Hello everyone, I'd like to get information on the types of batteries I could use aboard my Hunter 40.5. I am not looking for info on starting batteries, only "house" batteries that provide power to main systems while sailing. I've read that golf cart batteries have been used with great success, however am not entirely sure they will meet my needs. I plan to be away from the dock for up to 2 weeks at a time. I'll need to run my fridge/freezer, VHF, instruments, CD player, running lights as well as other small devices. I do plan on installing solar panels for recharging. If someone knows of a website that describes the options, wet cell, gel cell, sealed, open, etc, that would help. Whatever type holds the largest charge for a 2-3 week period of time is what I am interested in (must be easily recharged). Thanks for your help! Matt
Battery options
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Batteries
My Catalina 320 came with two 4Ds and some owners opt to add a starting battery. Sounds as if you will need some heavy duty batteries...these will work, and I have the same systems/items that require 12v power that you do. The West Marine Advisor has a good blurb on batteries...page 610 of the 2005 catalog.
My Catalina 320 came with two 4Ds and some owners opt to add a starting battery. Sounds as if you will need some heavy duty batteries...these will work, and I have the same systems/items that require 12v power that you do. The West Marine Advisor has a good blurb on batteries...page 610 of the 2005 catalog.
Karl
Your going to need a lot more than solar panels to recharge your batteries with the big load you have from the freezer and fridge. How about a high output alternator or installing a generator?
Your going to need a lot more than solar panels to recharge your batteries with the big load you have from the freezer and fridge. How about a high output alternator or installing a generator?
Batteries and charging
Thats a lot of power demand to rely on batteries. Loading up with solar panels might work, but will still take a lot of battery amp hours. Figure out how many amps you draw, and kind of go from there. All your power using devices should have a rating on them, probably in watts. Divide total watts by 12 ( battery voltage ) and you will get the total amp draw. I think you are going to be surprised by how much you will need. The rated output of solar panels is for optimal conditions, so you can realistically figure 50 to maybe 75% of their rated output. And this is only during daylight hours. A small genset might be your best solution.
Thats a lot of power demand to rely on batteries. Loading up with solar panels might work, but will still take a lot of battery amp hours. Figure out how many amps you draw, and kind of go from there. All your power using devices should have a rating on them, probably in watts. Divide total watts by 12 ( battery voltage ) and you will get the total amp draw. I think you are going to be surprised by how much you will need. The rated output of solar panels is for optimal conditions, so you can realistically figure 50 to maybe 75% of their rated output. And this is only during daylight hours. A small genset might be your best solution.
I have 4 Trojan T-105's (golf cart) on my 40.5
and I can tell you that if you run the refer and freezer you can count on the total daily draw to be about 60-70 AH. The 4 T-105's I have are rated at 450 AH, so you will probably need to recharge every other day. This assumes that you are also running other stuff and that you recharge no later than the 50% point on the batteries. I can't imagine solar panels even beginning to replenish that load. A wind generator would probably make a good contribution, I am just guessing. We use a generator and run for an hour each morning and night and use two chargers that total 100A capacity.
and I can tell you that if you run the refer and freezer you can count on the total daily draw to be about 60-70 AH. The 4 T-105's I have are rated at 450 AH, so you will probably need to recharge every other day. This assumes that you are also running other stuff and that you recharge no later than the 50% point on the batteries. I can't imagine solar panels even beginning to replenish that load. A wind generator would probably make a good contribution, I am just guessing. We use a generator and run for an hour each morning and night and use two chargers that total 100A capacity.
Optimze your Charging System First
The first order of business is to install a high output alternator such as a Balmer 100AMP+ controlled by a multi-stage regulator for fast recharge. Then install battery bank with the required Amp/Hour capacity. Carefully match the regulator performance to the battery type you choose for quick recharge. Most batteries will provide good service if charged properly. If you have money left over, consider solar. Remember that you will need battery capacity that is at least double the anticipated consumption between charges. Also, invest in a good battry condition monitor such as a Xantrex Link 10, then you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly when to charge. It puts you in complete control.
The first order of business is to install a high output alternator such as a Balmer 100AMP+ controlled by a multi-stage regulator for fast recharge. Then install battery bank with the required Amp/Hour capacity. Carefully match the regulator performance to the battery type you choose for quick recharge. Most batteries will provide good service if charged properly. If you have money left over, consider solar. Remember that you will need battery capacity that is at least double the anticipated consumption between charges. Also, invest in a good battry condition monitor such as a Xantrex Link 10, then you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly when to charge. It puts you in complete control.
Lots of info out there...
You need to do some serious reading on the subject as it will take a combination of resources to keep you going. Solar, wind, and engine driven alternator in concert are the only way this will happen. Good place to start is the website below. The 2 "bibles" on the subject are: Living on 12 volts with Ample Power and Wiring 12 volts for Ample Power, both by David Smead and Ruth Ishihara.
You need to do some serious reading on the subject as it will take a combination of resources to keep you going. Solar, wind, and engine driven alternator in concert are the only way this will happen. Good place to start is the website below. The 2 "bibles" on the subject are: Living on 12 volts with Ample Power and Wiring 12 volts for Ample Power, both by David Smead and Ruth Ishihara.
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