I am replacing my single 12v 4D-2 house battery in my 2000 Hunter 420 because of age and a bad cell. Someone suggested replacing it with two 6v golf cart batteries, mainly because they're easier (because of weight)to lug into place, but also golf cart batteries are used to being drawn down and recharged. Are the 2 golf cart batteries instead of the 1 4D-2 battery a better idea? If it is a better idea, should I connect them in "series" or "parallel"? Thanks for any help.
Replace a 12v house battery with 2 6v batteries?
- Thread starter tadd5181
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The 6V batteries could be a good alternative;
Just make sure you have room above the batteries for installation and maintenance. They are usually 3-4" taller than the typical 12V varieties. Connection is series. Once you connect the (-) of one to the (+) of the other; that'll leave you with one free (+) and one free (-) to use as if they were one battery. As for "better", as always it depends. It would be easier to lug them around and install (again if you have the clearance) and if one cell goes out, you'd only have to replace the unit that has the bad cell, saving money and effort. The down-side is it requires a bit more cabling and tiedowns.
Just make sure you have room above the batteries for installation and maintenance. They are usually 3-4" taller than the typical 12V varieties. Connection is series. Once you connect the (-) of one to the (+) of the other; that'll leave you with one free (+) and one free (-) to use as if they were one battery. As for "better", as always it depends. It would be easier to lug them around and install (again if you have the clearance) and if one cell goes out, you'd only have to replace the unit that has the bad cell, saving money and effort. The down-side is it requires a bit more cabling and tiedowns.
I like the 6v's
Easier handling, usually extra amp hours. As Clark pointed out, be sure NOT to use the one positive (batt1) and one negative(batt2) for anything else once they're connected.
Easier handling, usually extra amp hours. As Clark pointed out, be sure NOT to use the one positive (batt1) and one negative(batt2) for anything else once they're connected.
Starter or House
Tad, one thing that wasn't clear, are you talking about for teh house or starting battery? I have two group27 for starter and four trojan T105s for house. You said your single 12 volt so I'm assuming that you have this one battery for both (starting the engine as well as house bank). IMHO the 6 volts in series does notr haveteh same cranking amps as the 12volt starting or even dual purpose batteries so this may not be the ideal solution for you. If you are talking just house bank, than yes they are great; for starting they are not. since you don't have a profile or tell us what type of boat, it is hard for us to advise. Tim
Tad, one thing that wasn't clear, are you talking about for teh house or starting battery? I have two group27 for starter and four trojan T105s for house. You said your single 12 volt so I'm assuming that you have this one battery for both (starting the engine as well as house bank). IMHO the 6 volts in series does notr haveteh same cranking amps as the 12volt starting or even dual purpose batteries so this may not be the ideal solution for you. If you are talking just house bank, than yes they are great; for starting they are not. since you don't have a profile or tell us what type of boat, it is hard for us to advise. Tim
Go 6V
Your current 4d probably is rated at 180 Ah and weighs about 116# and is roughly 20 X 9 X 10 inches. Two 6V D145 batteries wired in series will give you 245 Ah and weigh about 146 lbs (about 73 lbs each due to heavier plates) and will measure about 10 X 7 X 12 each. If they will fit, this would be an excellent choice. http://www.dynobattery.com/
Your current 4d probably is rated at 180 Ah and weighs about 116# and is roughly 20 X 9 X 10 inches. Two 6V D145 batteries wired in series will give you 245 Ah and weigh about 146 lbs (about 73 lbs each due to heavier plates) and will measure about 10 X 7 X 12 each. If they will fit, this would be an excellent choice. http://www.dynobattery.com/
Just did it
I just did what you're asking about. Installed 2 6V Trojan T105s in series to replace a single 4D. Amp hour capacity jumped from 180 to 245. So far I'm very pleased with thier ability to cover my power needs for a weekend on the hook. I had the space so they fit right into the same spot the 4D had been. Much easier to drop into place than the old beast. Tied them together with additional battery straps. Go for it. Mike
I just did what you're asking about. Installed 2 6V Trojan T105s in series to replace a single 4D. Amp hour capacity jumped from 180 to 245. So far I'm very pleased with thier ability to cover my power needs for a weekend on the hook. I had the space so they fit right into the same spot the 4D had been. Much easier to drop into place than the old beast. Tied them together with additional battery straps. Go for it. Mike
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