requirements are modest, especially since moving to mostly LED lighting.) I have never actually needed the start battery to start the A-4.
5. If #4 is the case, what is the point, and who cares where the battery is?
6. A buddy of mine highly recommended I run as few wires near the fuel tank (under the quarterberth) as possible. The STD C-30 wiring diagram on the newer boats with the electrical system to stbd from the factory has ALL of them routed that way..starting at the chart table on stbd settee, aft, around the corner of the cabin sole, & then distributed thru the boat on the port side. Is this a real concern? I only have 2 lights on the stbd side of the boat. Everything else is to port...including all my mast wiring which comes out to the port side of the compression post in the head.
OK..let's see how I did, and how many edits I'll need to make!
One common issue with older Catalina 30s..the boat lists to port.
The problem = too much furniture (& std eqiup.) on the port side of the boat!
One solution, move some stuff! (namely the batteries!) - this also means that I should go ahead and re-wire the 12v distribution system to the stbd side as well, near the batteries' new location. Moving the batteries from their original location accomplishes a few things for my boat. It opens up the engine room for oil filter kit, FWC (on the list), & a 2nd water tank under the port settee (on the list)
I am sure this discussion will evolve, but now it is time to get down to business, and here are the things I am wrestling with regarding this plan:
1. Do I keep a (create a new) spot in the engine compartment (closer to midships ) for a Gr24 start battery, so that I can keep the run short from starter to battery?
2. This could allow me to add a 2nd Gr27 house battery in the new battery area I've built to stbd.
3. Adding a 3rd dedicated start battery, also complicates the wiring significantly...the run to the starter is short, but there are still long runs required for the charging circuit (I have an isolator & batteries on potentially different sides of the boat!) - extra high amp switches could be required (expense, install hassle), etc.etc.
4. Even with a dedicated start battery, my S.O.P. would be to use the house circuit to start, and switch over if I had trouble (my power requirements are modest, especially since moving to mostly LED lighting.) I have never actually needed the start battery to start the A-4.
5. If #4 is the case, what is the point, and who cares where the battery is?
6. A buddy of mine highly recommended I run as few wires near the fuel tank (under the quarterberth) as possible. The STD C-30 wiring diagram on the newer boats with the electrical system to stbd from the factory has ALL of them routed that way..starting at the chart table on stbd settee, aft, around the corner of the cabin sole, & then distributed thru the boat on the port side. Is this a real concern? I only have 2 lights on the stbd side of the boat. Everything else is to port...including all my mast wiring which comes out to the port side of the compression post in the head.
OK..let's see how I did, and how many edits I'll need to make!
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