I own a2006 Hunter 31 and the batteries are located in the side of the aft cabin. It is so snug that I can just lift off the top of the case but can't figure out how to check the water in the cells. Tried using a mirror unsuccesfully. Any suggestions?
Battery maintenance
- Thread starter Burt22937
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I had this problem
I, too, tried using a flexible mirror and flashlight to check fluid levels -- and also found it wanting. In the end, I replaced the batteries with so-called "maintenance free" batteries. I found they cost about the same, and last about the same time (5-7 yrs), as the batteries replaced. Now I don't worry about fluid levels (although maintenance free batteries can also lose fluid). Since the batteries I replaced still had some life in them, they now reside in the basement and are kept up with a trickle charger now and then. I keep them as spares should they be needed to go back in service. I also have one hooked up to an old VHF radio and listen to the weather channel while working in the basement and thinking of sailing....
I, too, tried using a flexible mirror and flashlight to check fluid levels -- and also found it wanting. In the end, I replaced the batteries with so-called "maintenance free" batteries. I found they cost about the same, and last about the same time (5-7 yrs), as the batteries replaced. Now I don't worry about fluid levels (although maintenance free batteries can also lose fluid). Since the batteries I replaced still had some life in them, they now reside in the basement and are kept up with a trickle charger now and then. I keep them as spares should they be needed to go back in service. I also have one hooked up to an old VHF radio and listen to the weather channel while working in the basement and thinking of sailing....
Go figure
Burt, Being an owner of one (95 336), I bleed Hunter blue, but what were they thinking. It is disappointing to hear that on a modern boat with electrical drains like blenders, stereos, cealing fans
, the batteries are stuck in a hard to get to place. You gotta be sh*ting me. Talk to your dealer, or maybe just suck it up and put some AGMs in. Newer sealed can be mounted sideways, upside down. Or maybe relocate your bank. Best of luck
Burt, Being an owner of one (95 336), I bleed Hunter blue, but what were they thinking. It is disappointing to hear that on a modern boat with electrical drains like blenders, stereos, cealing fans
, the batteries are stuck in a hard to get to place. You gotta be sh*ting me. Talk to your dealer, or maybe just suck it up and put some AGMs in. Newer sealed can be mounted sideways, upside down. Or maybe relocate your bank. Best of luck
Heres an idea to keep your old batteries
OK, my idea requires that you remove one battery - but just once. Make a siphon hose with a turkey baster and clear vinyl hose. Or invent something else - be creative! 1. Top off the battery water to the very top of the battery opening. 2. Remove some water from the battery with your new contraption to the correct level. 3. Record the amount of syphoned water required to get the correct level by putting a mark the hose. Your hose will have to be long enough to contain the water required to get the right level. I would think that 3 ft. of 1/4 or 3/8 hose should do that. Now, just fill up all the battery cells right to the top (you should be able to see the top level easily and you can use the contraption for adding water as well) and remove the excess water with your new contraption to the exact level every time. Sounds good in theory??? After that, I got nothing!
OK, my idea requires that you remove one battery - but just once. Make a siphon hose with a turkey baster and clear vinyl hose. Or invent something else - be creative! 1. Top off the battery water to the very top of the battery opening. 2. Remove some water from the battery with your new contraption to the correct level. 3. Record the amount of syphoned water required to get the correct level by putting a mark the hose. Your hose will have to be long enough to contain the water required to get the right level. I would think that 3 ft. of 1/4 or 3/8 hose should do that. Now, just fill up all the battery cells right to the top (you should be able to see the top level easily and you can use the contraption for adding water as well) and remove the excess water with your new contraption to the exact level every time. Sounds good in theory??? After that, I got nothing!
Here's an idea to get new batteries.
Burt: It sounds like you are a very good candidate for new batteries. If you switch to Gel's or AGM's you will never need to look at those batteries again for 5-10 years. No water, no corrosion, no maintenance.
Burt: It sounds like you are a very good candidate for new batteries. If you switch to Gel's or AGM's you will never need to look at those batteries again for 5-10 years. No water, no corrosion, no maintenance.
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