As I decide how to replace my house batteries, I'm condsidering 6V batteries. I see that the Trojon T105 has about 214 amp hours. So does that mean if I hook two T105's in series I'll get 428ah?? Or since its a 12V system it'll just be reduced by half, so I'm back to 214ah?? Thanks. Bob
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12V, 214AH
If you add the 2 sixes in series to make 12 volts, the AH remains the same at 214. In series, you add the voltages , but the current or in this case the AH remains the same. On the other hand, if the batteries were in parallel, for example 2 twelves, then the voltage would remaim the same (12V) , but the AH would double.
If you add the 2 sixes in series to make 12 volts, the AH remains the same at 214. In series, you add the voltages , but the current or in this case the AH remains the same. On the other hand, if the batteries were in parallel, for example 2 twelves, then the voltage would remaim the same (12V) , but the AH would double.
I've done the same as you except
I've added 4 six volt golf cart batteries; I like this system since it can take a bit of abuse - as demonstrated by golf cart drivers. I opted for four as are suppose to only drain the battery bank half way before re-charge so I don't see it as having 2 sets of 214 amp hours, but having 214 amps to play with in a two to four day usage.
I've added 4 six volt golf cart batteries; I like this system since it can take a bit of abuse - as demonstrated by golf cart drivers. I opted for four as are suppose to only drain the battery bank half way before re-charge so I don't see it as having 2 sets of 214 amp hours, but having 214 amps to play with in a two to four day usage.
To:RSN48
I currently have two 8D batteries as my house power, set up with an isolated start battery. I am looking to replace the 8D's with four 6V's. Lugging those 8D's in & out of the boat is a real pain in the #*&@%. I think the 6V's will be much easier to handle. Thanks for the help. Bob.
I currently have two 8D batteries as my house power, set up with an isolated start battery. I am looking to replace the 8D's with four 6V's. Lugging those 8D's in & out of the boat is a real pain in the #*&@%. I think the 6V's will be much easier to handle. Thanks for the help. Bob.
Tell us about your trip
How was it? What time did you leave? and when did you arrive? We always go up to Oceanside and than across, but I'm thinking of doing it at night instead. Dwain
How was it? What time did you leave? and when did you arrive? We always go up to Oceanside and than across, but I'm thinking of doing it at night instead. Dwain
Way to go Bob
The 4 sixer's are definately the way to go. When i had a large woodworking business, I had 2 electric fork lifts, each by a different manufacturer. They both recommended ONLY 6v golf cart batteries. That ought to tell you something.
The 4 sixer's are definately the way to go. When i had a large woodworking business, I had 2 electric fork lifts, each by a different manufacturer. They both recommended ONLY 6v golf cart batteries. That ought to tell you something.
Check the size
Make sure the battery box can accomidate the 6v batteries. These are normaly taller than the standard battery.
Make sure the battery box can accomidate the 6v batteries. These are normaly taller than the standard battery.
yes and no
Add two 6 volts together (postive to negative) you'll get 12 volts and the SAME amperage. Of this amperage, figure you can use only 1/2 or 1/4 of it because repeated deep discharge of the batteries will hurt their longevity. All keep in mind: 1) 6v batteries are taller than most 12v's. Check the West Marine catalog for physical size info. 2) 6v batteries have few cells / plates than their 12v counterparts so be sure you have a multi-stage charger install on your boat to charger them properly from shore power. You should also consider a multi-stage regulator (and possibly a larger alternator) to charge them properly at see. Two batteries = 6 cells therefore if one cell goes bad from being over charged / under watered your expense & high amp battery bank can then only put out 10v at best. 3) If you're gonna spend the money on good 6v batteries, a final consideration is to get a proper battery monitor such as Link 10 so you can keep an eye on your battery supply and usage. 4) Strap all of your batteries in, be sure they are sitting in trays that can catch electrolyte if they boil over and ofcourse, cover the postive posts with protective boots. Thought it was going to be easy, eh?
Add two 6 volts together (postive to negative) you'll get 12 volts and the SAME amperage. Of this amperage, figure you can use only 1/2 or 1/4 of it because repeated deep discharge of the batteries will hurt their longevity. All keep in mind: 1) 6v batteries are taller than most 12v's. Check the West Marine catalog for physical size info. 2) 6v batteries have few cells / plates than their 12v counterparts so be sure you have a multi-stage charger install on your boat to charger them properly from shore power. You should also consider a multi-stage regulator (and possibly a larger alternator) to charge them properly at see. Two batteries = 6 cells therefore if one cell goes bad from being over charged / under watered your expense & high amp battery bank can then only put out 10v at best. 3) If you're gonna spend the money on good 6v batteries, a final consideration is to get a proper battery monitor such as Link 10 so you can keep an eye on your battery supply and usage. 4) Strap all of your batteries in, be sure they are sitting in trays that can catch electrolyte if they boil over and ofcourse, cover the postive posts with protective boots. Thought it was going to be easy, eh?
kaptaindave every thing you said
can be said for the standard 12 volt batteries. Golf cart chargers are really primitive compared to our new marine chargers. The point being is Golfcart batteries can take alot of abuse. Way more than Gel or AGM types. No special alternator is needed or regulator. However to get the most bang ofr the buck three stage chargers and regulators can be used. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
can be said for the standard 12 volt batteries. Golf cart chargers are really primitive compared to our new marine chargers. The point being is Golfcart batteries can take alot of abuse. Way more than Gel or AGM types. No special alternator is needed or regulator. However to get the most bang ofr the buck three stage chargers and regulators can be used. Fair Winds Cap'n Dave
Golf Cart Batts
Capn Dave is right. Lets not over complicate this. It doesnt matter what kind of batts u buy, u still have to measure the bttery box first. West Marine is the VERY LAST place i would look for batteries. Check with SAMS Club. i know they had them. Ill bet walmart does also. If you look at the AH/$ The Golf cart batts are just a hair higher, but you are getting a much better and longer lasteing battery. When you put 2 6V batts in series, the voltage gets added to make 12V. The AH remains the same as if it was only the one 6V batt. Given this, price out 2 6V bats and look at the AH of just one of them. Then look at the price of an equivelent AH 12V batt. Not much difference.
Capn Dave is right. Lets not over complicate this. It doesnt matter what kind of batts u buy, u still have to measure the bttery box first. West Marine is the VERY LAST place i would look for batteries. Check with SAMS Club. i know they had them. Ill bet walmart does also. If you look at the AH/$ The Golf cart batts are just a hair higher, but you are getting a much better and longer lasteing battery. When you put 2 6V batts in series, the voltage gets added to make 12V. The AH remains the same as if it was only the one 6V batt. Given this, price out 2 6V bats and look at the AH of just one of them. Then look at the price of an equivelent AH 12V batt. Not much difference.
Good advice
There is some good advice here, listen to it. Two 6 volt 214 AH batteries, will give you 214 AH at 12 volts when wired in series. The golf cart batteries will definately take more abuse than the marine types, and you DO NOT need any special charger for them. Go with the sixes if you have the space
There is some good advice here, listen to it. Two 6 volt 214 AH batteries, will give you 214 AH at 12 volts when wired in series. The golf cart batteries will definately take more abuse than the marine types, and you DO NOT need any special charger for them. Go with the sixes if you have the space
**** IF YOU HAVE THE SPACE!!! ****
All good advice as stated in the previous posts. However, BEFORE you empty your penny jar, be sure you have accurate physical measurements of the batteries you are considering and that you have sufficient space to install them!! Most 6v batteries are much taller than the 12v batteries that your boat was probably designed for. My neighbor now has a really nice set of four 6v batteries that wouldnt fit in my boat without unacceptable modifications.
All good advice as stated in the previous posts. However, BEFORE you empty your penny jar, be sure you have accurate physical measurements of the batteries you are considering and that you have sufficient space to install them!! Most 6v batteries are much taller than the 12v batteries that your boat was probably designed for. My neighbor now has a really nice set of four 6v batteries that wouldnt fit in my boat without unacceptable modifications.
6 volt bats
A good source for 6v batteries is a NAPA auto parts store. They'll have to order them for you, but you'll get them in a day or so. They're made by Exide, one of the best makers around. I've heard they also manufacture the Trojan brand, which is very well regarded. Also consider ordering one of those automatic fillers(NAPA also has them.) It'll make maintaining them easier. I have 6v bats and like them for all the reasons others have mentioned.
A good source for 6v batteries is a NAPA auto parts store. They'll have to order them for you, but you'll get them in a day or so. They're made by Exide, one of the best makers around. I've heard they also manufacture the Trojan brand, which is very well regarded. Also consider ordering one of those automatic fillers(NAPA also has them.) It'll make maintaining them easier. I have 6v bats and like them for all the reasons others have mentioned.
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