Engine room

Bubbabuda · Post by **Bubbabuda** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 7:38 pm

Hi everyone, I need help on electrical components and wiring in the engine room. I have a 1975 F-32 with a pair of Merc 233hps (removed and rebuilt). There are no relays, selonoids, battery cables. I plan on at least 2 house batteries, and not sure if I need one or two starting batteries. Do I need battery switches? Also , on the helm there is a emergency start toggle switch??? Are there any schematics for that area?

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Mon Oct 03, 2011 10:11 pm

IMO the best way to go is to completely isolate engines from house banks, and one battery per engine. The "Emergency Start" switch is to parallel one engine battery to another bank (boost) should an engine battery fail to start the engine on it's own. Simple "On, Off" battery switches for each bank is all you need so that you can switch that circuit off. I do not like the "1, 2, ALL, OFF" switches; leaves too much room for error (forgetfulness), dead batteries, and boil overs. Many views here on how to charge, I say go with with ACRs for charging off engines and a smart multi-bank charger off shore power. ACRs come with a few options now, one of which is to manually parallel banks from the helm for emergency starting, or simply hook up a solenoid to the switch at the helm that you already have for boosting.

Designing a proper system can get complicated if it's to be done right so pick our brains as you go.

Bubbabuda · Post by **Bubbabuda** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:17 am

Thanks for the info Big D. This will get me started for now, no pun intended....

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 12:15 pm

2 starting batteries for sure as far as House batteries I am on a different page then Big D . I use one engine battery as the house battery no issues and thats the way Trojan built these boats . On evey thing else we are pretty much on the same page

However How you use the boat is the key . I don't anchor out much and I have a gen set . So my system is fine for me and would work for me even whit out the gen set. No gen set ( or don't like running it ) and you what to spend a few days at a time on the hook then 1 or 2 or more house batteries many be the right choice .

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 6:54 pm

Paul is right about the way Trojan wired these up years ago. Having said that, the method is outdated. Just like the century home I once had that ran on a 60 amp service (unheard of now), things have definitely changed in terms of the amount of accessories we have on board now. As such, I would keep the house bank isolated from the engines, use only deep cycle batteries for the house and starters for the engines, that's what they're designed for. I spend days on the hook, but days or minutes, I do not want any draw off the engine batteries when engines are off. This way I'm ensured they'll start as this leaves no room to kill engine batteries by running house loads.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 7:20 pm

Your days on the hook,with Me a day (if that ) even if I did two I go the Emergency start and the Gen . But if I did do a lot of over nights on the hook would ad a house bank like you have .

With that Said too many batteries no problem . too little your up the Creek

So Bubbabuda how do you plan on using the boat ?

Bubbabuda · Post by **Bubbabuda** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 8:38 pm

We are normally away from shore power for weekend stays on the islands. I have a small older Kohler gen 2.5 kw that has not been installed. I would like to save up for a newer/larger one. Seems like all of our accs are a/c voltage, cofee maker, micro, electric stove.

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:12 pm

Does your fridge run on 12 volts or just AC? When on the hook for extended periods, you don't want to fire up a genny all the time to keep a 120 volt fridge going. If yours doesn't run on 12 volts get an inverter for it. The fridge alone is a prime example of why one should have separate house and engine banks if you spend any time on the hook. I have an AC only fridge but wouldn't dream of running the genny periodically to keep the fridge going. Hense an inverter and large enough separate house bank to keep me going for a while...never have to worry about dead engine batteries.

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:34 pm

I don't have any issues running the Gen set for the fridge we try to keep drinks in the cooler so the fridge stays cooler longer . And first thing in the AM for coffee

But like I said I don't stay on the hook often so this works for me .

Of course If I need A/C it stays on .

But it Sounds like a inverter and extra house batteries may be the best choice for you

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:49 pm

Ya you get into a routine; first thing in morning run the genny for coffee, hot water heater, charging etc. and you're good for the rest of the day. Sometimes breakfast is done on the stove 'cause the genny is running but in general meals are done on the BBQ so no electrical needed there. I also didn't think there were many DC devices to worry about but we have a little guy that gets boared really quick so a lot of TV, videos, music, Laptop, I always keep the VHF on, the depth sounder is on for depth alarm in case conditions change and we drift in the middle of the night....adds up!

prowlersfish · Post by **prowlersfish** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 9:56 pm

Big D lets face it AC or 12 volt . We are very spoiled

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:01 pm

Paul, it's like this; if there's one thing I've learned over time, it's that we only think we're in control but really it's all about keeping the rest of the clan happy or they can and will make life on the water miserable for ya! and of course I like the toys; more toys more power....it's a guy thing!

Bubbabuda · Post by **Bubbabuda** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 10:14 pm

The frige is only 110v. So if I have three house batteries, dedicate them with an inverter and seperate the two starting batteries. And bigger is better on the house batteries? How about 8Ds?

Big D · Post by **Big D** » Tue Oct 04, 2011 11:09 pm

Sizing the bank really depends on your needs. It needs to be big enough to handle your needs for an outing without being drained to detrimental levels yet small enough to be able to bring back up to charge within a reasonable amount of time or you may never be able to fully charge them while on the hook unless you get a high output charger which creates a whole other set of considerations. It's a real ballancing act. As far as 8Ds, too big and bulky IMO, pound for pound, 6 volt batteries are easier to manage, install, mount, and have a higher capacity. Do a search on the forum, this has been discussed before...some good ideas out there.

Bubbabuda · Post by **Bubbabuda** » Wed Oct 05, 2011 10:08 am

Thanks Big B for all your great ideas. Every time I see your avatar I remember growing up aboard my parents 28 Trojan Express. Their good friends had a 1969 36, a sistership to yours. Lots of good memories, after a few too many cocktails, they made me "Captain" and go out for a midnight cruise. What were they thinking, with that I guess they werent. You sure have a Beauty! Thanks again for the info and all the good memories that were brought back....