New Batteries & Case Questions

[PGIJon]

After reading a number of threads about different batteries, I'm considering changing my single 12v house batteries to 4 Duracell EGC2 http://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-golf-car-battery-group-size-egc2/prod3590220.ip

I'm also considering to enclose them in the battery case in the link.
http://www.allbatterysalesandservice.com/browse.cfm/4,576.html

My question is this... The battery case comes with a lid... So...
1) Can I keep the lids closed on the batteries while I sail?
2) Can I keep the lids on when they are charging via the alternator?
3) Can they be charged with the TrueCharge2 Charger with the cover on?

and finally

4) Do I need to replace the starting battery to match the EGC2's in order to avoid a fire when charging off a single alternator?

Thanks... Jon

 

[Sailgunner]

Hi Jon. First, you do not need to change your starter battery. Second, you should have no problem with the battery boxes with lids, charging or otherwise. I think others have had good luck with Sam's batteries but I only buy the name brand ones, like Trojans. Try checking with Quality Starter and Alternator in Port Charlotte. They sell Deka batteries and I heard they are very reasonable. They are located off Harborview.

 

[Dave602]

I bought the Duracell's from Sams and have been very pleased. Two batteries for less than $200. I have them in a box, the lid is vented so it is no problem with charging

 

[seadaddler]

Good Things

I have heard good things and even maybe from Mainsail I think.
I myself have 4-6volt T-105 and got them from the Gulf Cart dealer on 41 in Port Charlotte the one on the east side.
I have used the same battery boxes but the GC ones and easy to run cables and yes have the covers on all the time strapped down.
Nick

 

[Stu Jackson]

Covers are to avoid dropping wrenches on batteries and shorting them out. Done that yet?

The larger issue is this:

Basic Battery Wiring Diagrams This is a very good basic primer for boat system wiring: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,6604.0.html

This is another very good basic primer for boat system wiring: The 1-2-B Switch by Maine Sail (brings together a lot of what this subject is all about)
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=137615

 

[PGIJon]

Thank you all for your great feedback... To SailGunner and Seadaddler for the locations nearby.... as well as Dave for his feedback on the batteries.... and Stu... Well I'm going to rethink my electric system before I change batteries... read those twice and I see a change coming in the future! Thanks All! Jon

PS just a quick question for Stu.... How is the Echo Charger affected (if at all) when the TrueCharge2 system is charging the batteries from Shore power?

Thanks... Jon

 

[seadaddler]

More info

I keep the lids on all the time strapped down so that god forbid I have a knock down or heel all the way over and the batteries are secured and can't go any where and keeping battery acid from spilling all over or at least most of the acid spilling in the battery box.
I have the alternator charge directly to the house bank and not to the 1/2 both switch and the only thing the 1/2 both switch does is act as a off and on to the main panel supply and 12 volts to my inverter /charger.
The house bank are wet cell 4-6volt in parallel and a 12 volt wet cell battery gets charge from the echo charge from the inverter/charger.
I also have solar panels and wired to a charge controller with a circuit breaker as a on and off switch wired direct to house bank with another circuit breaker and as a on and off switch.
All batteries are wet cell and start battery is just a small 12 volt battery from Sam's and also have a battery switch in cockpit compartment as emergency connected to start battery to house bank.
Nick

 

[PGIJon]

Re: More info

Thanks Nick! When I purchased the boat early last year, the first thing I did was secure the batteries. They were just flopping around in the H34 Dungeon. How often do you check the battery levels? Mine are in the Dungeon unlike I think it's Kloude's who wisely put them under the port settee.

I'm also thinking about putting in Bus Bars for the batteries before they hit the 1/2 both switch to allow for clean connections from the charger/alternator and someday solar and/or wind power. Just not sure where to place those.... Any ideas?

-Jon

 

[seadaddler]

Batteries

I check my batteries every other month but some times longer and hit and miss like before I leave for NY in July and than when I return in Sept.
I don't know why but my Trojan T-105's don't seem to need fluid that often but like to check any way and mine are a lot of work getting at moving cushion's and than hold down straps and box covers.
I did add bus bars real close to batteries like 1' but depends how much room you have and what ever is easy.
I did look at Mainsails photo's for ideas.
Nick