What batteries are you using?

Don S/V ILLusion · May 23, 2016

If you really have a 16 year old battery which still 'works', buy more and sell them to the rest of us.

Justin_NSA · May 23, 2016

I am partial to AGM batteries in small boats. I had an Optima in my Mac 26S. No outgassing. Very little discharging. Doesn't freeze so I left it on board all year long.
The down side if you can call it that, is you need a smart charger. I had one made by Guest.

Ron20324 · May 23, 2016

As on any boat, get the biggest that will fit in your space.

Slartibartfass · May 23, 2016

Interstate SRM-24

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/...e-batteries-asrm-24-srm-24?dsNav=N~2147384903

Benny17441 · May 23, 2016

Batteries are strange items, some can literally refuse to die under neglect while others will fail within weeks of purchase. That is why their warranty industry is so developed. Whatever you get compare warranties. I would first take that Interstate battery to an automotive parts retailer to have it bench tested. They do it for free and can tell you whether the battery is good or not. As a general rule trailer boats are hard on batteries and it mostly has to with a lack of prompt recharging after use. It follows that if you put your money on a high end battery it would be wise to plan to keep it charged and provided with good maintenance. If circumstances would prevent adequate care then going with the cheaper battery would be best. According to your usage you could do with a group 24 deep cycle battery but for a few dollars more you could get around 20% of increased capacity in a group 27. As far as brands is pot luck. A battery that has been sitting on the store shelf for a long time is bound to have lost some capacity so choose a retailer that moves his inventory and check the manufacture date. Anything within 60 days would be best. Do invest in a good smart multi stage charger.

Johnb · May 23, 2016

If you can hand start your engine, and if your engine can charge your batteries, (so it can also power navigation lights and most likely the depth finder as well) you are set up to keep your system really simple and save a ton of money in the process. I had a 23 foot Clipper Marine and for 16 years just s single flooded deep discharge 100 Ampere-hour battery that I charged on the boat when possible or carried home to charge. Get a flooded battery and pay attention to the water level.

Catmando · May 23, 2016

Like Don said, make sure you have a smart charger for your batteries... not just for AGM types, but all batteries will live longer with one, and are worth the price.

CloudDiver · May 23, 2016

I have a Group 24 Marine deep cycle from Walmart that is in my toyhauler, just for testing really. 80% of the time my coach is running off the Genny or 'shore power'. The single battery just handles the lights and water-pump when other power sources are not available. So far so good... The Walmart battery is about $75 but out the door around $99 unless you bring in a core deposit. I'm fairly certain the Walmart batteries are the same exact battery as some other major brand with a different sticker on them.
I know the Interstate batteries are very good and not expensive if you go to an Interstate battery store. I haven't made up my mind if I want to get one battery or two, flooded or AGM... If I got AGM I might go with Odyssey, that's what I run in my Choppers.
All advice above I will 2nd... No matter what battery you get a smart charger is the best investment.

Gene Neill · May 23, 2016

I have a Duracell Ultra deep cycle group 24. I'm told it's a rebadged Deka, which I'm told is a good thing.

https://www.batteriesplus.com/battery/marine-and-boat/deep-cycle/bci-group-24m/sli24mdc

It's held up well for two years of only so-so maintenance. But I'd love to know how it stacks up against the Interstate @Slartibartfass mentioned. That one was on my short list when I bought the Duracell.

Tally Ho · May 23, 2016

My Hunter 280 had 2 group 24's, regular lead/acid type. I had A/B banks and only used batts for day sailing. Having A/B gave me a sense of security that I would not drain the. Both and not be able to start the engine.

MitchM · May 23, 2016

Practical Sailor did a review of house batteries. For AGMs, the Lifeline and the DEKA made by East Penn were top rated , each with 100 to 135 Ah for the group 27 or 31s. google marine battery review, there is a lot to read.

Stu Jackson · May 24, 2016

AGMs are not for everybody, and not always good for sailboats. Flooded deep cycle batteries are still the best bang for the buck.

AGM Battery Issues (from Maine Sail)
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=124973

AGM Battery Issues and the Blue Seas Dual Circuit Switch (from Maine Sail) "DARN AGM Batteries"
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?p=848465&highlight=darn agm

Additional Observations on the Limits of AGMs http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,5977.msg63004.html#msg63004

Leeward Rail · May 24, 2016

I'm also in the market for a new battery.
A buddy of mine swears by using good quality automotive batteries. Due to their long warranty period and lower cost, he simply replaces his every year or so on full warranty.

He rants about the short warranty and cost of deep cycle batteries.

YMMV

Justin_NSA · May 24, 2016

In general, look for batteries rated primarily in amp hours, not cold cranking amps (automotive). Automotive batteries don't take deep discharges well. I hear a lot about using 6v golf cart batteries. You have to wire them in series to get 12v and then parallel to create a larger capacity battery system.

pateco · May 24, 2016

Needed two recently, and went with these in the Group 24 size. $72/each

Wes Gardner · May 24, 2016

I have black ones...I think Maine Sail has extensive research on battery types...

Maine Sail · May 24, 2016

A couple of entertaining links...

How To Murder Batteries In Half a Year

What is a Deep Cycle Battery?

pateco · May 24, 2016

Maine Sail said:
A couple of entertaining links...

How To Murder Batteries In Half a Year

What is a Deep Cycle Battery?

Maine,
I read both of those great articles, but have not had time to rewire my charging system, and the old batteries actually failed when I had guests coming to sail. I knew these pseudo deep cycles were on sale at Costco, and went for it. My plan is eventually to switch to two 6V golfcart deep cycle for the house bank, and move these to use as new start bank. but I need to get an ACR, Battery Monitor and higher amp charger before I do this. Figured the boat has been wired this way since 1983, A little while longer wont matter. I will attempt to not kill them in the mean time. LOL

What batteries are you using?

.

.

.

.

.

Capri 22 Mod

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.