18
The batteries and charging
Your batteries are an important part of your yacht and they need attention.
Never forget that all capacity you take out you have to recharge and this takes a considerable amount of
time. The number of batteries and equipment for charging is different for each type of boat and from
boat to boat depending on optional equipment fitted.
Irrespective of this a regulator is always fitted that allows a stronger charge when the batteries are low
and that brings the charging current down when the batteries are more charged. This means that you
don’t have to constantly monitor the charging.
Don't underestimate the time required to charge the batteries. Only if the engine is running for a very
long time (15 hours or more) or charged by an appropriate battery charger over night, you can calculate
with fully charged batteries. You can manage with just charging 2-4 hours per day for some time, but in
the long run longer charging is needed. Sooner or later you will get a calm day with many engine hours
or a chance to plug in your charger to shore connection.
The alternator on the main engine will give full charge at 1 300 rpm. (if you have a Yanmar engine
full charge from 1 500 rpm) If you want to charge with the main engine in neutral, push the red
button on the engine control lever and adjust the engine rpm without turning the propeller.
Charging the batteries to 100% with the engine’s alternator is practically impossible, it would take too
many hours of running the engine.
One needs to accept that you can only achieve approx. 80% without access to shore power. When using
shore connection, be sure to charge the batteries 100%. This should be done at least once a month.
A 230 v AC diesel generator (optional) is normally charging the batteries through a battery charger.
It’s important not to leave the batteries with a low charge as an ageing process will start. This will be
prevented by recharging. This is of course specially important when you leave the boat for some time.
We strongly recommend you not to leave a charger unattended for several days.
The reason is as follows:
Most battery chargers are said to be able to regulate and in time stop the charging, but this is not the
case under all conditions and overcharging will result. DO NOT leave the charger on when you leave
the boat for a longer time. When you are on board it is all right to leave it on as the voltage can be
checked now and then. The voltage should simply not be allowed to exceed 14.2 v with a 12 v system
and 28.4 V by a 24 V system in normal climate. (In tropical waters it will be 13.9V / 27.8V)
The voltage should not be allowed to sink below 11.5 V (12 V system)
respectively 23 V ( 24 V system).
If this happens; charge the batteries as soon as possible.
Often you find more than one voltmeter. One is on the main switchboard. Another belongs to the
charger. A third may occur on a special battery controller. They can show slightly different values. The
most exact is the one the battery controller, next the charger and last the meter on the panel.
Check the acid level in the battery and fill if required with distilled water once a month. At heavy use
and/or in tropical conditions this may have to be done more often. If you have a BSF manual pump
system for filling water to the batteries, you shall pump until there is resistance in the system.
Batteries may explode. Always approach the batteries with utmost care.
Note !
Danger
!
Summary of Contents for 2011
Page 1: ...Instruction Book All models 2011 2012...
Page 13: ...13 Drawing of Diesel system HR 310 HR 46...
Page 14: ...14 Drawing of Diesel system HR 48 HR 64...
Page 40: ...40 Adjustment of hinges for locker doors...
Page 41: ...41...
Page 42: ...42...
Page 48: ...48 Hallberg Rassy 372 Standard Through hull fittings overview...
Page 59: ...59...