Catalina 310 Owner's Manual

Electrical 12 Volt DC

Original manual page 32

Batteries:

Your electrical system is powered by 2 marine grade, 12 volt, deep cycle batteries. Attention should be given to maintaining the proper level of distilled water. Do not overfill. The batteries are located under the settee, forward of the galley.

The batteries are provided with a tie down to prevent tipping over at extreme angles of heel. Be sure these tie downs are fastened securely.

With proper care, the batteries installed in your Catalina will provide long and satisfactory service. Proper care is not difficult if a few basic points are kept in mind.

Your batteries should be checked periodically for any cracks or breaks in the case or cover and any cracks in the sealing compound. If there is any damage, the battery should be replaced at once.

WARNING: The electrolyte in a battery is a solution of sulfuric acid. If any should enter the eyes, rinse immediately with large amounts of fresh water and seek medical attention. Electrolyte spilled on skin should be rinsed well with fresh water also. Even a small amount of electrolyte spilled on clothing will destroy the clothing.

Electrolyte Level:

The electrolyte level in a battery should never be allowed to fall low enough to expose the plates. This not only results in a loss of battery capacity while the battery is low, but will cause hardening of the active material on the battery plates. This will result in a permanent loss of battery capacity.

CAUTION: Use only pure distilled water to replenish electrolyte levels. The water from many city water supply systems is unsatisfactory for battery use.

Charging the Battery:

Before adding water, a hydrometer reading of the battery should be taken. If the reading shows the battery to be above 1.225 specific gravity, the battery has a sufficient charge. If the reading is below 1.225, the battery should be removed for bench charge. Once charged, the battery should have a specific gravity of at least 1.260. If this cannot be reached, the battery should be inspected by a battery supplier.

The batteries should be checked often to ensure that they do not run down. Check that all battery cells keep an even fluid level and that the fluid is about 3/8" above the top of the separators. If one or two cells have lower fluid levels, it is a good indicator that something is wrong with the battery, and it should be checked.

Discharged State:

Leaving a battery in a discharged state for any length of time can also result in a permanent loss of capacity for the battery. Since it will freeze at relatively low temperatures, leaving it in the cold weather can destroy the battery.

Stock Charging Instructions for Wet or Dry Batteries in Stock

Wet Batteries

  1. Wet batteries will discharge over a period of time sitting on the shelf. Because of this they need to be given a periodic charge to bring them back to full charge.
  2. These wet batteries would be given a charge every: (see charging section)
    1. 9-12 Months - Calcium Automotive and Group 31.
    2. 5-7 Months - Low Antimony, Hybrid and Barium.
    3. 3-4 Months - Low Antimony Commercial, Specialty and Automotive Batteries.
    Note: In hot climates or warm storage areas, a battery's state of charge should be checked more often.
  3. Periodic checks on batteries in stock should be made to assure that batteries are fully charged.
  4. They all should be given a slow charge (see charging section) until the hydrometer reaches 1.250 or higher in all cells. The reason for the slow charge is because batteries should be recharged in the same manner they were discharged - slowly, over a period of time, to assure that they are sufficiently charged. As batteries discharge, sulfation begins to set in. This sulfation needs to be broken down slowly, so it's broken off completely. A fast charge will not adequately penetrate the sulfated plates, the battery only receives a surface charge. At the first draw upon the battery, the surface charge is removed and the battery is back to its previous state-of-charge (surface charge is simply a charge on the surface of the plates, not having penetrated the plates).

Dry Batteries

When preparing dry batteries for activation to be sold as wet, the following steps need to be observed.

  1. Fill each cell to the bottom of the vent well with electrolyte only.
  2. Vent caps must be firmly in place before charging. This is to prevent any possible chances for explosion (when charging). If possible, place a damp cloth across top of battery vent caps, to also aid in preventing the chance of any explosion.
  3. Let the batteries set for at least 15 minutes to allow the electrolyte to soak in to the plates.
  4. Charge each battery at the following rates:
    1. 12 Volt Battery: 30-40 Amps
    2. 6 Volt Battery: 60-70 Amps
    Charge until hydrometer reading is 1.250 or higher (see charging section).
  5. After sufficient charge cycle or cycles have been completed, check the electrolyte level. If necessary re-fill to the bottom of the vent well (electrolyte only).

Clean Connections:

Keep battery connections clean and tight. A cupful of strong baking soda solution and a toothbrush will clean corrosion from the terminals and neutralize any spilled acid (do not allow any of the solution to enter the battery cells). A coating of petroleum jelly on the battery terminals will inhibit corrosion.

Main Battery Switch:

The circulator battery switch has the markings 1, 2 and "ALL" as well as "OFF". You can selectively charge the battery with the engine alternator. Many experienced sailors use battery #1 for electrical lighting needs and keep #2 in reserve for starting the engine. When the engine is running, never select the "OFF" position or the alternator diodes will be burned out. If both batteries are of equal charge, keep the selector switch on "ALL" position, and use "ALL" to start the engine if both batteries are low.

Electrical System:

The Catalina is equipped with a standard 12-volt DC system and 110-115 volt AC system. The wiring is run to prevent chafing or contact with water, where possible, and is supported as needed. We recommend that you check all the connections at least once a year for corrosion, loose fittings, etc.

DC - 12 Volt System:

The DC system is powered by two deep cycle batteries located under the settee seat forward of the head.

Main DC Circuit Breaker:

Operating switches for lights and accessories are located on the main switch panel. The main circuit breaker will automatically trip to the OFF position in the event of an overload to the circuit. If the breaker trips to OFF, the cause should be determined and any necessary repairs should be made before repositioning the circuit breaker switch to ON.

Before purchasing any electrical accessories for your boat, ensure that they are compatible to a negative ground system.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to disconnect the batteries and disconnect AC shore power cord before opening the panel, or severe injuries may result. All wires, terminals and connections should be checked periodically for loose connections or corrosion which could cause high resistance, electrical sparks or fires. The engine accessory wiring should also be checked at this time.

Navigation Lights:

Navigation lights should be used in accordance with the rules and regulations of the waters in which you intend to sail. Generally, navigation lights should be used from dusk to dawn in all weather conditions. It is advisable to use the navigation lights any time visibility is poor.

Your Catalina Yacht is equipped with the following navigation lights:

  1. Red and Green 112.5° combination running lights mounted on the bow pulpit.
  2. White 135° stern running light mounted on the stern pulpit.
  3. White 225° steaming light mounted on the mast.
  4. White 360° anchor light mounted on the masthead.

(a) and (b) are wired to the running light switch on the panel. (c) is wired to the steaming light switch, and (d) is wired to the anchor light switch.

When underway by sail, the bow running light and stern running light must be used. When underway by power, the steaming light, bow and stern running lights must be on. At anchor, the anchor light should be on, the running (a) and (b) and steaming (c) should be off.