Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

I try to go out on #1 and come back on #2. This way I hope to charge both equally. I just pulled the charger off #1.
Cycle your charging and replace in pairs.
Cheers,
GFS

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

That's interesting how efficiently the E-tec winds up especially compared to the Opti, Denny - wonder if it has to do with the power required to run the Opti's injection compressor??? Wish I could find a 4-5 y.o. e-tec for this money...Even my I-6 won't fire with less than 12.3V or so...

Even so if that battery of yours is past 50%, you better hit the retirement plan for a new battery before your next circumnavigation ;)

Ron makes a good point about isolating your starting battery. The Blue Sea Systems is neat (and it sounds like a few of you guys might consider it -this means you Sandman ;) ) in that the switch is "on," "off," or "combine," and when "on," it charges both batteries while you run.

Say battery A is dedicated to starting and battery B is "house battery." They are isolated circuits but in the "on" position, both circuits charge simultaneously while running.
the auto charging relay measures what circuit needs more juice and cuts and distributes it accordingly.

The only time you "combine" the batteries is in the case of emergency starting wherein your starting battery has failed (bad cell, neglect, whatever). Diodes in the ACR and isolation keep bad battery from draining the still good battery. The ACR even measures and detects voltage to keep from overcharging and defers excess charging to the weaker battery. The isolation also eliminates sags and spikes to electrical equipment when starting motor. I love the effective simplicity. Here's the link if you want to check it out. http://bluesea.com/category/2/productline/overview/329

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

[QUOTE]
That's interesting how efficiently the E-tec winds up especially compared to the Opti, Denny - wonder if it has to do with the power required to run the Opti's injection compressor??? Wish I could find a 4-5 y.o. e-tec for this money...Even my I-6 won't fire with less than 12.3V or so...

Even so if that battery of yours is past 50%, you better hit the retirement plan for a new battery before your next circumnavigation ;)

Ron makes a good point about isolating your starting battery. The Blue Sea Systems is neat (and it sounds like a few of you guys might consider it -this means you Sandman ;) ) in that the switch is "on," "off," or "combine," and when "on," it charges both batteries while you run.

The Sea Tow call was fuel vacuum. Bulb clamp sneeze by. Defective as new , but worked for a month.

The primary wiring is pretty clean, but the house is calling.

That`s a neat system and you know I dislike wiring more than working on my trailer. It is also why I have reservations about making the crossing.

Time to buy a mini torch. A good owner should know his wiring is right.
Cheers,
GFS

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

Today I think I found the lower limit on battery voltage for my 150 E-Tec to start! Boat has been sitting for about a month since last run. Voltage on my old No. 1 battery was 12.07 volts, and it didn't light off on first revolution like it normally does! (Took 2 revolutions! :eek:)

A typical battery capacity chart says 12.1V = about 25% of capacity, so looks like that's about the lower limit for a successful start. Battery is a group 27, at least 5 years old; don't remember CCA rating, but it's at least 600, more likely 700-800. Might be able to go a little lower on starting voltage, but probably not very much. This battery is definitely ready for the recycle bin! Will replace it as soon as I finish bottom painting project. Denny

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

An onboard charger is the best thing I did for my batteries. Just leave it plugged in on the trailer.

http://www.marinco.com/product/10-am...epro-charger-0

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

Hey reelescape-
Did that charger come with cables or did you have to make them up yourself?

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

basspro has a 10 amp dual bank on board charger on sale for $100. 2 year warranty also. i just picked ut up for the 20. havent installed it yet.
reelscape, you dont worry about it frying your batteries??

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

It comes as pictured including fuses. I mounted mine on the inside of door near batteries with receptacle facing outward. Remove rubber cover, plug in extension cord. The unit is waterproof.

Blue.....it only charges when needed. It switches on/off internally. Now if the unit failed.......

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...1/DSC_0290.jpg

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

have those batteries been good to you? im thinking of gettin them when my other ones go bad. what group are they?

Re: 2004 Optimax 115 for 72 Seafari 20
 

I replaced them since the picture. I bought Optima blue tops.