I agree, if you have water completely flooding your batteries you do have
more serious thing to worry about.
On batteries -- AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries will work underwater
upside down, on deck or wherever, and not short out or leak. They need no
care. They were originally designed for the F-18 fighter jet by the Concorde
Battery Company, but others make them now.
The other sealed battery is the Gel and I wouldn't recommend those as they
are a little more sensitive to voltage and actually run at a lower voltage
than the AGM - they charge the same as a flooded battery. AGMs actually have
a longer life than flooded - but they cost more.
Interesting that someone else extended the battery shelf in the bilge. I am
doing the same and have three Optimus Blue batteries there - since Optimus
is a smaller footprint they fit even though the cavity narrows. They each
put out about 50 Amps as I recall. I like them since they are relatively
light. I don't have an engine start battery since it seems a waste. I just
have one bank - I do carry a jump battery though - this also gives me a
source of portable power that I find handy. If I ever lost the battery bank
I could still start the engine. But I monitor the batteries very, very
carefully and always keep them at a 75% charge - well I try to - I never let
them get below 12.6 volts or so. Optimus batteries come in three cases - red
for starting, yellow for heavy duty, and blue for marine (these use
stainless hardware). There are several brands of AGM that look like a
traditional battery and they are available at marine stores (however go to a
wholesale/retail battery place for better selection, price, and advice).
Optimus batteries are a different shape in that they use a coiled up plate
or something like that. They are more expensive. However I always keep my
eye out and found a dealer who sells 2nds or blems. They are fine
mechanically just have a case that is a little distressed. My son-in-law was
manager of a wholesale/retail battery distributer and he says they are as
good as the others. The blems cost me less than I can get regular Optimus at
wholesale.
From:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com [mailto:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf
Of Nico Walsh
Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2009 7:07 AM
To:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [AlbinVega] Re: Battery Installation
I read in Ocean Navigator that the newest type batteries can survive
submerging and will even continue to put out power under water. The present
location of batteries in the Vega is extremely good
for weight distribution (both low and away from the ends), the only downside
being vulnerability to submergence. Were I outfitting for blue water, I'd
think about replacing my standard type batteries with the type that can
survive being submerged. Having done that, I do not think I'd relocate the
batteries or locate another battery in a locker.
Having said that, immediately abaft the rudder post seems like a pretty good
spot for a battery locker, though small.
Nicholas Walsh
Nicholas H. Walsh P.A.
111 Commercial Street
Portland Maine 04101
Tel. 207/772-2191
fax 207/774-3940
This email was sent from the law firm of Nicholas H. Walsh P.A. It may
contain information that is privileged and confidential. If you suspect that
you were not intended to receive this email, please delete it and notify us
as soon as possible. Thank you.
From: j.hunter9999
Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 8:15 PM
To:
AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com mailto:AlbinVega%40yahoogroups.com
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re: Battery Installation
Any thoughts on this?
