Geoff Johnson
Fellow Ericson Owner
A few weeks ago I finally got around to installing a Link 20 battery monitor that I had purchased a few years ago. When I fired it up, I was shocked to see that the charge voltage at the battery was down to 13.2 volts (basically useless). I have now implemented wiring change "A" recommended by Tom Metzger (specs found on this site) which involved disconnecting the 10 gauge alternator output wire running to the ammeter on the engine panel and replacing it with a short 6 gauge wire running from the alternator output post directly to the solenoid (which is connected to the positive common from the battery switch). The charging voltage jumped to 13.8 volts, which is adequate, although I may still install a three stage regulator next winter to get the bulk phase up to 14.4 volts. The moral is that as the boats get older (mine's a 1985), the electrical system in particular needs attention.