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Messages - Jon W

#1036
Main Message Board / Re: catalina 34 review
April 13, 2016, 11:57:56 AM
Are yours 1 1/4" also?
#1037
Hi Ken,
Throughout this thread there has been lots of discussion about voltage drop. I've captured each run in a spreadsheet and used the information to estimate voltage drop. I would like to see how the actual compares to the estimate. Example estimate says the alternator to house bank round trip voltage drop is 2.85% (w/o connections) or 5.35% (with connections). Is it?

Hi Mark,
In one sense it is an academic question, in another it is learning how to properly troubleshoot the system so think it's a worthwhile exercise. My reserve battery is not under the aft cabin, it is forward of the starboard water tank. No problem starting the engine with either reserve or house.

Jon W.
#1038
Alternator B+ is the positive output from the alternator correct? Is there value in measuring the starter, and if so how is that done?

Jon W.
#1039
Main Message Board / Re: catalina 3
April 12, 2016, 11:56:37 AM
I guess Warren was mistaken then. My boat doesn't have them and would like to add for spinnaker and using a whisker pole. Spoke to Len in parts this time and he's looking for the part number. Apparently all come from the factory in straight sections and they are bent as you install them.

Gary are yours 1" or 1 1/4"? Thanks for the help.

Jon W.
#1040
Main Message Board / Re: catalina 3
April 12, 2016, 10:42:07 AM
I talked to Warren at Catalina, apparently not a Catalina installed item. His guess was a dealer installed them. Do you have a picture of your outside tracks or know the length?   Thanks.   Jon W.
#1041
I'm interested at $30 a pair. Arethey for a 1" or 1 1/4" t-track? Any idea how much shipping would be?

Jon W.
#1042
These still for sale?

Jon W.
#1043
Are any of these parts still available?

Jon W.
#1044
Would that mean I need to measure while I'm starting the engine?

Jon W.
#1045
Main Message Board / Re: catalina 3
April 12, 2016, 07:12:14 AM
I noticed he has outside jib tracks. Anyone know if those are available and can be installed on a MK1?

Jon W.
#1046
Main Message Board / Re: Changing a Racor
April 12, 2016, 07:09:45 AM
The idea of a second Racor came from being hooked on watching sailing videos. A consistent problem cruisers experience is clogged filters after sailing in open/rough water. Then there is tired faces and fuel spills after trying to change their single filter while underway. With two, you can switch to the back-up and change the filter under calmer conditions. Just something I'm considering at this point.

Is a fuel polishing system a small micron filter before the primary?

Jon W.
#1047
Main Message Board / Re: Changing a Racor
April 12, 2016, 06:49:04 AM
That's what I'm thinking too. Then everything is right where you're working. Also considering the idea of adding a second Racor so when cruising if one clogs I can switch to the back-up. The fuel system work is a ways off so have time to decide if a second filter is worth the expense.   Jon W.
#1048
That's the set up.

By no loads I mean engine off, all AC and DC accessories are off.

I measured the voltage of the house battery and it was 13.21 VDC. Then I measured the voltage at the positive cable connection at the starter and the engine ground and got 13.21 VDC. Similar story for the reserve battery measurement. I read this to mean I'm getting the full voltage available from the battery to the starter. So no voltage loss/drop.

Is this a correct interpretation?

Jon W.
#1049
Main Message Board / Re: Changing a Racor
April 11, 2016, 08:35:34 PM
I'll try the beckson plate in the port lazarette, if too awkward to get in and get my arm in there, I'll remove the panel in the aft cabin for access to the tank. Sounds like figuring out how to add a shutoff valve under the head sink might make it to the next project list. Thanks for the help.

Jon W.
#1050
Thought I'd give one more update after hooking up the external regulator and voltage check I did.

On Saturday I set the regulator to FDC (flooded batteries), belt level 4 (20% reduction), and long display. Started the engine. At idle the alternator was putting out 7-8A to the house bank. I brought the engine up to 1,500 rpm, checked the display and the alternator is now putting out ~82A to the house bank, alternator temp was 32 deg C, and the house bank was 18 deg C. Just like advertised!

Today I went to the boat to compare voltage between the battery and the alternator for the house bank, and starter for both house and reserve. I used a voltmeter purchased at Sears that lists a +/- 1.5% accuracy. The AC charger was off, no other loads on.

Turned the battery selector switch to position 1. The house was 13.21 VDC which matched the BMV-700. When I measured the alternator it was 13.21 VDC. I then measured the starter it was 13.21 VDC.

Turned the battery selector switch to position 2. The reserve was 13.18 VDC. When I measured the starter it was 13.18 VDC.

If this method is correct, my voltage drop at rest is between .2 VDC (-1.5%) and zero VDC depending on how you want to look at the voltmeter.

Is this the correct way to take this measurement? Thanks for the help.

Jon W.