need new batts currently flooded, if switching to agm will current batt charger still function or need to change? And who has best prices?
batteries?
- Thread starter steve shugart
- Start date
Depends on what battery charger you have now, many do and many don't, you will want one with AGM specific settings or even better one that can be user programmed. Also a remote temp sensor s a great option as well.
thanks that makes sense, I believe I have a xantrex charger will go to their web site,the remote temp sen. agood idea also.
I have a 2009 Beneteau 31 and cannot get any power to my DC equipment and appliances. She is hooked to shore power and my AC outlets work. The charger is on, but none of the DC equipment work (navigation, lights, fridge, etc). The main battery works, but there is no power to DC when the motor is running either. I checked the water in the batteries and they were dry. I filled them but they still won't charge or allow power to pass
Or allow power through from the alternator. Could charging the batteries continuously without water have burned them out and blocked the current from passing through? They are only a year and a half old and have been constantly charged while at dock. Jim
Did you put a voltmeter on the batteries? I assume you've checked to make sure the 12v switch was turned on at the DC panel? Ours is on top of the panel adjacent to the meter?
And yes you can burn up the batteries if you don't have water. FYI I leave my charger on whenever the shore power is connected otherwise the fridge would run the batteries down. The 'smart charger' only runs when it sees a voltage drop. I also check the batteries on a regular basis to make sure they have sufficient water
And yes you can burn up the batteries if you don't have water. FYI I leave my charger on whenever the shore power is connected otherwise the fridge would run the batteries down. The 'smart charger' only runs when it sees a voltage drop. I also check the batteries on a regular basis to make sure they have sufficient water
To original poster: I was debating going to AGM too 5 years ago when I replaced my batteries but decided against it for cost and mixing batteries, starting was lead acid. Last year I bought a 50 amp charger (ProTech I series) and most advanced chargers have a AGM programs and I've heard that is important.
Lately I've been reading up on alternators as I've had some issues with mine. Many say that if you have AGM it is very important to have a 3 stage alternator regulator, these are another couple hundred plus maybe a new alternator so that's worth noting as well. I'm have no regrets going with lead acids, easy to maintain, can use my stock alternator, not mixing with starting battery.
Charging and having the stock alternator is important to me as the cost of those external regulators and alternators is crazy, the reason I got a 50 amp charger is we can fully use our Honda 2000 if we need to run at anchor.
Cheers!
Lately I've been reading up on alternators as I've had some issues with mine. Many say that if you have AGM it is very important to have a 3 stage alternator regulator, these are another couple hundred plus maybe a new alternator so that's worth noting as well. I'm have no regrets going with lead acids, easy to maintain, can use my stock alternator, not mixing with starting battery.
Charging and having the stock alternator is important to me as the cost of those external regulators and alternators is crazy, the reason I got a 50 amp charger is we can fully use our Honda 2000 if we need to run at anchor.
Cheers!
This is a complicated question. Our own Maine Sail has recently completed an article for Practical Sailor regarding batteries, charging methods, and how to properly manage your DC system. You should subscribe.
I did recently switch from FLA to AGM, BUT only after replacing my OEM charger with an improved, state-of-the-art MasterVolt BC, that includes adjustable 3-stage charging points, and temperature compensation. I moved my house batteries out of the hot engine compartment too. I also keep my boat in a slip, plugged up to shore power, and have the ability to quickly, and completely recharge my battery pack from a PSOC condition (AC GenSet). If that doesn't sound like something you can pull off, stay with inexpensive disposable FLA golf cart batts, and begin with improvements to your charging and charge control devices.
I did recently switch from FLA to AGM, BUT only after replacing my OEM charger with an improved, state-of-the-art MasterVolt BC, that includes adjustable 3-stage charging points, and temperature compensation. I moved my house batteries out of the hot engine compartment too. I also keep my boat in a slip, plugged up to shore power, and have the ability to quickly, and completely recharge my battery pack from a PSOC condition (AC GenSet). If that doesn't sound like something you can pull off, stay with inexpensive disposable FLA golf cart batts, and begin with improvements to your charging and charge control devices.
I did read Main Sails posts about alternators, good stuff and made me even more happy with flooded. I couldn't justify the price of Balmars and regulators in the boat budget this year and went with a regular dumb alternator that's a bit higher rated than stock Yanmar, worked well so far but last weekend something was going on and not charging... Before going to AGM I'd definitely make sure my charging components didn't fry them, they are $$