[C320-list] New Batteries

[Warren Updike]

I, too, have the Interstate SRM-4Ds. These have heavier plate construction
than their std. 4D commercial battery.  My last set was chewed-up in 3 years
because of a 15 year old ferroresonant charger (who knew?)  Since I replaced
it with a Zantrex TrueCharge 2 (40A) I hardly ever add water and they are
kept at full charge.

Nigel Calder has done extensive work on cost comparisons of marine 12V
power.  As recently as 2-3 years ago, he maintained that the lease cost
configuration, considering most issues of use and charging is the large
capacity wet cell.  Of course, this can change with newer battery
technologies; but, until the costs come WAY down, as they inevitably will,
I'll stick with wet cells.

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

-----Original Message-----
From: danny jensen [mailto:danny at jensenshouse.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 08, 2012 11:22 AM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] New Batteries

Danny,
I believe I read Jeff's more general analysis over a year ago. Thanks Karl
for your excellent analysis here. It is right to the point.  I purchased
Interstate SRM-4D. I believe Jeff called these truck batteries in his
analysis. These batteries are an exact fit for the factory batteries that
lasted about 7 years. These dropped right in. No hassle.
I do need to add water every month in the summer time. I live in southern
CA. I can't see spending more on batteries based on my use patterns. Money
may be better spent on increasing the alternator capacity so you can keep
the batteries charged while on trips. 

Interstate SRM-4D
Marine R/V - Int Marine/RV 12M Free - 1314 CCA Sugg Retail Price: $231.95 


Danny
A Boa Vita
#972

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Karl
Mielenhausen
Sent: Tuesday, August 07, 2012 9:02 PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] New Batteries

Simon,

I am interested in seeing your data. Here is mine:
My 4 golf car batteries cost me $226 (2006) and provide 450 A-H.
Today, they would cost $372.
They are into their 7th year (not season, as we run year round), so if
they were to die tomorrow, they have cost me $.50 per A-H or $.08 per
A-H per year.
But, they show no sign of dying anytime soon.
We try not to run them down below 25% charge remaining and have a
separate starting battery, just in case.
We have gone 3 days on the hook before using the engine to recharge
(or motorsail to the next gunk-hole).
The electricity lasts a lot longer than the hot water does!

Looking here...http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com/
I see that 4 of the 100 A-H LiFe batteries would cost me $5200.
Discounting the value of their other advantages, AND not considering
the net present value of money, they would have to last 84 years to be
more cost effective than my "silly" golf car batteries.

Karl


On Tue, Aug 7, 2012 at 5:19 PM, Simon Rock <simonrock at gmail.com> wrote:
> Yes, golf cart batteries are available world wide (how many of us have
> sailed around the world on our 320?).
> If you work out the $/Ahr cost of the two types (golf cell Vs LiFe)
the more
> expensive modern batteries are much cheaper.
> Some of the new batteries will also work on normal chargers, but even
with
> the cost of adding a new charger, it's still cheaper (I will do a
costing
> shortly).
>
> Cheers
> Simon
>
> Simon Rock
> Lake Macquarie NSW Australia
>
> Cat375 #54 Rock The Boat
> Cat375 #41 Rocket
> Cat320 #1163 Rockstar
>
> Experience The Whitsundays
> www.cya.com.au
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Jack
Russ
> Sent: Wednesday, 8 August 2012 4:02 AM
> To: c320-list at catalina320.com
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] New Batteries
>
>
> Mine leans to port.  Batteries are on starboard.  A couple of reasons
that
> cruisers like 6 volt batteries are increased amp hours and
availability
> (golf course => golf carts => 6 volt golf cart batteries are pretty
> widespread worldwide).  New technology might be hard to replace far
from
> home.
>
>> From: simonrock at gmail.com
>> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
>> Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2012 18:33:23 +1000
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>                                           =
>