Carver Owners Forum

1994 CPMY390 Standard factory battery set up of 3 batteries. I just bought a 50 Amp Pronautic charger, as the 20amp I have is in my opinion too small. I am planning on keeping Batt Bank #1 as starting and hanging Batt Bank #2 from a 12 volt deep cycle to 2 or 4 6 volt GC batteries. Anyone in this vintage vessel do that? Where did you find the space to place those 2 or 4 GC batteries?

Changing all the output wiring right?

Yes. Starting anew

Don't ignore the importance of the chassis ground. Your original charger probably didn't have one so that is a new wire you'll have to add as well. Plan the location so that the temp sensor will reach one of the batteries in the house bank. If you're also installing the optional remote panel/display, you'll also have to consider the length of that cable as well depending where in the cabin you want it to be. For what it's worth, I really like being able to check charger status without having to open up the engine hatch.

I did this job in November. I have a house bank of 6 GC 225 ah batteries sitting between the engine stringers. Got rid of the old Pro Mariner battery charger and now just use the charger on the Freedom inverter charger. Installed a Blue Seas ACR and rewired all to ABYC specs. The space between the stringers allows for the batteries to fit athwartship.

nightsky wrote:Source of the post I did this job in November. I have a house bank of 6 GC 225 ah batteries sitting between the engine stringers. Got rid of the old Pro Mariner battery charger and now just use the charger on the Freedom inverter charger. Installed a Blue Seas ACR and rewired all to ABYC specs. The space between the stringers allows for the batteries to fit athwartship.

THANKS NIGHTSKY!

Would you have any photos? This is exactly what I wish to do, however, was going to start off with 4 GC batteries and see if that is enough. The original configuration had the 3 batteries lengthwise between the engines. Did you place all 6 in that position and then relocate the main starting battery and the generator battery? That is what I am thinking. I also would assume you have no battery box for the GC batteries, but use protectors on the posts. I also would access the main starting battery (POS 1on the MBSS) and the house (POS 2 on the MBSS) and then run a lead directly to the genny battery. We plan on staying on moorings more this summer and I just KNOW that one deep cycle 12 volt battery Carver supplied won't cut it as far as refrigerator and other things go. THANKS! THANKS! THANKS!

I replaced the 8D starting battery (which used to sit on a board across the stringers) with a 4D which I placed length wise between the stringers close to the aft bulkhead, then just forward of that I placed the 6 GC batteries. Forward of them is the bilge pump and float switch. I made covers laying across the stringers from 3/4" plywood so I can stand or lay down there to do any servicing.

ps. I don't have a genny. The batteries sit on plywood that has a drip tray around it. It was a snug fit but doable.

nightsky wrote:Source of the post ps. I don't have a genny. The batteries sit on plywood that has a drip tray around it. It was a snug fit but doable.

Pretty much as I was thinking. I am going to start with 4 GC batteries and expand from there. How long can you run your refrigerator on this set up? I am hoping to be able to run genny for say an hour in the morning, then again before bed. Hoping the battery bank will keep refrigerator and whatever lights (ALL LED now) we use going all night, along with a couple of air circulating fans. I am trying to get away from paying for a slip each night. $40.00 for a mooring is a lot "friendlier" than $200.00 for a slip! Although in the dead of summer a slip it will be so the A/C can run at night.

I ahven't done any overnighters with her yet. I intend to some cruises with her this spring and summer. I will be getting a prtable generator to charge batteries while on the hook. I have already switched all the lights to LED and we will limit using microwave or electric kettles where possible.