Shore Power Setup

[Doug J]

Mike, so far I've only replaced one of my batteries, they say to replace them both at the same time, but I couldn't afford it. I shopped all around and ended up getting one of the Kirkland deep cycle batteries from Costco. A little early to tell but so far so good. I don't think I've ever bought anything from Costco that disappointed me, most of the products they sell seem to be good quality. Considering the low cost I'll buy another one when I need it.

 

[timebandit]

My batteries are from Wallmart 4 years old now(I think it is my charger) and they seem to be fine.

I will admit that with every thing on and the radio transmitting I can not blow a 10 amp battery fuse. If I connect the batteries together it gives me 20 amps to power the trolling motor on 10.

If I turn the battery switch to the off position the motor's small output will by pass the batteries and power the boat if something really bad was to happen to both the batteries, and I have a lantern to hoist for an anchor light.

My friend buys from from Cosco for his bass boat and ruins it and just takes takes it back each season for an exchange for years now.

 

[OnTheBayou]

Doug,
Check out http://www.softopper.com/Marine_Products-list.aspx they sold me a full set of cushion covers for $346.00 in a teak color. The owner once had a Mac 26 so he had the patterns. They also have the cockpit cushion covers. For my cabin I reused the foam I had from the original cushions. I was missing the foam for the long sofa, back and the two V bunk cushions. Depending on what type of foam you get it can get expenisve. I spent about $200.00 replacing the missing foam. As for cutting it? Just get an electric fish filet knife. Lay the covers out and cut the foam a fair amount oversize and stuff it in. It only took me about 45 mintues to cut my four pieces of foam out.

 

[mdmitch]

Thanks for your comments and experience on the electrical questions. I decided to go with a Costco deep cycle battery. We will see how it goes. I am also embarking on phase 1 of my shore power/DC system upgrade, integrating the Blue Sea multi-meter (#8248) into my current DC system. I'll post some pix as a new topic.