[C320-list] Battery update

[Chris Burti]

I concur with Warren on all points, but would add an observation on manufacturing date…the Exide 4D-ComP (which I believe are similar in construction to the Interstate under discussion) that we installed in 2007 had a 2005 ship date. They finally would not start the engine on June 9…Considering that 10 years is considered exceptional service life, I have my doubts that we would have gotten 12 years if ‘fresh’…

I believe Warren’s recommendations on service, maintence and not drawing them down blow 50% plus quality construction have more to do with service life than when they were built…within reason.

Fair winds
Chris Burti
Commitment, #867
Farmville, NC

From: Warren Updike
Sent: Saturday, June 24, 2017 4:13 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Battery update

The numbers like "4D" and "27" refer to the standard dimensions of the battery and have nothing to do with capacity or performance. Check it out on Google.

The 22lb difference is evidence that the lead plates in the SRM-4D battery are heavier than the Napa battery, and hence are more of a deep-cycle battery. 

Be sure to record on the new battery the month/yr of purchase. Also, there may be a tag or marks on the battery to indicate the mo/yr of manufacture. I never buy a wet cell battery for the boat manufactured more than a few months ago. Usually, you shouldn't have to be concerned if the store has to order the battery in for you as it will most likely be fresh. However, be sure to check. Battery warranties are usually not long and sometimes are decreasing over the warranty period. 

Never put anything into the battery cells other than distilled water or the rubber end of a hygrometer. Any metal or other object can potentially leave material in the cell that can compromise it over time. It doesn't take much.

You can't FULLY charge these batteries without a 3-stage charger. It is important to battery life to fully charge after use and keep them charged. Under charging is probably the most common reason why lead-acid batteries die early. Some say an equalization process may be helpful during the season. 

Never discharge more than 50% of the amp-hr capacity before recharging. If running refrigeration, inverter, or other power hog I recommend you have a battery monitor that tracks the in/out flow of current, and don't rely on a volt meter.

Anchor with confidence and enjoy your new batteries,

Warren and Pattie Updike
1994 C320 "Warr de Mar" #62
Middle River, Chesapeake Bay

-----Original Message-----
From: Ted Harrison [mailto:tharrison at innovations-plus.com] 
Sent: Friday, June 23, 2017 7:59 PM
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Battery update

My interstate srm deep cycle  batteries finally arrived today! 

I currently have Napa 4D's

Your stated there is a difference in batteries. 

So here is some evidence for your records. 

My Napa batteries weighted in at 96 lbs. Interstate weighted in at 118.6 lbs. Same height, width and depth. 22.6 lbs difference. 

I might be able to remove one piece of lead ballast. 

Ted Harrison