Batteries AGM/Gel/Wet

[Ross]

Smitty, I am a remodeler by trade so I may not

be a good one to listen to. But consider what you need for capacity and then MAKE a place for the batteries. I tend to look at boats as blank canvases just waiting for someone to get creative.

 

[Clark]

A Group 24 Starting battery will be fine.

At least that is what I used; DEKA 9A34M - 750 CCA; in a Gp 24 form factor. Lifeline has the best reputation but I have no direct experience.

 

[Terry Cox]

Hi Smitty, I went to the local Interstate Battery.

distribution center, after talking to one of their truck drivers, and asked them what they could do for me on two 8D wets. They sold me the two batteries for almost the price of one at WM. That was two years ago and they are still running strong. I suspect I'll get five to seven years out of them. I plan to go the same route when it comes time to replace them.If you call they will give you their standard retail price. Go there and look the guy or gal in the eye and ask if they can do better on the price. Worked for me.Terry

 

[Steve Dion]

Optima for a starting battery.

Smitty:You can use a Optima battery for your starter. I do not think you will find a smaller battery with this much power for it's size. It can be used in almost any sized compartment and it is totally sealed so there is no need to worry about gasing or acid leakage.When I was looking for batteries I spoke to a fellow at the boat show and his recommendation was to go with Gel's. I have a Xantrex charger that allows for multiple chemistries so mixing batteries is not much of an issue.The Gel's like the AGM's are totally maintenance free. They are more sensative to over charging but have a longer life. I paid about $180 for G31's.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Archive search

try searching for "battery" - over 100 discussion posts with lots of varied opinion and options to consider

 

[BobW]

Why go through all that trouble....

to force-fit a starting battery in the boat?Smitty, you have everything you need to adequately, safely and reliably supply your DC needs simply by installing 2 Group 31 batteries in the existing location, wiring them in 2 banks, and stashing away an emergency 'jump-starter'.Under normal circumstances, you would leave the dock with both batteries at 100%, run one down to about 50%, then switch to the other. When that battery reaches a pre-set level - say 50% - you will have consumed 100 amps, and you'll know that it's time to fire up the engine and put some juice back. At 50% on both batteries, your alternator will be running at peak efficiency, and give you back 80 amp/hours in an hour of charging.Look at it this way: even if you do go through all the trouble of installing a dedicated (third) start battery, you'll still be wanting to charge when you hit 50% on each house battery, so you won't be gaining anything.And a Group 31 shouldn't have any problem starting a small diesel at 50% charge- certainly BOTH in parallel will crank your engine.If you were sailing to Europe, or embarking on a circumnavigation or a trip up the Amazon, I'd probably suggest you install a dedicated start battery, but you're not. Why not start with the 2 Group 31s and then, after sailing on a few trips, if you really feel you need a dedicated start battery, install one then?Cheers,Bobs/v X SAIL R 8Note: OK, now I'm going to hear all the arguments in favor of HAVING to have a dedicated start battery - that's fine, I'd like to hear them.FWIW, I don't have one - I've got 2 Group 27s in one bank and an 8D in the other. That gives me a total of about 350 A/H on my '87 H31. Oh, and I have a 'jump-start' box as well. Finally, the 8D is an Interstate battery and is 11 years old - that's an endorsement for Interstate batteries, for sure.

 

[sailaway78]

Starting Battery

I tend to disagree with those who are telling you that a seperate start battery is not necessary. I prefer a dedicated start battery with a 1 - 2 - both selector switch. This is just my opinion,I do not have one of the portable jump starters. A group 24 start battery should be sufficient to crank your engine. I don't have much of an opinion one way or the other on the AGM or Gell batteries. I use standard wet cells, mostly because that is all I have ever used and I don't have a space problem. But they do offer the advantage of being totally maint. free, and you can install on their side if needed. I understand that they are a little heavier. This may be the deciding factor for you.

 

[Smitty]

How about a Lifeline GPL-1400T

for a starting battery? It's small (I can fit it in), seems to have plenty of power and with the switch I'm using, I can parallel it with the 2 group 31s.Here's a link to its specs. Do you folks think this would work?

 

[sailaway78]

COLD CRANKING AMPS

Smitty,Yeah, that battery should be fine for a start battery. Has enough cranking amps it should spin it over with no problem. Pretty small too. Is it real pricey??

 

[Smitty]

Yeah, but

If it's all that'll fit, what else is there? A fast look around the net said $180.00 - $220.00. A lot for a little but then it seems to pack a lot into a small space.

 

[seadaddler]

Smallest Battery

It doesn't take much to turn over a small engine andI think that's what you have.I once anchored over night and by morning my two 27 group batteries were pretty dead but I waited 15 minutes itstarted right up.So what I am saying is for a start battery get the smallest autobattery that fits and don't need to spend big $$$,and spend the buck's on good house bank and make sure all batteries are charging properly and start is kept separate from house bank.You could also have a emergency cross over house bank to the start battery. Nick

 

[Rapport]

Battery type used

As a cheap person I have chosen to stay with flooded type (You need to follow the 50%discharge rule, charge at 25% or better at 10%, and replace energy used as soon as possible i.e. next day). The deep discharge type only and purchased using a cost per Ah. There are only a few battery manufactures left that supply most brands (i.e. Johnson Control, Exide). But due to mass production Golf cart type or Group 27 seem to have the lowest price. Battery making is still an art, so only buy new batteries (check date code) and only group in the battery bank using the same lot number. Also check out Practical Sailor battery test. Check Wal-Mart, Sam Club or I got the best price at a Farm and Fleet on sale. Expect to replace the batteries every 5 years or when batteries reach 12.2 Volts with 24 hours rest no load after full charge is given. (60% remaining level) I am on battery set five going on year 24 same boat using the about.If cost is not a factor AGM are very forgiving to used (charging and discharge) but they also have a life spam.