Battery recommendations

[Brian D]

Well, I checked my batteries today, no load, 11.3v each. They are officially declared... dead. I did a specific gravity and none of the cells were at the required levels. The batteries were very hot to the touch. So I have to get new batteries.I have done some calculations. Total current requirements aboard the boat is 20 amps. That is with everything running (except the stereo). Reality wise, I will use only about 2.75 amps running only those items needed for a day trip. So for a 4 hour day, I would consume 11 amps.So with that, two batteries are obviously enough for my needs. I was thinking of getting a third battery just for the autopilot and handheld GPS so the have their own power. Just a thought.My current (dead) batteries are Centenial GP27 rated with an RC of 160 min @25 amps. The AH specifications are at 115 AH. I am thinking the same rating would also be adequate. So here is the question, and I know I am going to get a load of different answers. So here goes...Recommend to me a really good manufacture. I don't want to go from store to store picking up batteries to see if they weigh 55# or more. Thanks guys.

 

[Ross]

So how long did you have

those batteries? Did they meet your needs? Have your needs changed since you installed those batteries?

 

[Tampa, FL]

Benny

Brian for daysailing with a usage of less than 20 AMPs a day buy the two cheapest batteries you can find. Go to Walmart and get two acid/lead deep cycle group 27 batteries and you will be fine. As with any batteries it is recommended they be kept charged to reduce sulfation, not to be discharged in excess of 50% to extend their life and checked frequently for acid level. Put your money and effort in improving and maintaining your charging system rather than in excess power storage.

 

[Brian D]

The batteries are about 2 years old...

But the OEM charger failed and cooked the batteries for that length of time. I've had to put water in the batteries just about every other week. I just put in a new charger and was hoping that the batteries were not too far gone. But the center cells of each 6v section is dead.Since I do use the batteries to start the engine, all I need is deep cycle batteries. Is that a correct statement?

 

[Honeyman]

Consider...

a regular group 27 for "start" and 2 group 27 deep cycle in parallel for "house". The house batteries in parallel will double your amp hrs and should hold up a long time. As for "brands", just shop your area, Wal Mart, Sams, Interstate, are hard to beat.

 

[Windride27]

AGM's

I just finished upgrading my 'house' bank from 1 flooded cell group 24 to 2 AGM group 24's (no room for G27's). I also have a separate flooded cell G24 'starting' battery. After much reading, these AGM's do not need any modification to your charging system (as do Gel cells) yet they are more efficiant and allow faster charging and longer charge life that the flooded cell. Of course I already notice a huge difference because of the bigger bank but hopefully I will notice even more when I am on the hook for extended periods his summer. The brand I bought is Challenger (about $145 each), I heard that the West Marine AGM's are not good performers and more pricy compared to others. Good LuckDave.

 

[Ross]

west used to sell challengers but

have their own brand now. I will let you know how they last in a few years. My first two Challenger group 31 batteries lasted about five years. My group 24 starter battery is still going strong after 7 years it is also a Challenger.

 

[John J]

Mixed battery types

In your post it states you have two AGM and one flooded cell, are they all on the same charger??Everything I have ever read said to not mix battery types.

 

[Brian D]

No, both are flooded

I looked again to make sure. I am not using AGM, just flooded. (I think youare asking Ross or Windride27)I found out that Centennial is made by Trojan, as are the Sea Volt batteries sold by West Marine.I'll stop by the discount stores such as Target, WalMart and such.

 

[Baysailor2]

Segregate...

Brian. I would suggest that you DO NOT put the autopilot on the same circuit as electronic gear such as your GPS. If anything, put all your instruments (GPS, WS/KM/DF) on the third battery, but keep cyclical current users such as an autopilot, water pump, etc. off it. Digital electonics don't like frequent voltage variations (I didn't include the VHF in the instruments as it draws more current each time you key the mike). Each should have their own breaker and be on separate wire runs, not sharing any wiring from the panel.

 

[Windride27]

Guest Charger

In response to John J,My 2 AGM's are for the house bank and use one output of my Guest10 2 bank charger. The flooded cell 'starting' battery is charged off the other output of the Guest10. I have hard wired the charger outputs direct to the batteries so that when I plug the boat into shore power, the batteries are being charged regardless of what the master switch is set too. As far as charging off of the alternator when running the motor, if the battery master switch is set to '2' then my 'House bank' (2 AGM's) are being charged. I select '1' on the master switch to charge the starting battery. I never select 'both' on the master switch. No reason to do that and it is bad if you forget and run down all you batteries. Dave.