Batteries?

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Batteries?

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Batteries?

Posted by Kevin Smith on April 04, 19100 at 07:20:35:

I believe my batteries are due for replacement. They are 3-4 years old, and
don't seem to be holding a charge

I'd be interested in knowing what others have as far as size, configuration,
etc. Also, I'd love suggestions for what I should do

Phenix stays at a dock with power most of the summer, although sometimes we
anchor out somewhere. Power needed is engine starting (twin Yamaha 9.9),
instruments and autopilot, stereo, propane valve for fridge (when not at dock)

- Kevin Smith
s/v Phenix, PDQ32 hull #7
Chicago

Follow Ups:

Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 12:32:48 4/04/100 (5)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 15:58:00 4/05/100 (4)
Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 16:29:33 4/05/100 (3)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 11:01:02 4/06/100 (2)
Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 17:30:26 4/06/100 (1)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 13:09:20 4/10/100 (0)

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Re: Batteries?

Posted by Martin McKim on April 04, 19100 at 12:32:48:
In Reply to: Batteries? posted by Kevin Smith on April 04, 19100 at 07:20:35:

Do you have a seperate starting battery and house bank, as on the later 32's?

Follow Ups:

Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 15:58:00 4/05/100 (4)
Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 16:29:33 4/05/100 (3)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 11:01:02 4/06/100 (2)
Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 17:30:26 4/06/100 (1)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 13:09:20 4/10/100 (0)

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Re: Batteries?

Posted by Kevin Smith on April 05, 19100 at 15:58:00:
In Reply to: Re: Batteries? posted by Martin McKim on April 04, 19100 at
12:32:48:


I have two banks (1 and 2) of one battery each. There are both deep-cycle marine
batteries

- Kevin

Follow Ups:

Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 16:29:33 4/05/100 (3)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 11:01:02 4/06/100 (2)
Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 17:30:26 4/06/100 (1)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 13:09:20 4/10/100 (0)

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Re: Batteries?

Posted by Martin McKim on April 05, 19100 at 16:29:33:
In Reply to: Re: Batteries? posted by Kevin Smith on April 05, 19100 at
15:58:00:


First, have them equalized and load tested to see if they are really failing

Second, if they are, consider replacing them with 'golf cart' batteries. Not
necessarily the cheapest solution, nor the highest tech, but generally the best
'bang for the buck', (others may disagree!). Third, get a 'smart' charger that
can give an equalizing charge when required. West Marine do a nice one made by
Statpower. Assuming that you have power at the dock, this is a fairly simple and
economic solution. However, it's not the only one and I'm sure others will
contribute.

Follow Ups:

Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 11:01:02 4/06/100 (2)
Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 17:30:26 4/06/100 (1)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 13:09:20 4/10/100 (0)

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Re: Batteries?

Posted by Kevin Smith on April 06, 19100 at 11:01:02:
In Reply to: Re: Batteries? posted by Martin McKim on April 05, 19100 at
16:29:33:


Martin, thanks for your advise. I'll do the things you suggested

I am at a dock, and I believe that the Freedom charger I have on the boat can
give an equalizing charge when required (it is a Heart Freedom 10
Inverter/Charger). I think this is done by flipping dip-switch #1 or #2. I don't
have the manual right in front of me, but I think Heart recommends doing this
every few months. Is this what you are talking about?
In your opinion, do you think it is better to have a deep-cycle bank as your
starting bank, and the golf-cart batteries as your house bank?
- Kevin

Follow Ups:

Re: Batteries? Martin McKim 17:30:26 4/06/100 (1)
Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 13:09:20 4/10/100 (0)

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Re: Batteries?

Posted by Martin McKim on April 06, 19100 at 17:30:26:
In Reply to: Re: Batteries? posted by Kevin Smith on April 06, 19100 at
11:01:02:


I have the Freedom 15 (West Marine version), and I can equalize by flipping one
of the dip switches on the remote panel momentarily, so hopefully you can do the
same

If you have the Yamaha outboards, you should be fine using the golf cart
batteries for both banks. The amperage required to start the outboards is
relatively low, certainly no more than the inverter will draw at full load

Golf cart batteries are deep cycle batteries. Any deep cycle battery is designed
to be deeply discharged, then recharged, a large number of times. It is not
designed to give a VERY high amperage for a short period. However, this is
exactly what a starting battery IS designed to do. This type of battery though,
does NOT like to be deeply discharged numerous times and will have a short life
if this happens

So, if you had a diesel engine, I would have suggested a starting battery for
it, and deep cycle batteries for the house bank. If you only had one bank, I
would have suggested a combination deep cycle/starting battery [however, for
'combination' you could substitute 'compromise' :-)]
By the way, golf cart batteries ARE 6v deep cycle. Most marine deep cycle
batteries are 12v. Anything labeled 'marine' carries a price premium. Two 6v
batteries are easier to carry than one 12v, generally provide more amp/hours per
dollar, and are widely available. Obviously, you require two 6v batteries to
make 12v. A small additional outlay will be required for fittings etc

However, if you can successfully equalize your existing batteries (follow the
instructions carefully), all the above may be postponed

Good luck.

Follow Ups:

Re: Batteries? Kevin Smith 13:09:20 4/10/100 (0)

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Re: Batteries?

Posted by Kevin Smith on April 10, 19100 at 13:09:20:
In Reply to: Re: Batteries? posted by Martin McKim on April 06, 19100 at
17:30:26:


Martin:[/i]

Thanks so much for the message. I hope all the info is useful to others, it was
for me

I'm going to visit Phenix this week to equalize the batteries, so we'll see ..

- Kevin
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