Larger Batterys for a 420

[Bob Petersen]

We are planing to do some cruising on our 2000 Passage 420 and would like to put in more battery capacity in the boat, well maybe a lot more. The 4D's that came with it a little smaller then we would like. So has anyone put 8D's or golf cart batterys in their Passage 420? If so where?

 

[Bryce Grefe]

bateries

Trojan T-105's will fit in the 4-d cases and give you 440 AH.BryceS/V SpellbinderH410

 

[Buck Harrison]

Bob,

I also have a 420, and have considered the same question.... The logical (additionl battery)location is the under the companionway space just behind the existing battery location. I haven't measured it to determine what batteries can be located there, .... partly because i'm not sure that addition battery storage (beyond Bryce's suggestion) is as important as power generation. Obviously, if you double battery storage capacity, you then have to recharge twice as many amp hours. Some combination of solar cells, wind generator and/or diesel generator or, the alternator on the boat's aux. diesel must be used. Lets say that it takes running the boat's engine 2 hours each day to recharge 2 4D's...It will take (at least) 4 hours every other day to recharge 4, 4Ds..... what have you gained?

 

[PJ]

switched from 8Ds to golf carts

Have a H34 84 and 6 years ago installed a 8D. Lengthy time period for running without recharging, recharged underway periodically, total recharge via shore power. This year it was time to replace & went to 2 6V golf cart batteries. Advantages are they will take a deeper discharge without damage, easier to handle each vs 1 big heavy monster, 2 6Vs occupy less space than 1 8D, about same cost, about same hour/amps when discharging. Almost could put 4 6Vs in the space of the 8D. Sams has great prices on golf or 8Ds.Best of luck,PJ

 

[Pete Albright]

Recharge time

If you want fast recharge, then you need to go with AGM or Gel Cell batteries.A AGM battery can take 100% of the amp hour rating, during the bulk charge phase.

 

[Bruce Hill]

My P42 came with 8Ds

They are on a stack rack behind the engine, over the shaft, right at the rear access door to the engine compartment in the rear stateroom. The rack has the inverter and starter battery on top, and one 8D over the other on the other 2 shelves.