Battery Replacement

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jerry10848

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Jun 4, 2004
34
- - lake george, ny
The two batteries (Series 24 - 500 Cold Cranking Amps) in my O'Day 28 are six years old and in need of replacement. The auto parts store has the same make and size battery in 800 CCA on sale for only six dollars more than the 500 CCA.
Is there any reason not to go with the 800 battery? My chief concern is that it would place a bigger load on the alternator.
 
Don S/V ILLusion

Don S/V ILLusion

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Sep 25, 2008
7,695
Alden 50 Sarasota, Florida
The alternator will only produce what it's capacity is regardless of how big or how many batteries to which it is connected. The problem is not the alternator but how you choose a replacement battery. CCA does not indicate reserve capacity which is the important measure when it comes to marine deep discharge batteries. CCA implies you are using start batteries.

Look for deep cycle batteries with a reserve capacity rating twice that of you expected draw between recharges. These types will serve to provide starting capability as well.
 
J

jerry10848

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Jun 4, 2004
34
- - lake george, ny
Thanks Don

I should have mentioned, the 800 CCA has a reserve capacity of 135 minutes, compared to 95 minutes for the 500 CCA.
 
T

tommays

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Oct 2, 2006
1,517
Jboat J24 commack
I have dome well with Costco or if you have a Sams and Walmart has it fans
 
JK_Boston_Catalina310

JK_Boston_Catalina310

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Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
jerry10848 said:
I should have mentioned, the 800 CCA has a reserve capacity of 135 minutes, compared to 95 minutes for the 500 CCA.
Click to expand
$6 for 40 Ah - no brainer. Get the bigger battery. I guess the question really is what kind of quality are these batteries? Mainesail has posted several times about the difference in quality you get from different manufactures.
 
Maine Sail

Maine Sail

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Feb 6, 1998
11,760
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
JK_Boston_Catalina310 said:
$6 for 40 Ah - no brainer. Get the bigger battery. I guess the question really is what kind of quality are these batteries? Mainesail has posted several times about the difference in quality you get from different manufactures.
Click to expand

Guys there is a big difference between RC or (reserve capcity) and amp hours. They are not the same. I would also question the specs given. To get more CCA they use thinner plates to deliver fast bursts of current as a result a higher CCA battery usually results is less cycling capacity not more...

You want a deep cycle battery or a "dual purpose" battery preferably with an Ah rating for use on a boat if the banks get "cycled"...
 
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