[C320-list] High Water Alarm

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Tom Grass

unread,
Mar 17, 2021, 10:37:40 PM3/17/21
to C320...@catalina320.com, Tracy Grass
We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320. West Marine
sells a specific unit that sounds a horn when the water reaches a certain
level; this is a separate circuit from the bilge pump wiring. Our boat
also has a light that comes on when the bilge is running (in AUTO mode).
Could a horn be hooked up to the light circuit to sound when the bilge is
on?

Thanks,

Tom Grass

Stephen Cox

unread,
Mar 17, 2021, 11:59:19 PM3/17/21
to C320...@catalina320.com, Tracy Grass
Yes, providing that the combined current draw of the light and the horn are within the ratings of whatever switches on the light
now. If you use something like
https://www.jameco.com/z/11D3120-LF-TA-Jameco-Valuepro-Audio-Indicator-and-Alerts-Buzzer-Piezo-25mA-12-Volt-Screw-Panel-Mount_249498
.html which draws 25ma at 12v it should be OK. This model has two connections, one continuous sound, one pulsed, so you can
differentiate between two devices if your alarms switch to ground or just choose the sound of your choice for one.

Regards,

Stephen Cox
Tegwen #1141

Graeme Clark

unread,
Mar 18, 2021, 2:47:57 AM3/18/21
to C320...@catalina320.com
Tom

What if the high water situation is because of a bilge pump failure? I’d have something quite independent if I was you

Also can buy (or make) a bilge pump counter which will tell you how many times it has run since last reset. Potentially very useful

Graeme


Sent from my iPad

> On 18 Mar 2021, at 02:37, Tom Grass <tgra...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320. West Marine

pto...@4square.net

unread,
Mar 18, 2021, 7:35:04 AM3/18/21
to C320...@catalina320.com
You could BUT the high water alarm needs to trigger only when the pump fails to keep up, so it should be mounted higher.

Pat Tormey

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Graeme Clark <c...@skyflyer.co.uk>
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2021 2:47:44 AM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm

appl...@yahoo.com

unread,
Mar 18, 2021, 7:48:09 AM3/18/21
to C320...@catalina320.com, Tracy Grass
On a previous boat with an open transom (i.e., an instantaneous-draining cockpit), I plumbed the bilge exit into the cockpit.
Result: a shorter, easier run for the pump. Also, if your toes got wet, you knew the bilge had filled.
Joe Jablonowski C320 #103


- Joe Jablonowski

Tom Grass

unread,
Mar 18, 2021, 11:56:42 AM3/18/21
to C320...@catalina320.com
Thanks for the ideas and suggestions. This is a very knowledgeable group!

Tom Grass

On Thu, Mar 18, 2021 at 6:35 AM pto...@4square.net <pto...@4square.net>
wrote:

Ken Geiger

unread,
Mar 18, 2021, 2:49:34 PM3/18/21
to tgra...@gmail.com, C320...@catalina320.com
If one has WIFI on the boat either all the time of just at dock, there are sensors and monitors that will alert your cell phone of water where it is not wanted.  Mostly used for house security.  HD also has 9V detector/110 Db alarm and more

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/building-materials/electrical/home-security-and-surveillance/alarm-systems-and-sensors/water-leak-detectors.html
keep us posted. 

Ken GeigerNorthern Dream #765 2000soon to be back on Georgian Bay

Scott Westwood

unread,
Mar 18, 2021, 5:24:33 PM3/18/21
to c320...@lists.catalina320.com
I installed a separate (Honeywell) high water alarm and tied it to the bilge power (at the panel- fused separate).  I had to get a step down transformer (12v to 5v).
DROK 090581 DC-DC Buck Converter 12V/24V to 5V 5A/25W Step-down Voltage Transformer Volt Regulator Power Supply Inverter Module $11.50.
so I didn't have to replace batteries.  I also used a Honeywell (Battery operated)
RCHW3610WF Wi-Fi Water Leak & Freeze Detector by Resideo, White $70

The reason I wanted that particular model was the wifi connection and Honeywell cell phone app. The boat is at our private dock (2 1/2 hour drive away) and in our wifi range. It also logs humidity/temp with a running history.  It has an audible alarm (If we were on the boat) but not sure anymore how loud it is?  Could be enough since we are light sleepers. If we are in cell phone range we could use our hotspot as wifi source and get cell alarm.  I simply mounted a small board above the bilge, mounted the sensor and step/down to it, and ran the (included) 3ft "sensor" wire where I wanted it to alert/sense (below the mounting board).  NOTE: Hindsight I would have mounted the step-down separately and higher in case I couldn't address the issue soon enough.
No monthly fees and I get an alarm on my cell if it goes off line (wifi issues usually-so far) or has high humidity/temp.  




Thanks,




Scott Westwood scottw...@bellsouth.net C (919)- 819-9794


On Thursday, March 18, 2021, 04:01:30 PM EDT, c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

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Today's Topics:

  1. High Water Alarm (Tom Grass)
  2. Re: Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320 MK II (Troy Dunn)
  3. Re: Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320 MK II
      (Stephen Cox)
  4. Re: High Water Alarm (Stephen Cox)
  5. Tachometer only works at startup (Clay Carter)
  6. Re: High Water Alarm (Graeme Clark)
  7. Re: High Water Alarm (pto...@4square.net)
  8. Re: High Water Alarm (appl...@yahoo.com)
  9. Re: Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320 MK II
      (Jack Brennan)
  10. Re: Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320 MK II
      (Stephen Cox)
  11. Re: Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320 MK II
      (Jack Brennan)
  12. Re: High Water Alarm (Tom Grass)
  13. Re: High Water Alarm (Ken Geiger)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2021 21:37:21 -0500
Cc: Tracy Grass <tracy...@gmail.com>
Subject: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
Message-ID:
    <CAGdN-uX1TUv3=iF-Ogb-bxF75FX33ib...@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320.  West Marine
sells a specific unit that sounds a horn when the water reaches a certain
level; this is a separate circuit from the bilge pump wiring.  Our boat
also has a light that comes on when the bilge is running (in AUTO mode).
Could a horn be hooked up to the light circuit to sound when the bilge is
on?

Thanks,

Tom Grass


------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2021 22:47:14 -0400
From: Troy Dunn <troutw...@gmail.com>
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320
    MK II
Message-ID:
    <CA+rGV8bgCB8ijYBLeVUy_oOQVaG43zx==QDM3TCDR...@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Ian

Hopefully someone with a MK II hull will come along and confirm.  I don?t
believe the stock alternator is fused on a  320.    I believe on later
model 320s there is an 80A breaker (or maybe a fuse)  located at the
battery combiner/selector switch.  If this is blown however I think your
house loads would not work either.  18V does seem quite high.    If the
alternator is not an upgrade, the internal VR seems like a possible culprit
for sure.  If your batteries aren?t charging at all, even on shore
power,.check and make sure the fuses for the shore power aren't blown,
these should be located within 7? of the batteries.  If both the fuses are
blown AND the VR is blown...that's unusual...lightening strike?

Regards

Troy Dunn
Hull #514


------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:35:01 +1100
From: "Stephen Cox" <sc...@timmin.com>
To: <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320
    MK II
Message-ID: <3779245390A04FB5B89D7E1302A46C46@OPTI9010>
Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"


>
> Hopefully someone with a MK II hull will come along and
> confirm.  I don't
> believe the stock alternator is fused on a  320.    I believe on later
> model 320s there is an 80A breaker (or maybe a fuse)  located at the
> battery combiner/selector switch. 

I haven't found any fuses for the stock alternator on my C320 MK II and neither is there any fuse or circuit breaker on the
electrical panel. 

There are Limitron KTK-40 inline fuses (40a) near the batteries on the positive cables from the mains charger.


Stephen Cox
Tegwen #1141



------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:59:06 +1100
From: "Stephen Cox" <sc...@timmin.com>
To: <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Cc: "'Tracy Grass'" <tracy...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
Message-ID: <0E3E136210124AD8ABE1CDF76D58A819@OPTI9010>
Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="us-ascii"


>
> We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320. 
> West Marine sells a specific unit that sounds a horn when the
> water reaches a certain level; this is a separate circuit
> from the bilge pump wiring.  Our boat also has a light that
> comes on when the bilge is running (in AUTO mode).
> Could a horn be hooked up to the light circuit to sound when
> the bilge is on?
>

Yes, providing that the combined current draw of the light and the horn are within the ratings of whatever switches on the light
now.  If you use something like
https://www.jameco.com/z/11D3120-LF-TA-Jameco-Valuepro-Audio-Indicator-and-Alerts-Buzzer-Piezo-25mA-12-Volt-Screw-Panel-Mount_249498
.html which draws 25ma at 12v it should be OK.  This model has two connections, one continuous sound, one pulsed, so you can
differentiate between two devices if your alarms switch to ground or just choose the sound of your choice for one.

Regards,

Stephen Cox
Tegwen #1141



------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2021 21:23:22 -0700
From: Clay Carter <fclay...@yahoo.com>
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Tachometer only works at startup
Message-ID: <5D679E34-D7A6-4A14...@yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

I have a 1994 Perkins M30.  Tach works for about 2 seconds only at engine startup and then falls to 0.  With engine running the hour meter which is located in the tachometer continues working. Thoughts on what the issue might be?  The tach itself?  Sender?  (Is there a sender for the tach?)
 
Thanks for your input.

Clay Carter
#225 We?ll Sea
Alamitos Bay, CA


------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:47:44 +0000
From: Graeme Clark <c...@skyflyer.co.uk>
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
Message-ID: <0B685CD6-4DC0-4AE7...@skyflyer.co.uk>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Tom

What if  the high water situation is because of a bilge pump failure? I?d have something quite independent if I was you

Also can buy (or make) a bilge pump counter which will tell you how many times it has run since last reset. Potentially very useful

Graeme


Sent from my iPad

> On 18 Mar 2021, at 02:37, Tom Grass <tgra...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> ?We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320.  West Marine
> sells a specific unit that sounds a horn when the water reaches a certain
> level; this is a separate circuit from the bilge pump wiring.  Our boat
> also has a light that comes on when the bilge is running (in AUTO mode).
> Could a horn be hooked up to the light circuit to sound when the bilge is
> on?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tom Grass



------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 11:34:53 +0000
From: "pto...@4square.net" <pto...@4square.net>
To: "C320...@catalina320.com" <C320...@catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
Message-ID:
    <MN2PR07MB59663FBA7E...@MN2PR07MB5966.namprd07.prod.outlook.com>
   
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

You could BUT the high water alarm needs to trigger only when the pump fails to keep up, so it should be mounted higher.

Pat Tormey

________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Graeme Clark <c...@skyflyer.co.uk>
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2021 2:47:44 AM
To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm

Tom

What if  the high water situation is because of a bilge pump failure? I?d have something quite independent if I was you

Also can buy (or make) a bilge pump counter which will tell you how many times it has run since last reset. Potentially very useful

Graeme


Sent from my iPad

> On 18 Mar 2021, at 02:37, Tom Grass <tgra...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> ?We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320.  West Marine
> sells a specific unit that sounds a horn when the water reaches a certain
> level; this is a separate circuit from the bilge pump wiring.  Our boat
> also has a light that comes on when the bilge is running (in AUTO mode).
> Could a horn be hooked up to the light circuit to sound when the bilge is
> on?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Tom Grass


------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:47:53 -0400
From: appl...@yahoo.com
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Cc: Tracy Grass <tracy...@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
Message-ID: <7179D92B-ED17-4C37...@yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=us-ascii

On a previous boat with an open transom (i.e., an instantaneous-draining cockpit), I plumbed the bilge exit into the cockpit.
Result: a shorter, easier run for the pump. Also, if your toes got wet, you knew the bilge had filled.
Joe Jablonowski C320 #103


- Joe Jablonowski

> On Mar 17, 2021, at 11:59 PM, Stephen Cox <sc...@timmin.com> wrote:
>
>
>>
>> We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320. 
>> West Marine sells a specific unit that sounds a horn when the
>> water reaches a certain level; this is a separate circuit
>> from the bilge pump wiring.  Our boat also has a light that
>> comes on when the bilge is running (in AUTO mode).
>> Could a horn be hooked up to the light circuit to sound when
>> the bilge is on?
>>
>
> Yes, providing that the combined current draw of the light and the horn are within the ratings of whatever switches on the light
> now.  If you use something like
> https://www.jameco.com/z/11D3120-LF-TA-Jameco-Valuepro-Audio-Indicator-and-Alerts-Buzzer-Piezo-25mA-12-Volt-Screw-Panel-Mount_249498
> .html which draws 25ma at 12v it should be OK.  This model has two connections, one continuous sound, one pulsed, so you can
> differentiate between two devices if your alarms switch to ground or just choose the sound of your choice for one.
>
> Regards,
>
> Stephen Cox
> Tegwen #1141
>



------------------------------

Message: 9
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 08:07:43 -0400
From: Jack Brennan <jackb...@bellsouth.net>
To: "C320...@Catalina320.com" <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320
    MK II
Message-ID:
    <mailman.2.1616097685.18103...@lists.catalina320.com>
   
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

I didn?t see the start of this thread, but I think I can contribute.

These stock alternators are aftermarket, not made by Yanmar, despite the sticker. Do some searches on the Internet. You can buy a 50 amp for $120 or so. There might be 80s out there, too. The same one with the Yanmar sticker will cost you $800.

Even though it seems illogical, there?s not a large difference between the 50 and 80 stock units unless you have a huge battery bank.

That?s because the charging rate slows as the alternator heats up and because the acceptance rate slows for your batteries as they fill up. You might start at 80, but you?ll soon be at 50 or 30 or less.

My alternator is not fused. It is wired to the common pole on the switch. If you switch through off when the diesel is running, you kill the alternator.  I have 200 amp fuses on the positive battery posts to protect from short circuit and fire.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.



Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Stephen Cox
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 11:35 PM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320 MK II


>
> Hopefully someone with a MK II hull will come along and
> confirm.  I don't
> believe the stock alternator is fused on a  320.    I believe on later
> model 320s there is an 80A breaker (or maybe a fuse)  located at the
> battery combiner/selector switch. 

I haven't found any fuses for the stock alternator on my C320 MK II and neither is there any fuse or circuit breaker on the
electrical panel. 

There are Limitron KTK-40 inline fuses (40a) near the batteries on the positive cables from the mains charger.


Stephen Cox
Tegwen #1141




------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2021 00:23:59 +1100
From: "Stephen Cox" <sc...@timmin.com>
To: <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320
    MK II
Message-ID: <E1F976E4BD2442199673DBC226B0336E@OPTI9010>
Content-Type: text/plain;    charset="US-ASCII"


> These stock alternators are aftermarket, not made by Yanmar,
> despite the sticker. Do some searches on the Internet. You
> can buy a 50 amp for $120 or so. There might be 80s out
> there, too. The same one with the Yanmar sticker will cost you $800.
>

They are made by Hitachi.

Regards,

Stephen Cox
Tegwen #1141



------------------------------

Message: 11
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 09:41:29 -0400
From: Jack Brennan <jackb...@bellsouth.net>
To: "C320...@Catalina320.com" <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320
    MK II
Message-ID:
    <mailman.3.1616097685.18103...@lists.catalina320.com>
   
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8"

Used to be. The ones on the Internet are now made by a factory in China. Other companies rebrand them. I think Hitachi got undercut.

I tried to buy a Hitachi two years ago and couldn?t find one.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Stephen Cox
Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2021 9:24 AM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Alternator Fuse on Yanmar 3YM30 powered 320 MK II


> These stock alternators are aftermarket, not made by Yanmar,
> despite the sticker. Do some searches on the Internet. You
> can buy a 50 amp for $120 or so. There might be 80s out
> there, too. The same one with the Yanmar sticker will cost you $800.
>

They are made by Hitachi.

Regards,

Stephen Cox
Tegwen #1141




------------------------------

Message: 12
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 10:56:22 -0500
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
Message-ID:
    <CAGdN-uWgX=YKBhLtE4pCyabhhEJZdn...@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions.  This is a very knowledgeable group!

Tom Grass

On Thu, Mar 18, 2021 at 6:35 AM pto...@4square.net <pto...@4square.net>
wrote:

> You could BUT the high water alarm needs to trigger only when the pump
> fails to keep up, so it should be mounted higher.
>
> Pat Tormey
>
> ________________________________
> From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of
> Graeme Clark <c...@skyflyer.co.uk>
> Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2021 2:47:44 AM
> To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
>
> Tom
>
> What if  the high water situation is because of a bilge pump failure? I?d
> have something quite independent if I was you
>
> Also can buy (or make) a bilge pump counter which will tell you how many
> times it has run since last reset. Potentially very useful
>
> Graeme
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On 18 Mar 2021, at 02:37, Tom Grass <tgra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > ?We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320.  West
> Marine
> > sells a specific unit that sounds a horn when the water reaches a certain
> > level; this is a separate circuit from the bilge pump wiring.  Our boat
> > also has a light that comes on when the bilge is running (in AUTO mode).
> > Could a horn be hooked up to the light circuit to sound when the bilge is
> > on?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Tom Grass
>
>


------------------------------

Message: 13
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 2021 18:49:24 +0000 (UTC)
From: Ken Geiger <ken...@aol.com>
To: "tgra...@gmail.com" <tgra...@gmail.com>,
    "C320...@catalina320.com" <C320...@catalina320.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
Message-ID: <1135760272.26058...@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

If one has WIFI on the boat either all the time of just at dock, there are sensors and monitors that will alert your cell phone of water where it is not wanted.? Mostly used for house security.? HD also has 9V detector/110 Db alarm and more

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/categories/building-materials/electrical/home-security-and-surveillance/alarm-systems-and-sensors/water-leak-detectors.html
keep us posted.?

Ken GeigerNorthern Dream #765 2000soon to be back on Georgian Bay


-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Grass <tgra...@gmail.com>
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Sent: Thu, Mar 18, 2021 11:56 am
Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm

Thanks for the ideas and suggestions.? This is a very knowledgeable group!

Tom Grass

On Thu, Mar 18, 2021 at 6:35 AM pto...@4square.net <pto...@4square.net>
wrote:

> You could BUT the high water alarm needs to trigger only when the pump
> fails to keep up, so it should be mounted higher.
>
> Pat Tormey
>
> ________________________________
> From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of
> Graeme Clark <c...@skyflyer.co.uk>
> Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2021 2:47:44 AM
> To: C320...@catalina320.com <C320...@catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] High Water Alarm
>
> Tom
>
> What if? the high water situation is because of a bilge pump failure? I?d
> have something quite independent if I was you
>
> Also can buy (or make) a bilge pump counter which will tell you how many
> times it has run since last reset. Potentially very useful
>
> Graeme
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On 18 Mar 2021, at 02:37, Tom Grass <tgra...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > ?We are looking at installing a high water alarm on our C320.? West
> Marine
> > sells a specific unit that sounds a horn when the water reaches a certain
> > level; this is a separate circuit from the bilge pump wiring.? Our boat
> > also has a light that comes on when the bilge is running (in AUTO mode).
> > Could a horn be hooked up to the light circuit to sound when the bilge is
> > on?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Tom Grass
>
>


End of C320-list Digest, Vol 3965, Issue 1
******************************************

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