[C320-list] batteries

[pat reynolds]

we use Interstate 4D batteries.  Need a couple of son-in-laws to get them into the cockpit and then swing them down to the dock using the main halyard.  If you are in a warm climate and use them all year long, five seasons is good.  I would first check all connections for tightness and corrosion and , of course, fluid levels.  Here in the north I disconnect everything in the winter after making sure they are fully charged and we get 7 to 9 seasons out of them.
 

________________________________
 From: "wflowe3 at aim.com" <wflowe3 at aim.com>
To: c320-list at catalina320.com 
Sent: Monday, April 22, 2013 7:34 AM
Subject: [C320-list] batteries
  

Went for the spring shakedown cruise yesterday and got a chance to try out my new jib car system in 15 to 24 kt winds. It works great.

What didn't work great were my batteries. They don't seem to charge or hold a charge enough to turn the engine over. The battery charge indicator said they both had 12 to 13 volts but I had to use both to get the engine to start. I was concerned about restarting the engine after my short (1 hr) sail so I left it running at about 1500 rpms (out of gear) for the entire sail. When I got back into the slip, I turned off the engine and neither battery had enough power to restart it. I topped off the fluid level before the sail. My boat is a 2008 and I wondering if 5 years is about the normal life span for marine batteries?

Does anyone know what the group number these huge deep cycle batteries are and how much they weigh?  Figured it would be in the owners manual but it's not.

Bill
#1146