A lot of articles have been written about battery installations on boats,eg.deep cell viz cranking(starting)batteries.The deep cell are very expensive here,I was wondering if anybody has done a direct comparision between fitting a cranking battery in place of previously fitter deep cell,and what were the results. Regards, Gerry
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The difference is
in the batteries charging capacity. A Deep Cycle is intended or constructed to be almost completely discharged and recharged many times. As you probably know, boat owners usually use this battery for operating onboard lights and systems when the engine is not running. Whereas, a cranking battery is and should be maintained at its optimum voltage and amperage rating. The alternator on your engine takes care of doing this. Its primary usage is as the name implies--to start the engine. There are many technical reasons and explainations related to these two types of batteries. However, I would not rely upon a cranking battery to operate onboard systems. It will not hold up over time, but a deep cycle will. You can find deep cycle batteries at almost any store where batteries are sold. These tend to be less expensive at automotive or discount stores. Nonetheless, the extra you might pay for a "good" deep cycle battery will benefit you in the long run.
in the batteries charging capacity. A Deep Cycle is intended or constructed to be almost completely discharged and recharged many times. As you probably know, boat owners usually use this battery for operating onboard lights and systems when the engine is not running. Whereas, a cranking battery is and should be maintained at its optimum voltage and amperage rating. The alternator on your engine takes care of doing this. Its primary usage is as the name implies--to start the engine. There are many technical reasons and explainations related to these two types of batteries. However, I would not rely upon a cranking battery to operate onboard systems. It will not hold up over time, but a deep cycle will. You can find deep cycle batteries at almost any store where batteries are sold. These tend to be less expensive at automotive or discount stores. Nonetheless, the extra you might pay for a "good" deep cycle battery will benefit you in the long run.
deep cycle
batteries are designed to be drawn down to about 50% capacity then recharged repeatedly without shortening their lifespan significantly. Starting batteries are designed to provide short bursts of high output current to start engines. If you try to deep cycle a starting battery you will kill it in short order. There is tons of stuff in the archives about batteries and 12 volt systems here.
batteries are designed to be drawn down to about 50% capacity then recharged repeatedly without shortening their lifespan significantly. Starting batteries are designed to provide short bursts of high output current to start engines. If you try to deep cycle a starting battery you will kill it in short order. There is tons of stuff in the archives about batteries and 12 volt systems here.
Gerry, where is Athlone?
Even in the third world the price of deep cycle batteries is cheap compared to substituting starter-batteries. Don't do it!
Even in the third world the price of deep cycle batteries is cheap compared to substituting starter-batteries. Don't do it!
Athlone
Hi Fred, Athlone is deep in Ireland,on the River Shannon network and my mooring is on Lough Ree a 20x6 mile lake. Deep cell batteries are expensive along with many other things. We have to pay the price for a small population and living just off another island and on the edge of Europe,our nearest neighbour to the west is the good ole USA. Thank's for your advice etc. Regards, Gerry
Hi Fred, Athlone is deep in Ireland,on the River Shannon network and my mooring is on Lough Ree a 20x6 mile lake. Deep cell batteries are expensive along with many other things. We have to pay the price for a small population and living just off another island and on the edge of Europe,our nearest neighbour to the west is the good ole USA. Thank's for your advice etc. Regards, Gerry
Sears Die-Hard Marine
I am not kidding. They are guaranteed when installed in accordance with their intended use (which means, in a pleasure boat) and come in 24 and 27 sizes. Last I looked two 24s for Diana were US$59.00 each. And they are available through the catalogue (although shipping could be a cost. Check the Sears facility nearest you). The cranking amps were adequate (I forget the figure) for an outboard-powered boat that lives off her batteries. And even if they wind up being bad, they're warranteed for 5 years. I'm not sure anything costing 3 times as much in the boatie stores is as consumer-friendly. JC 2 cherubiniyachts@aol.com
I am not kidding. They are guaranteed when installed in accordance with their intended use (which means, in a pleasure boat) and come in 24 and 27 sizes. Last I looked two 24s for Diana were US$59.00 each. And they are available through the catalogue (although shipping could be a cost. Check the Sears facility nearest you). The cranking amps were adequate (I forget the figure) for an outboard-powered boat that lives off her batteries. And even if they wind up being bad, they're warranteed for 5 years. I'm not sure anything costing 3 times as much in the boatie stores is as consumer-friendly. JC 2 cherubiniyachts@aol.com
Athlone
By the way, Gerry-- I love the name of your boat. What kind of boat is it and what does the name mean? JC 2
By the way, Gerry-- I love the name of your boat. What kind of boat is it and what does the name mean? JC 2
Golf Cart Batteries.
Gerry: I don't know if you can find Golf Cart batteries in your part of the world, but they basically fit the bill for your purposes. These are 6 volt, so they need to be properly wired to create a 12 volt environment.
Gerry: I don't know if you can find Golf Cart batteries in your part of the world, but they basically fit the bill for your purposes. These are 6 volt, so they need to be properly wired to create a 12 volt environment.
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