Alternate power source to open engine hatch?

[lrc]

I own a 2004 Carolina Classic 25 with KAD 300 diesel. I just had my second original battery failure (maker brand North State) today as I tried to winterize. Both original batteries went open within the first year and a half of ownership. They tested bad and would only show 6 volts output. Got to believe these were a defective run..... Mac, are you listening?

But to my question: I'm on lift at my dock but I don't have shore power installed in the boat. How can I remove the batteries for winter yet get the hatch open and closed to re-install in the spring.

My buddy and I lifted the hatch on one occassion when I left the main on by accident and I don't want to have to do that again.

I have heard of people using the 12V accessory outlet as an emergency bypass power access for the hatch with a portable battery supply but I'm concerned about amperage draw through that small guage wiring.

Anyone done that? Other recommendations??

Thanks (and I am looking at on board chargers but will probably defer any purchase until spring)

[jm1159]

Portable Battery

I used a portable battery pigtailed to the cigarette lighter, but don't attempt to start the engine this way. Before my mechanic showed me that trick I did this:

1. Open the hatch as you would normally do it.

2. Shut the battery switch off on the helm by using a long pole. Remove both batteries with the hatch open, don't worry, the floor won't come down on your head

3. got a small piece of wood( 1x4x12") and installed two bolts, one on each end like a battery set-up. I then connected the left side(pos/neg) from the engine to the bolts.

4. Got a set of car jumper cables and connected each bolt(pos/neg). So now I have an extension to the engine. Probably could connect the jumpers directly to the pos/neg on the engine wires, either way is fine.

5. ran the other end of the jumper cable through the hole where the jackshaft runs into and then up through the small square hatch(the hatch used to access the two fuel tank valves).

6. I then connected the other end of the cable to one of the batteries I just removed from the bilge and closed the main floor hatch with the switch under the gunnel.

Did the reverse to install the bateries in the spring. The first method is easier but I did it my way for 4 seasons before finding out about the easier way. Some people just leave them in all winter and install new batteries every spring, but I like to take them out, got 4 good seasons out of the originals

I don't think a battery charger is needed unless you are running a refrig. etc.

[Little Dandy]

I made up a pigtail with a fused Marinco plug on one end and a pair of battery clips on the other. I made the wires about 3 ft long, just enough to reach from the helm deck to the accessory socket. I use a 15A slow blow fuse (MDL type) in the plug. I haven't actually measured the current draw raising or lowering the hatch but the 15MDL works. The original fuse that came in the plug wasn't a slow blow and blew the second time I tried to use it. For the 3 or 4 seconds to raise/lower the hatch with me right there at the switch I feel safe.

I wouldn't use it for anything other than hatch operation.

http://www.marinco2.com/showProduct.asp?p=12VPG

[lrc]

hatch power

Thanks guys.

JM you did what I was thinking about doing. Extending the battery leads with jumpers but it's messy even though it works. Thanks for the idea.

Little Dandy, I'm going to purchase the marinco plug you used, replace the fuse and give that a try. Now that I'm stored outside vs the previous dry storage, I think it's worthwhile keeping the batteries topped off for the winter.

Thanks for the information.

[NORM]

WE HAVE A 2000 25'C.C. WITH A YANMAR 300/ I INSTALLED THE LIFELINE MARINE BATTERYS LAST YEAR, THIS IS THE LAST BATTERY YOU WILL EVER NEED TO BUY!!!!
TAKE A LOOK~LIFELINEMARINEBATTERYS.COM. WE PUT THEM ON THE RV ALSO, COST A LITTEL MORE BUT IT'S WORTH THE COST & YOU CAN PUT THEM ON THERE SIDE IF YOU NEED TO...THEY FLY TOO!!
WE RUN A G-31 & A G-24, NOT ROOM FOR TWO 31S OR I WOULD USE TWO BIG ONES!!! ******** MAC TAKE A LOOK!!!!!