Sigma 33 batteries...to reposition? I put it to the "Panel"

[Matata]

Sigma 33 batteries...to reposition? I put it to the \"Panel\"

Hi all, the old volvo engine has been replaced by a lovely beta 20 and a fine engine she is! i'm sure she's 30kg lighter (?) than the volvo and it could be argued the trim of the boat is now different. The two batteries (110amp) are currently located next to the heads bulk head ,mid ship, under a seat on the port side possibly an honest 14ft of wiring away from the engine.Working on the basis "you can't have too much of a good thing" I was thinking, as a small winter project, about moving the batteries to under the rear quarter bunk to significantly reduce the cable run and to replace with as heavy a gauge cable as practical as the cable looks original, probably 20 yrs old. The advantages are a much shorter run for the wiring, hence more volts to the starter etc, more current to the batteries from the alternator,and as a bonus the trim reestablished, although I appreciate this is only marginal. Your thoughts would be appreciated Nik

 

[oldsaltoz]

Re: Sigma 33 batteries...to reposition? I put it to the \"Panel\"

Keeping the ends light will improve the handling and performance of any sailing vessel, given the chance I would keep the batteries midships.

May your lovely beta 20 run forever.

 

[VicS]

Re: Sigma 33 batteries...to reposition? I put it to the \"Panel\"

How about keeping the existing batteries as a domestic bank in the current location but fitting another smaller engine start battery closer to the engine. That will have the advantage of keeping the main weight fairly central but at the same time reducing the cable run for the large engine starting load. A VSR would be the simplest method of splitting the charge unless you already have some fancy charge control system.

 

[nct1]

Re: Sigma 33 batteries...to reposition? I put it to the \"Panel\"

Will the changes effect the resale values for racers who want to conform to class rules.

 

[oldsaltoz]

Re: Sigma 33 batteries...to reposition? I put it to the \"Panel\"

No.

 

[Matata]

Re: Sigma 33 batteries...to reposition? I put it to the \"Panel\"

vics, I really like your idea of removing one battery from the pair and relocating it much closer to the engine. That would be the best of both worlds! The existing wiring that goes to the two seperate batteries rather that removing one set of cables could I twin them in paralell to the other battery cables and help that circuit also! On the control panel I just have a big knob ( if you know what I mean) that is 0,1,2 1+2 so I presume there are two seperate sets of battery cables. NCt1, I think by removing the volvo and adding a beta 20-30kg lighter and not adding compensating ballast the boat in theory falls out of the class anyway. Nik

 

[William_H]

Re: Sigma 33 batteries...to reposition? I put it to the \"Panel\"

I would suggest you check the trim of the boat before moving the batteries. It seems to me that most boats are stern heavy when actually sailing.
You should check the trim with your normal complement of people aboard. Perhaps get a friend to photograph as you pass them.
I think you might find you are still a bit stern low.
As for the cables being so heavy they should not have deteriated over 20 years. If the engine starts OK why change. It is only the starting that wll be affected by long cables. olewill