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Question #1 of 2
I purchased a 1983 Flicka #277 last fall. Since then I have made several upgrades ranging from a drip-less stuffing box to new running rigging to a new head on the Yanmar along with other odds and ends. This off season I want to review and update the electrical system. I have two questions.
I am think of moving the batteries from the cockpit seat locker to the engine compartment. This will give me more storage in the locker plus remove any chance items coming in contact with the batteries. There is a picture of this type of arrangement in Tikaroa's South Pacific Adventure found on the Flick home page. Any ideas on the size and type of batteries. I do the weekend thing and take a 2-3 trip once a year. This last year we did Lake Michigan. I have a solar panel mounted over the rudder that seems to work OK.
Walt
s/v Star Voyager
REPLY #1
My recommendation is two Trojan TM 27 flooded cell batteries which are rated at 105 amp/hour per battery. If you plan to use a solar panel, you will need a solar regulator to prevent the batteries from gassing which removes water from the cells. We replaced our gel cells batteries with TM 27 and are very please with their performance compared to gel cell batteries. We use two 22 watt flexible solar panels connected to a Flex Charger regulator to keep our batteries topped-off. Buy the Trojans at a battery warehouse for about $70 each (1999). We use a Link 2000R monitor and regulator to monitor and charge the batteries with our alternator.
Rod Bruckdorfer
REPLY #2
Puffin's single 85 ah battery is located under the companionway step. This is an awkward spot for getting into the empty bilge (outboard powered), but is a very easy spot to mount in. I am going to add another equivalent or larger battery. I am considering mounting it forward of the port bulkhead, in the aft, port v-berth locker. John Hazen, Windward Pilgrim, has his mounted here and reports that it balances well.
Yours aye,
Hunter
REPLY #3
On our boat, Lady Dolphin, the batteries are located behind the toilet in the head. I feel they are a little high since they are so heavy but they stay in place during rough seas. An auto seat belt holds them in place. Ideally, they should be much lower to lower the center of gravity but am at a loss where they would go. I can tell you that they are really a bear to remove because everything is so tight in the head.
Wilson
QUESTION #2 of 2
I am thinking of moving the batteries and AC charger from the cockpit locker (above the fuel tank) to the space beneath the cockpit sole, behind the engine. The advantages would be more space in the locker, batteries centered and lower, and easier battery access. The disadvantages?? Oh yes, I'm talking about an Orion here
Allegra
REPLY #1
I don't know about the Orion, but if it were a Flicka I definitely wouldn't put them any farther back. Some boats don't like to have a lot of weight aft, particularly going to windward.
s/v Cadenza
REPLY #2
Currently my Flicka is an outboard powered boat, and the batteries are located under the cockpit floor. I find them well suited there; however, if I had an inboard engine down there I may be concerned with reduced battery life due to the heat generated. Other than the heat I would think it would be a good option.
Coy
s/v Katrina
Rod Bruckdorfer
©: copyright 2000 Rod Bruckdorfer
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