House Batteries for CD30

[Charlie Mauk]

I want to add house batteries for my CD30 and split them between the start battery and the house battery. Any suggestions? I have concern with the additional weight and how to balance it. Any information will be appreciated. Thanks.



secondwind@dellnet.com

[zeida]

I recently upgraded the electrical system on my CD-33, Bandolera. She used to have just two regular Sears Die-hard batteries, none for the engine solely. Now my house bank consists of 3 Group 27 Gel Cells wired in parallel... two on the port cockpit locker and the third one on the stardboard locker for balance. It works very well. I ran the cable to connect them under the cockpit floor. I have a fourth Gel also Group 27, dedicated to the engine only. That one I placed under the port settee in the salon, right behind the galley... I ran the cable again under the cabin floor, up through the galley and into the locker space under the settee... it works perfectly... but that is on the CD-33. I understand on the 30 you may have somewhat less space, but it is perfectly doable... many of the 30 owners will be able to help you. Because of the extra power, I have been able to add a 1500 amp Inverter, a new Balmar 100 amp alternator, regulator and the new "smart" Sentry battery charger. What a difference it all makes!!! Good luck.
Zeida



zcecil@attglobal.net

[Ben Thomas]

Charlie, I have the cd30 cutter as well, 1982. I just completed an upgrade of d.c. system this past winter. I pulled two group 27 batterys out of starboard lazerette, removed shelf they were sitting on. reconfigured new shelf for 1 starting battery sits low by seacock, above that is second shelf that holds two group 30s. fuel tank is generally always full 13 gals. along with 6gal water heater. plus 2 3gal. jerry cans for extra diesel in port lazertte. so this kinda balanced out the weight. really not noticeable with overall weight aft as it sits in water. I tossed out the old 4way battery switch and opted for three on/off switchs. one for house bank 2/30s, one for start battery and one that combines both banks if needed. each is clearly labeled. if you have to upgrade your alternator to higher amp output (especially if you are running the volvo md7a) be sure to use the larger pulley (4"dia.) and not the smaller pulley at least if you use balmer the volvo just can"t take that heavy load 75amp. balmar is equivilent to 5horse motor. If you use new battery cables opt for larger size and keep your runs as short as possible, don't just crimp your connectors but solder them. good luck and keep the board posted.
fair leads, ben



btlandscapers@imagina.com