420 DA Thread

How do you guys get into the port side area where the batterys are? I don't have any problems with my batterys but want to get in there. I've been getting my boat ready for it's cruise home and absolutely can not squeeze in. I ended up changing port racor by laying on the metal floor support and reaching underneath, could not reach the gen racor at all. Is it because I'm old, stiff as aboard, and a little wide in the middle or are all you guys midgets?
 
Just take off the metal frame, I will have to replace my batteries, that's my plan.
 
J.Wilt said:
I have the same problem, 5 batteries look under sized, I have to use the crossover switch to start the starboard engine and the port turns over kind of hard. All are reading 13.3 volts but don't seam to have the cranking power. When looking at group 31 is there a cold cranking amperage I should consider? There is a Sears Die Hard that has almost 700 CCA for $145.00
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Noticed that the voltage gage on my tach's are not reading the same, doesn't make sense to me because I'm having more problems on the Starboard side.
Any thoughts ?

Port side reading & Starboard side reading
 

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Woody said:
How do you guys get into the port side area where the batterys are? I don't have any problems with my batterys but want to get in there. I've been getting my boat ready for it's cruise home and absolutely can not squeeze in. I ended up changing port racor by laying on the metal floor support and reaching underneath, could not reach the gen racor at all. Is it because I'm old, stiff as aboard, and a little wide in the middle or are all you guys midgets?
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Woody, I have changed the batteries several times and have worked out a simple system. Leave the main hatch down and remove the port side access hatch. Reach in and disconnect the battery cables and clamps, then use a long strap and run this through the handles of the batteries. Then stand up on the main hatch and lift the batteries out one by one using the strap. Of course repeat this for installing the new ones.
The racors can be changed by leaving the main hatch down and using this to lay on while reaching in.

Hope this helps.
 
copb8tx said:
You'll find a splitter behind your electrical panel that distributes the signal. You're electrical panel swings out quite easily after removing a couple of screws to reveal a large space with several components.
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So am I understanding the splitter which sends CATV to televisions is behind the electric panel? Currently I only get signal on my salon and aft cabin TV's. No signal, just snow on master and cockpit TV. Trying to figure the problem out.
 
i got mine at NAPA part # OWI NB26……..That is 26 inches long.
 
Robski97 said:
Guys ,
Sears Platinum Marine AGM batteries. Look at the specs . These things are monsters.

Rob
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Just ordered 4 of them, OUCH !
Do you think it would be a problem to have the generator hooked up to one of the old batteries?
 
Robski97 said:
Guys ,
Sears Platinum Marine AGM batteries. Look at the specs . These things are monsters.

Rob
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Haw many years have you had them? If they hadn't just put in the other 5 thats the way I would go, but I would like to get them all new this season, and replace at least the 4 main engine/house batteries at the same time in 3 years.

Also, brewster, yes the splitter is behind the electrical cabinet, I have a second mystery splitter so I will be using a coax tester/tracer to find my issues, previous owner didn't use the TVs for anything but DVD's.
 
Guys ,
Ive been running the sears batteries for over 7 years. Had 2 failures. one warranty and one not.

I would not mix and match batteries. I would replace the genset battery. ( sorry ) numerous reasons for not mixing . Especially AGM and a lead acid battery .
AGM batteries will work fine on ur current factory battery charger.

Rob
 
Just installed the four Sears diehard AMG batteries, you ain't kiddin, those are some monsters ! Starboard side was easy, Port side did what Jim (jrirvine1) recommended and closed the hatch and accessed the batteries through the Port side panel. Lifted them in and out with a strap, worked great. Seeing how the generator battery is not connected to the starting batteries (AMG's) don't see why that would make a big difference? But if I save up a few $$$ I may just replace it also so they all match. :)
 
J.Wilt,

I did the same thing a few years ago. I did not replace the generator battery with the agm. It trashed the lead acid battery. I checked on it a few days later and the genny would not start. When I checked the battery it had leaked all over, the only thing that saved me from a real mess was the battery box. YMMV but I would sped the money and make sure they are all agm. It has to do with the smart charger charging two different types of batteries.

Matt
 
BubbaFrsh said:
J.Wilt,

I did the same thing a few years ago. I did not replace the generator battery with the agm. It trashed the lead acid battery. I checked on it a few days later and the genny would not start. When I checked the battery it had leaked all over, the only thing that saved me from a real mess was the battery box. YMMV but I would sped the money and make sure they are all agm. It has to do with the smart charger charging two different types of batteries.

Matt
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Thanks for the letting me know Matt, I'll get a new AGM ASAP! Hopefully it's not a mess when I get back to the boat
 
I replaced the generator battery with a new AGM so now they all match, after a couple days the acid battery was not as bad as Matt described, just a little wet on bottom of the battery tray. Glad it was not a mess when I got to the boat Friday.
Now on to my next item to get fixed, my Port side alternator that is not putting out proper voltage. I would like to remove it and take it in to be tested or repaired.
Have any any of you guys remove the port alternator? How hard of a job is it? Any tips would be helpful.
Thanks!
 
Greetings,

I was looking at a Sundancer 420 and wanted to get informed opinions on it's cruise ability, and how well it works as a dive platform. My wife and I are moving to Fort Lauderdale and want to be able to dive locally, up and down the Keys, make Bimini runs and also be able to hit Freeport in GB's.

I have been looking at more express style boats like the Midnight Express 39 cuddy and Fountain 38 LX but these style boats don't have the same level of "liveability" that the Sea Rays have. And if I'm going to spend four to five days on a boat creature comforts start to matter.

So any experiance you folks can share would be very very much appreciated!
 
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J.Wilt said:
I replaced the generator battery with a new AGM so now they all match, after a couple days the acid battery was not as bad as Matt described, just a little wet on bottom of the battery tray. Glad it was not a mess when I got to the boat Friday.
Now on to my next item to get fixed, my Port side alternator that is not putting out proper voltage. I would like to remove it and take it in to be tested or repaired.
Have any any of you guys remove the port alternator? How hard of a job is it? Any tips would be helpful.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
I replaced the port side alternator on my 6CTA. It was quite easy. Three bolts to remove the belt guard. Then a 1/2 inch breaker bar onto the belt tensioner to turn it to loosen pressure on the belt and remove the belt. Then just a couple of bolts to remove the alternator. Rather than have mine rebuilt, I bought a new one from Seaboard Marine (sbmar.com) and based on recommendations here and at boatdiesel.com, I went with a 160amp version rather than the factory 135amp version.
 
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