This forum is for comments and the exchange of information relating to Trojan Boats and boating. Please do not post used parts or boats For Sale in this area. For general, non-boating topics please use our "General Discussions" section.
Note: Negative or inflammatory postings will not be tolerated.
WayWeGo wrote:Barrie, having been a general contractor and having built a few race cars, I think I have a pretty good understanding of what you are accomplishing. Your boat is going to be outstanding!!!
Thanks, I'm really looking forward to getting past all the heavy work and get to the finishes and final details
I know a tiny bit about construction, enough to be dangerous. I work for a pre-engineered steel building fabricator http://www.steelway.com/ and race cars ..... well I got nothing I did restore this thing before the Trojan
I drive my wife crazy
Barrie
Aylmer Ontario, Canada
36' Tri-Fly "The Obvious"
P-Dogg wrote:I have a nomination for 2016 Trojan Boater of the Year in mind.....
I was thinking the same thing when I posted earlier today!
Wow guys, just got in from working on the boat, I call it work but it's really play.
Before this goes to far you have to know, most of you do more "boating" in a weekend than I've done in my life,
Barrie
Aylmer Ontario, Canada
36' Tri-Fly "The Obvious"
I went from 13' long to 13' wide. I generally go all-in when I do something, but a DIY molded shower stall? Even I don't have it that bad! Keep it up Barrie!
Suggestion for a new project: I thought I spotted a vintage battery charger in one of the pics. I'd ditch that ASAP and install a smart charger. Your batteries will thank you.
I needed a less expensive hobby, so I bought a boat!
P-Dogg wrote:I went from 13' long to 13' wide. I generally go all-in when I do something, but a DIY molded shower stall? Even I don't have it that bad! Keep it up Barrie!
Suggestion for a new project: I thought I spotted a vintage battery charger in one of the pics. I'd ditch that ASAP and install a smart charger. Your batteries will thank you.
Ha Ha! ya at 13' they are pretty impressive.
Vintage eh! that's a nice way of saying it's old
I have a new Pro Sport 20 charger but this old/vintage Sentry is rather industrial looking and it seems to work.
I've been hooking up the 12volt system; pumps,lights, blowers etc. The batteries and charger will get a workout for the next couple months, I'll have a good idea if it will keep up by then, I think.
I don't know a lot about chargers, I imagine this one just dumps lots of amps into a low battery quick and nasty, and a newer smart charger is a little more delicate about it.
Now that you have me thinking about it.....I could install the Pro Sport in one of the engine boxes (bed) and the leads would reach both engines as you can't cut them down the instructions say.
Thanks P-Dogg
Barrie
Aylmer Ontario, Canada
36' Tri-Fly "The Obvious"
If your batteries are anything other than old school lead acid, they will thank you to use the Pro Sport. Our boat came with $$$ AGM batteries and the original Bomar 15A charger. I am really glad it failed and got me to install a Pro Mariner before the batteries were ruined!
Don't spend any real money on new batteries unless you replace the old charger, it'll just shorten their life span unless you really monitor its operation.
Having said that, unless you're not planning on spending much time on the hook, the only thing I'd hook up a 20 amp charger to would be an engine battery as a 20 amp charger is inadequate for a house bank IMO unless you spend all your time at the dock.
I don't recall the spec on the Pro Sport so you may want to check if it will provide full output (20 amp) to a single bank if needed. Some will not, and will instead only split the output such as 10 amps to bank 1 and 10 amps to bank 2 at most. The ProNautic model will direct all its output to one bank if needed. This really helps given that engine banks typically require very little while house banks require a lot after being out on the hook for a while. For that, depending on your boating habits, you want something beefier; 40 amps minimum and up.
The ProNautic is also temperature compensated meaning it monitors the temperature of the bank (house) that you hook up the sensor to. Based on the temperature, the unit varies its output curve as battery temperatures dictate the batteries ability to take a charge, as well, it acts as a safety mechanism in case the battery gets too hot which could indicate a battery problem. There's also a remote monitor for this model which allows you to check the charging status from a location above the engine compartment without having to open the hatch. I really appreciate this feature and check it every time 'cause it's so easy to.
PS; just checked; the Pro Sport does direct 100% of it's charge to one bank if needed. I consider these units more for things like bass boats or other outboard applications as they get plugged into 120 volt outlets or extension cords hense the supplied plug (used to be). If they are still making them with 120 volt plugs for an outlet or cord, cut the plug off and wire it direct as an outlet has no business being in a gasoline application engine compartment.
She was a 1969 36 ft wooden beauty with big blue 440s that we'll miss forever.
And thanks to the gang, 2012 Trojan Boater Of The Year
Wow! thanks for all the info, the internet is great for research but it's hard to get a real world opinion from real operators about some stuff.
I have just lead acid batteries for now (I know a "guy" that knows a "guy" that gets big truck batteries cheap"
I will put a Pro Mariner or Nautic charger on my list of future up grades
I've made it to the point in the project where the debit card is getting a real workout with new equipment, fresh water pump, shower sump pump, a couple bilge pumps, hot water heater, kitchen fixtures, bathroom fixtures, counter tops, tile, veneer......I'm going to stop there, anyone need a kidney? used gently!
Thanks for you input
Barrie
Aylmer Ontario, Canada
36' Tri-Fly "The Obvious"
Pro Mariner with three outputs is less than $300. Three is what our rigs need if batteries are in engine compartments and have a separate house. And Barrie until your craft is proven, keep your bilge pump(s) on whatever is charging.
Misty wrote:Pro Mariner with three outputs is less than $300. Three is what our rigs need if batteries are in engine compartments and have a separate house. And Barrie until your craft is proven, keep your bilge pump(s) on whatever is charging.
Thanks, that sounds like a great piece of advice.
I don't think I'll have to worry about it sinking though, once it's finished and in the water I'm never leaving it
Barrie
Aylmer Ontario, Canada
36' Tri-Fly "The Obvious"
When I found my "find" it had an old two output promariner with no conditioning cycle or alerts that had been installed inside the chest of drawers drilling through the shower wall. Immediate leaks. The crime scene was littered with batteries, had no charging output BUT STILL FLOATING after five years. Covered moorage was the only thing they did right. No water in the bilge but EIGHT batteries to throw out!
Misty wrote:When I found my "find" it had an old two output promariner with no conditioning cycle or alerts that had been installed inside the chest of drawers drilling through the shower wall. Immediate leaks. The crime scene was littered with batteries, had no charging output BUT STILL FLOATING after five years. Covered moorage was the only thing they did right. No water in the bilge but EIGHT batteries to throw out!
Lol, did you do a proper warm up and stretches before that workout.
did the shower become a closet?:)
I can say, I have moved every single thing out and into the boat with the exception of the fridge and stove, and had a few days off work because of it
It's hard asking for help
Barrie
Aylmer Ontario, Canada
36' Tri-Fly "The Obvious"
