1987 Trojan by Bertram 10M Sedan Batteries

[Late Start]

Hello Members,

I've just acquired the above Type boat (have had two F23's in my past) and need to sanitize a messed-up and incomplete Battery complex. Could anyone help me learn which of the three batteries in the stock location actually serves as the House Battery. I'm about to try tracing it all out today, but from my experience last night, nothing is appearing logical. At least for now, I will hold off on purchasing the complete Manual related to my HUll ID number...just need to get a handle on the original Trojan charging system and battery configuration. Many Thanks in advance.

[Late Start]

Ooops..meant to say F32's, not F23's.

[jhalb]

on my 83 the house is split between the outer batteries and the genny is wired to the center one.
.

[BobCT]

My mid cabin doesn't have a generator so my third battery didn't do anything. It was brand new when I bought the boat and the owner said he was replacing it every 2-3 years. I traced the wiring and it wasn't connected to anything! Wonder how many batteries he replaced that never got charged or used.

Yes, house is split between port and Stb engine start batteries.

Bob

[Late Start]

Many Thanks Gentlemen...understood...as you both described the House Battery set-up.

Do you have any feelings about the Factory installed CHARGER? That is, in your experience, does it behave itself while charging and not 'cook' the two connected P&S Starting Batteries? (I've found a separate pair, Red & Yellow, which I conclude is for the Centrally Located Generator Starting Battery).

[willietrojan]

Just FYI.

Your title says Trojan by Bertram, Bertram had nothing to doing with building Trojans. The only thing that connected them was the holding company Whittaker Marine Group

[yorklyn]

if you have the original charge I would replace it. I have the original charger in my 1987 10 meter mid cabin and I have been researching new ones. the old one works but I was always adding water throughout the season . New "smart " battery charges are the way to go. I going for a 3 bank 30amp (or 40?) charger. Ruled out xantrex and believe it or not "charles" due bad reviews. Mastervolt seems to be rated good as does pro mariner. I'm still doing my research.

[RWS]

One of the first upgrades I did was to remove the dumb charger and install a smart one.

Mine is a Xantrex circa 2000-2001.

It independently senses, charges and floats all three batteries and has an LED indicator on the helm.

The addition of a three bank voltmeter completes the package and keeps me from ever having a problem at sea.

RWS

[Big D]

I've installed many ProNauticP series chargers in the last couple of years and have had two failures; one bad out of the box, the other due to a lightening strike at a marina soon after the install. They have a good track record with me.

[Late Start]

Many Thanks, Gentlemen..

One last question: Where is the standard Factory Charger located ? That is to say, the one controlled by the dedicated breaker in the AC side of the stock Electrical panel. (I hear the 'hum' coming from within the engine room, but can't actually find it!

Regards.