32 Volt Survey

[HahnR]

I'm keeping the 32 volt system until it's no longer possible or too expensive to find replacement components. Like everyone else said, it still works

 

[piripucha]

The 32 V system is so robust that mine is working at 36 vdc due to the fact that a the t present time,is almost imposible to get 8 vdc batteries down here in Venezuela.

 

[jpk55]

Works fine. What’s the old adage, “if it ain’t brokeDon’t fix it”’

 

[scottinsydney]

I like the fact that our 32 volt system and its still good Hatteras wiring is unlikely to be overloaded.

 

[questover]

Happy

 

[chuckbullett@gmail.com]

I love my 32 volt system. It all works well and I have no desire to replace anything unless I absolutely have to due to lack of items being manufactured that work on 32v.

Hull #522 here, a 1978 53MY. I can still have batteries made for us in Pennsylvania if necessary. Using two sets of 8-volt beasts... they’re only 185AH... the 210’s were too large for our batt boxes and I didn’t want to deal with that 5 years ago after purchasing her... there were too many other horrific previous owner issues at the time! Next time though!

 

[trogers]

32V and happy

 

[kingsley_oasis]

Still works for me, even though it has been using 36v (3* 2D's per side) since 2002.

 

[rsmith]

I had my hands on some mil surplus air starters for my 12’s and toyed with the idea of getting rid of the starting batteries. But I’ve stuck with the 32v system.

 

[northshoreone]

Other than having to wait for over a week for new batteries …I have no issues as long as we can source parts!

 

[nautibake]

I have the 32V “backbone” as Hatteras delivered, but like most here, I also have 12V and / or 24V sources for pretty much anything else I need. I’ve never had an issue getting a 32V pump, or component, etc. for the basic needs. It would be pretty far down on this list of things to change.

 

[Entonces]

My 32v system works just fine. Chargers/inverters/bulbs etc are all still available as are batteries.

Rolls makes the 8v batts that fit the OEM boxes perfectly and last 10-15 years so all is well. Why would you want to use other batteries when you can buy a full set of 8 Rolls once and be good for at least 10 years for about $3000??

Ditto, replaced batteries ($2,750) & inverter/charger w/ an Outback ($2,700) 2 years ago!
Sticking w/ 32v system. I'll sell boat before switching everything over!!!

 

[ian w]

Interesting that it appears that 3 twelve volt batteries seem to work for some people
Much simpler but would the battery charger cope
Ian W 53my

 

[piripucha]

Regarding using 3 12v batterias, I did not know how to set up the old Sentry battery charger to handle 36 VDC. So I installed 2 Promarine smart charger, one for each bank. To date they have performed quite well. I just have to be carefull to shut them down before starting the engines. So far so good.

 

[doc g]

you could charge 2 of the 12volts with a 24 volt charger and 1 12 volt with a 12 volt charger, There are also chargers that come with multiple 12 volt charging legs which will work for your 36 volt setup. I bought one a few years ago that has (4)12 volt outputs to charge (2 )24 volt banks..Pat

 

[scottinsydney]

Not that I would necessarily do it, but could you really run the boat at 36 volts? Starters work?, electricslike old radar ok bilge pumps OK etc?

The alternators seem to output around 36.5 volts, so you would have to rely on crafty AC battery charger set ups described in previous posts to charge batteries when traveling.

 

[Pascal]

I ve never understood the point of using 36v batteries in a 32v system unless you really can’t find them in some remote location. And even then, 8V golf cart batteries are likely available

32v alternator and chargers will not charge a 36V bank, at least not fully, which will reduce its life.

I have a 48V bank in my electric sailboat charged by a 4 bank 12v Promariner. You could do the same for 36v but you would need one charger per bank. Not worth the hassle

 

[savarese1]

We have no issues with our 32 volt system or intentions of changing. The only drawback is the cost of some items at 32 volt versus 12 or 24 volt. But not enough to change the system.

 

[Dreamboat]

I'm sticking with the 32 Volt system and my Rolls batteries

 

[riverrandy]

This seams to be a thread of some interest, and I am learning some good points. What my goal here is to find out if there was a market for Lithium/Ion batteries in the 32 v size (or variations of that). I am not going to rewire a functioning boat, I am looking for "Better Batteries" (obviously subjective).