Need help with charging system... 24 volt and 12.

[Zach]

Hi guys,

Helping out with the restoration of an old coast guard cutter. It has twin cummins diesels that require 24 volts at the starter. One 20kw generator that requires 24 volts, and an 8kw that takes 12 volts.

The chargers that were on it when we started did not have a float setting, and has cooked a few 8d's in the past few years. The hatch to get down into the engine compartment is not wide enough to carry an 8D down, so it has to be stood up on end... only a matter of time before someone gets soaked.

Right now the engine room is stripped, and lacks chargers and batteries of any sort. Do you guys have suggestions for 110v, or 220v chargers? We are trying to run an 83 foot boat on a 50 amp cord, so 220v may be the way to go.

Thanks,

Zach

[Pblais]

I gues you should seek out the current alternator regualtors as well as shore chargers both. You reeally need both. It also seems you ned both 24 volt and 12 volt wiring systems as well.

50 amps is usually 220 volts on a shore connection in the US. Twin 30 amp connections might also be desireable too. It just depends on the overall wiring plan. You'll be hard pressed to find newer shore chargers that don't have smart regulation but it is nice to have the ability to divide into multiple banks so you may choose a charger than can deal with say 3 banks. These are quite common. You may also want to consider AGM batteries since they stand on end without concern. They operate with any orientation so you can pack them as you will. It's just a matter of securing them so they can't fly around.

The USCG does not let cutters go until they are really beat. Best of luck getting it back to life. If you need more references send me a Private Mail and I'll send you a link to a marina that does a lot of contract work for the USCG. They may be able to give you details about the boats you might not otherwise be able to get.

[Zach]

Currently the cummins have no alternators, so all power to charge the starting batteries comes from either the generators or shore power.

I'll be adding a pair of alternators, as well as a hydraulic pump to one motor (windlass and possible bow thruster) and a engine driven bilge pump to the other.