[C320-list] Batteries

[Jon Vez]

Allan,

You did not dream this up, however I think the AGM's do lose something, but
less than the gels. In addition the AGM's can be drawn down without damage
(although not recommended)and brought back up to full charge. The real
danger with AGM's (and gels) is overcharging. The West Marine advisor used
to have these percentages, but I'm not sure if it's still out there.
Calder's book also uses these figures. I know that after 7 seasons, I'm very
happy with my AGM's. I feel they were well worth the premium. They are
typically at full charge in the spring with no maintenance charging over the
winter...


Regards,

Jon Vez
Solstice #582
-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Allan S. Field
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 8:28 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Batteries

Jon - You reminded me of something I read many years ago.  While I don't
remember the exact numbers, it goes something like this: lead cell batteries
lose 3% of their charge per month with no draw on them (such as sitting in
the basement all winter), gel loses 1%, and AGM loses 0%.  Does anyone know
either if I dreamed this up or if not, what the true percentages are?  The
electrician who installed my Xantrex charger and monitoring system was
adamant that I should have purchased AGM's when I upgraded from the gels - I
intend to do so when the gels go. - Allan

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jon Vez
Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2009 6:33 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Batteries

Hi Bill,

I live in Boston and I typically keep the boat in the water 2 seasons and
haul it every third season. When at the dock (summer or winter) I leave the
shore power on. I do not bother topping up my batteries when on the hard as
I switched to AGM's when my original wet cells died about 5 years ago.

However, I would pay attention to Jeff Hare's recent post on this subject,
as he is the expert....

Regards,

Jon Vez
Solstice #582

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
wflowe3 at netscape.net
Sent: Friday, October 30, 2009 12:03 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Batteries


 Allan has hit my concern. My boat will stay in the water over winter with
an agitation system under it to prevent ice from forming around the hull. I
had planned to leave the charger plugged in to keep the batteries charged
and to prolong the ability of the bilge pump to pump if a problem arises.
Can I damage the batteries if the charger is left on and there is no drain
on the them. I guess I could leave on a cabin light or something if that
would help.  
Bill

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Allan S. Field <allan.field at verizon.net>
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Sent: Thu, Oct 29, 2009 9:03 pm
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Batteries










I have been following this thread all week and have yet to see a mention of
what I think is a big concern with winter, on-the-hard storage.  Guys, boats
"sink" on the hard also whether from melting snow and/or hard rain that
finds its way into the boat.  For 22 years, I have left batteries in the
boat in temps down as low as -15.  While I have never had a winter boat
leak, I slept well at night knowing that the bilge pump would work, at least
for awhile, if that inevitable leak ever did occur.  And I visit the boat
every weekend during the winter to make sure the batteries are still holding
the charge.  Once a month, I leave the charger on for 24 hours.  Only once
in all these years did the yard see the cord plugged in and pull it.  Just
my thoughts...

Allan S. Field
Sea Shadow - #808
Herrington Harbour South
Rosehaven, MD

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of pat reynolds
Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2009 7:49 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Batteries

Max, make sure they are topped off and fully charged.  I have had interstate
4Ds for 13 years and with the above and a charge every two months or so they
have been ok.  Gets cold in chicago also

--- On Tue, 10/27/09, Max Ruddy <maxruddy at gmail.com> wrote:

> From: Max Ruddy <maxruddy at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Batteries
> To: "C320-List at Catalina320.com" <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 11:41 AM
> Do any of you leave the batteries on
> the boat over the winter disconnected? I have two
> interstates and they are almost impossible to get off the
> boat when out of water.
> 
> Max J. Ruddy
> 
> On Oct 27, 2009, at 10:35 AM, Jane & Ken <obuoy4848 at sbcglobal.net>
> wrote:
> 
> > Well, it can get cool in north-central Texas---just
> yesterday it was down to 47 F, but tomarrow is forecast for
> mid 70's with good wind  --  hummm
> --   should I mow the lawn, or go
> sailing?  I guess the lawn must wait.  We have
> only seven islands.
> > Ken
> > 
> > --- On Tue, 10/27/09, Max Ruddy <maxruddy at gmail.com>
> wrote:
> > 
> > 
> > From: Max Ruddy <maxruddy at gmail.com>
> > Subject: Re: [C320-list] WINTER IS NEAR
> > To: "C320-List at Catalina320.com"
> <C320-List at Catalina320.com>
> > Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 10:44 AM
> > 
> > 
> > Winter is here.. Forcasting 18-20in of snow up here in
> Dillon Colorado.  My beer has been frozen for a month
> already.  I think I need to hook my truck up to the
> trailer and take her down to Texas.
> > 
> > 
> > Max Ruddy
> > #275
> > Sail la vie
> > On Oct 27, 2009, at 9:27 AM, "Jeff Hare" <catalina at thehares.com>
> wrote:
> > 
> >> GROAN.
> >> 
> >> Let's see. When summer gets here.  I have
> over 300 islands and more than 30 harbors/cities I can get
> to within 3 days sail.
> >> 
> >> But for the next 7 mos...  My beer will most
> certainly freeze.  :(
> >> 
> >> I need to get me some of that "Global Warming"
> thing I'm hearing all about.
> >> 
> >> -JeffH
> >> ------Original Message------
> >> From: Pat Moriarty
> >> Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> >> To: C320-List at Catalina320.org
> >> ReplyTo: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> >> Subject: [C320-list] WINTER IS NEAR
> >> Sent: Oct 27, 2009 11:14 AM
> >> 
> >> Time to winterize in Texas. Need to take the
> dodger down and install
> >> it then turn the frig down so the beer will not
> freeze,,,,,,,,,,lets
> >> see, ok I'm done.
> >> 
> >> Pat
> >> 
> >> #130
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
> >> 
>