1989 H30 Battery Options

[Dave Swanson]

I have a 1989 H30. It has 2 group 24 batteries port of centerline under the aft near the engine. These batteries are used for both house and starting loads. I would likt to upgrade the size of these batteries and add a dedicated starting battery. Has anyone done this on their H30 or similar vessel? Where did they locate the dedicated starting battery? How big of house batteries did you upgrade to? What type were they (gel, AGM, lead acid)? It appears that I can only get 1 group 27 and 1 group 24 to fit in this location (in battery boxes). The hull slopes upward so the port battery does not have enough clearance for a group 27 battery (because of the length). Is there any problem with using two house batteries of different sizes? Does anyone know of a manufacturer of a "small" gel, AGM or similar starting battery that I could easily locate near the engine? Any and all advice would be appreciated. Thanks.DaveS/V GetAway

 

[Bob Chase]

One possible answer

Dave-I also have an 89 H30, and the battery space is a problem. I believe that in later boats the holding tank was relocated aft, and the batteries located in the head where your holding tank presently is.I boxed in the area of the aft berth by the galley and gained room for two group 27s. For us this was wasted space, and the insert a bit of a pain as it was not well supported and didn't fit well. We redid the cushions for the aft berth, and incorporated the cutout into the cushion. Its a much better and more comfrotable setup.Bob Chase

 

[Steve Dion]

AGM's or Gel

Dave:Optima makes a very powerful starting battery. They are small and very high quality. This would be a good option for your starter. You just need to figure out where to place it. If you use AGM or GEL batteries for your house bank, you do not need battery boxes. We where able to put Group31 (Gel/AGM) in the area behind the engine on our H'31. Another thing, If you decide to switch to AGM or Gel's be sure that your battery charger will handle them. The Statpower Smart Charger (20 or 40 amp) is one of the better (non-inverter) options for this purpose.

 

[David]

Batteries

CFR 183.240 and NFPA 302 7-43 require all batteries to be covered at the terminals and secured.

 

[Dave Swanson]

Thanks for the input!

Thanks everyone for the input. I am going to look into the Optima starting battery and see what kind of space I can create to located it close to the engine but out of the way. Thanks alot for the ideas. Happy sailing