[C320-list] 4D Battery replacement

[Guy Smith]

Hey Chris Burti!
Sorry to be so formal, but I imagine there are a few Chris's on the list... :)
I killed my 4D batteries this winter, due to their age (At least five years since we bought Pleiades) but also do to my ineptness.I installed a new stereo last year and it required a connection to the battery that was always hot so it could remember it's settings, Bluetooth pairings, station presets, etc. Not a problem during sailing season since Pleiades is plugged in at the marina when we are not out. After winterizing and pulling the power cord, the trickle discharge slowly brought the voltage down and with the cold snaps we had before I got down to check on her this winter, the bats won't hold a charge for long. :(
I saw your email about the Exide 4D COM-4D-P batteries in 2008. I was wondering how they held up?Also, the spec on the battery says it's 20 3/4 inches long and I Measured the top of my current batteries this weekend and got 19 1/2 inches written down in my log book, I could have read the tape measure wrong (it wouldn't be the first time)Did this battery fit in the existing battery pan OK?
I really don't want to undertake replacing the bats with something that's a different size, whether it be another set of 4Ds or smaller 6 volt bats, etc.I find it hard to fit in normal maintenance at this point in my life... :(
Anyway, any info on your happiness and the fit would be appreciated.

Best regards,~g
Guy and Liz Smithsv Pleiades - '97  C320 #452Worton Creek, MD USA