R-23 questions

[mcphersn]

Well, I just took delivery of a spanking new R-23 a couple of weeks ago. I've read all I can find on this site, and most of the documentation on the installed equipment. I got the sea trial intro, but reading all this stuff has scrambled my brain. I'm still in need of answers to the simplest questions like:
What switches should be on (off) to ensure solar charging while the boat is on the trailer/at the dock/underway/towing on the trailer/on the lift? What switch positions for everything while underway normally? On the hook? The boat has radar, thruster,solar, a/c and the normal stuff. I can get everything going for what looks like normal operation, but I'm pretty sure that I'm missing stuff. What I'd like to do is make up a checklist for all the relevant conditions. Right now, I'm not even sure that I'm not running the battery down by leaving some switch in the wrong position. Any sage advice for a novice?

 

[Champ]

We do not trailer and our R-23 stays in a slip. When we leave we have shore power plugged in which charges the batteries. Solar takes care of itself, never touch that. We make sure all lights are off, chart plotter off, radio off, auto pilot off. All switches on the dash are off. We only leave necessary circuit breakers on. It's pretty much like leaving the house.

 

[Red Raven]

Here's a few more answers:

We have an R27 so things may be a bit different but likely similar.

Solar charger: As stated above it is always connected and "on" as long as the panel sees some sun. Depending on how much sun there is it can only keep things charged for a few days if you have the refrigerator on. If you leave the boat longer than a day or two without plugging into AC you'll want to turn everything off so the solar panel can keep the batts topped off.

When plugged in to AC you can turn on as many systems as you want and as long as the battery charger is turned on things will be good.

When underway you an turn on any of the 12V systems as desired.

When on the hook 12V systems can be used as desired as long as you keep the batteries above 12.2 Volts via either the solar panel, running the engine, or a generator.

You can use the inverter to run the microwave (if available on the R23) when on the hook or underway. Make sure all other 120V panel items are off before switching to the inverter. The inverter can't support the amperage for the water heater so make sure it is off.

Hope this helps. Safe travels,

 

[oneeyedjackass]

We also just have taken delivery of our new R-23. I know the feeling, a lot of info to figure out. I'm in the process of putting together a departure/arrival check list. We should talk.

When we leave we have shore power plugged in which charges the batteries.

Hey Champ, Do you leave house 12v battery switch on also? I'm guessing you don't have to to charge batteries w shore power charger.....?

 

[Champ]

We also just have taken delivery of our new R-23. I know the feeling, a lot of info to figure out. I'm in the process of putting together a departure/arrival check list. We should talk.

When we leave we have shore power plugged in which charges the batteries.

Hey Champ, Do you leave house 12v battery switch on also? I'm guessing you don't have to to charge batteries w shore power charger.....?

The shore power powers the on board battery charger.

 

[oneeyedjackass]

Hey champ. Sorry I was unclear. Do you keep your house batteries switch turned to on position when you're off the boat and the shore power is connected.
Thx mark

 

[stwendl]

I would turn all things off except the charger when stored or unused.

Look up the Sundance marine fire in Portland. While they have not found a cause, or at least have not reported the cause, 400+ boats were destroyed in that storage facility. What if a faulty boat wiring was the cause? Really curious what happened there. I almost stored my boat in that location, but they never got back to me in regard of my trailer fitting there.

 

[Champ]

Hey champ. Sorry I was unclear. Do you keep your house batteries switch turned to on position when you're off the boat and the shore power is connected.
Thx mark

Yes.

 

[mylafitz]

I got my are 23 this past August. Love it. It is in storage right now but during the season when I am plugged into Shore power I leave the boat I leave the battery charger switch on and the water heater switch on. it keeps the water nice and hot so when you away from the dock you have hot water I also leave the house battery on that will keep the refrigerator cold. I turn off the thruster battery and the engine battery switches. Believe me I am still learning !

 

[sleepyboat]

Red Raven wrote,
You can use the inverter to run the microwave (if available on the R23) when on the hook or underway. Make sure all other 120V panel items are off before switching to the inverter. The inverter can't support the amperage for the water heater so make sure it is off.



With a public school education I did some calculations on the water heater. I always had hot water available on my 27 and took it for granted and had read some responses that you had to be plugged into shore power for the water heater to function.

I believe the water heater is 700 watts. The alternator on the Yamaha puts out 50 amps at 2250+ RPM. The inverter is 1500 watts. I have not taken the opportunity to test this theory but, at speed I believe the inverter should have enough power to operate the water heater.

Offering full disclosure, if you have read any of my R 23 posts, I really like this boat, A LOT, and thought that a shower at the foot of my bed was unnecessary and too the water heater. My solar shower has worked just fine to rinse the salt off the dogs and myself for years. BUT if it is there, I would like to take advantage of it for the cockpit shower.

I know there are some really smart people out there (I have read your stuff) and if any of you engineer types would like to work the numbers and dispute my claim before she goes back in next year and I blow something up, I would be grateful.

John DeCaro
On SALLISON TOO

 

[Red Raven]

My water heater comment was based my experience blowing all 6 blade fuses in my inverter while underway underway with the first mate wanting to use the microwave. I was at the helm and reached down to turn on the inverter and switch on the microwave breaker which are right under the helm in the R27. Unfortunately I didn't check to see if the water heater was on first (it was) and I blew all the internal inverter fuses. So the problem is trying run them both at the same time. My post should have been more clear.

BTW, In the R27 the hot water tank is heated by the engine when underway. I don't know if this is the case for the R23. We usually have plenty of hot water for about 24 hours after a run and so do not use the inverter to heat the hot water. If we are on the hook for longer than 24 hours we either are usually conserving battery charge as the solar panel usually can't keep up with the refrigerator and our added 12V freezer. We do not have the built in generator.

Interestingly, I have found that running the engine at the dock or on the hook is not very effective for heating the hot water. I think one reason is that the engine coolant actually cools down the hot water tank until the engine warms up. The second reason is that with no load on the engine it doesn't warm up very fast.

We are planning to add a second solar panel for next season. If the solar panels can get the batteries charged back up I may consider trying to use some battery juice to heat hot water when we are more than one night on the hook.

 

[oneeyedjackass]

Interestingly, I have found that running the engine at the dock or on the hook is not very effective for heating the hot water. I think one reason is that the engine coolant actually cools down the hot water tank until the engine warms up. The second reason is that with no load on the engine it doesn't warm up very fast.

Interesting.... that makes sense with the diesel power. i'm going to test that out at the dock. gotta keep the chief happy 😉
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