C-Ranger Wiring

K7MXE · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 6:49 am Post subject: Kimshack

I think Mr Kim had the boat up for sale last year and may have moved on.
Bob Heselberg Eatonville Wa

Tugly · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:20 pm Post subject:

Continuing saga of the Ranger 21 charging system:

I just collected the following data on Tugly. If you are wired the same as I am this should help a bit. All readings are in volts.

Data:
Switch on #2 - Before charger plug in:
House - 7.32
Engine - 12.59

Switch on #2 - Plugged into charger:
House - 13.00
Engine- 12.59

Switch on Both plugged in:
House - 12.79
Engine - 12.77

Switch on #1 plugged in:
House - 13.20
Engine - 12.77

Two days pass, plugged in with switch on #2 - un-plugged and rest for 1 hour
House - 12.90
Engine - 12.90

With engine running, not plugged in:

Switch on #2:
House - 14.00
Engine - 14.00

Switch on #1:
House - 14.00
Engine - 14.00

Switch on Both:
House - 14.00
Engine - 14.00

Engine starts perfectly with switch on #2

Conclusions:
- leave the switch on #2 for general use as both batteries will charge with engine running and only the House battery will be drawn upon for accessories.
- leave on OFF when trailering or in storage.
- use Both when plugged in to charge both batteries

Does this make sense??

acustis · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:45 pm Post subject: Your configuration

Yes it does make sense and that is the "Old Way" we used to wire in the boats. We do not use a parallel switch any more just an on/off switch for the house battery. Everything on your tests look good except for that battery showing 7 volts before the charger was plugged in?

Tugly · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 3:56 pm Post subject:

Andrew,

That low reading concerned me too, I must have left something on. I will leave it unplugged for a couple of days and then check the house battery again.

We are going to the Sacramento Delta for a few days next week and I want it up to snuff. I will also check to see if the House battery will sustain the refrigerator over night.

K7MXE · Posted: Mon Mar 31, 2008 6:39 pm Post subject: Battery reading

That is pretty close to what I have with my boat, Once in a while I get
the house battery on the low side after using the ham equipment but
I have to try real hard to get it below 10.5. I put the switch on off when
not on the boat or when not needing power for something. I use a lot
of AA batteries for small jobs. I was concerned last year when zincs
disappeared rather rapidly and think it may have been some feedback
to my ham equipment so did some changes. I did not not notice it in
fresh water just salt water. Bob Heselberg Eatonville Wa

Tugly · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 10:44 am Post subject: Fridge Vs. Battery

Charged batteries while cooling down the fridge with switch on #2.
Unplugged and kept the Fridge going: Readings in Volts

2:25 PM - 12.5

6:30 PM - 12.5

7:30 AM - 12.0

At the 7:30 AM reading, all electronics worked and fridge was still working.

Overnight temp was in the 50s.

Conclusion: We don't have to worry about the fridge running down the battery for an overnight cruise or an all day tow.

This has been a serious concern of mine.

Nice relief, hope this is useful.

Bill

astasky · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject: C-Ranger 21EC Batteries and RPM

Hi,
I'm a former C-Dory 25 owner and am about, I believe, to purchase a 2007 21 EC new here in upstate NY as a mate to my 53 Hatteras. I have a few concerns about the batteries getting so hot under the hood. Anybody have a thought about that? Maybe relocate them under the aft seat if needed?
Also, during a 4 hour test drive I could only get the rpms to 3050 max with two adults, two kids, half fuel, no water or waste. The factory says 3400. Does anybody truly see 3400rpm? I ran at 2800 to be safe but believe I should have cruised at 3000-3200, no? Many thanks in advance.
Andrew

Ron Cowan · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 9:17 pm Post subject:

Andrew, My response may not totally apply since my tug is a 2006 21 just prior to the EC and I have the 20 HP instead of the 30 HP. Being in Florida my engine box is probably as hot as they get. Opening it while running I have not thought it to be that hot. In fact it is cooler that under the hood of my truck. I am not concerned with this issue but have also considered moving the batteries so I would have better access to my stuffing box. My fuel tank is there also and I have to pull the batteries and fuel tank to get to the stuffing box. Just inconvient with something that I would like to check. My first inboard and didnot know to check it after about 50 hours the first time. Lighting knocked out my battery charger so no bilge pump and I took on more water than I expected until I tightened it.
On the RPM I have had no problem turning 3400 but usually run about 2400 and burn very little fuel. Figure the small difference in speed is not worth the fuel burn.
The tugs are great and a lot of fun. My hardtop addition is a plus in the Fl. sun. (in album)
Wish you luck with the tug and have a great time.
Ron

Tugly · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 10:22 pm Post subject: Cruise RPM

Andrew,
I agree with Ron. Our Tugly is an '07 EC Tug '21 with the 30 HP. We normally cruise at about 2600 RPM. Depending on the load and conditions, that will give us from 6 to 8 MPH on the GPS. Fuel burn is as close to nothing as I can imagine. I can get her up to about 3200 RPM but she starts to squat and strain. Difference in speed is maybe 2 MPH from easy cruise to straining wide open. Prop may be a bit big but that is a great advantage at the slower speeds. We greatly enjoy the relaxed pace.