[C320-list] New Batteries

[Warren Updike]

Two sides to every story.  AGMs well maybe.  The contributor "Maine Sail" on
catalinaowners.com has an interesting article on AGM batteries and why they
may not be for everyone.  He has been good on a number of technical issues
so I'm coming to trust his judgment.  Judge for yourself.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=124973

Warren & Pattie Updike
1994 C320 #62 "Warr De Mar"

-----Original Message-----
From: Simon Rock [mailto:simonrock at gmail.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2012 4:33 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] New Batteries

Hi,
Here we go again - batteries for boats.
Now, you all know that I believe that boats deserve good batteries, and the
use of golf cart batteries seems really silly.
In the past I have argued that the AGM batteries are the battery of choice
on boats. They have so many advantages that they make the golf cart
batteries look very unsuitable.
Well, has anybody looked at LiFe batteries?

A recent article in a sailing magazine put forward a very good argument for
their use as house batteries for yachts.
Why?
They are smaller, lighter, faster charging, better discharge, can handle
deeper discharge (70 to 80%), longer life and probably more.
But they are more expensive to purchase.
But, if you look at the cost over the total ownership period, then they come
out equal to AGM, and half the weight (helping stop the Catalina lean).

Now I know that Aussies love to embrace new technology, but has anybody in
the US looked at these as replacements for their old lead/acid batteries?


Simon Rock
Lake Macquarie NSW Australia

Cat375 #54 Rock The Boat
Cat375 #41 Rocket
Cat320 #1163 Rockstar

Experience The Whitsundays
www.cya.com.au