[C320-list] 4D Battery replacement

[Warren Updike]

Bruce, I've found a way to minimize back stress when changing 4D batts. I use a block and tackle from the boom to bring them aboard from dock or hard. Once up, I'm able to swing the boom center and push the tackle fwd along the boom until over the companion. Then lower onto the sole with a towel under. (May need to remove the ladder.) Once on the sole, drag the towel to the settee. Now, with the help of a buddy, I place one hand on the settee and the other on the battery handle. By transferring the weight through my shoulders to the other hand, I avoid the stress on lower back. With two people lifting, the weight nearly conforms to OSHA requirements. (:>)

Re. a question asked on this thread, 4D refers to case size and has nothing to do with the construction or capacity of the battery itself. That is, all 4D batteries should measure nearly the same dimensions. As for capacity, one must consult the mfgr's specs. Most 4D batteries are classed as "combination" batteries as they are used mostly on big trucks. They are suitable for starting and continuous loads; but, are not strictly in the class of "deep cycle," as are many of the GC class golf cart batteries.  This is one reason why you don't normally see the 20hour specification of capacity expressed in total amperage on 4Ds. Interstate makes two 4Ds. One is called SRM-4D. This battery has heavier plates than the other. You can tell by the total weight of each. Heavier plates give more amperage and more charge cycles. I can't speak to other mfgrs. 

As for golf cart vs 4D, there are always trade-offs. Using 4 GC vs 2 4Ds means double the connections. Each connection is a potential for increased resistance and corrosion. Connections of cables at the battery must be kept clean and protected with an appropriate electrical grease. 

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

-----Original Message-----
From: Bruce Hunter [mailto:swampcreek42 at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, March 28, 2017 11:06 AM
To: sail-ability at sympatico.ca; c320-list
Subject: Re: [C320-list] 4D Battery replacement

Since I really messed up my back I'm considering 4 6 volt golf cart batteries, I'm not sure how or if they will fit, I guess now would be a good time to ask... Has anyone out there done this? I really hate the idea of horsing around those 4Ds.
Bruce HunterNauti Time #719

Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 
 
  On Mon, Mar 27, 2017 at 6:31 PM, sail-ability sail-ability<sail-ability at sympatico.ca> wrote:     I replaced my 4Ds with Interstate 4D deep cycle as have a lot of other
  320 owners. They fit just fine and have been doing yeomans service for
  4 years now.

  Cheers

  JohnM

  1999#574

    ---------- Original Message ----------
    From: Guy Smith <smitski2001 at yahoo.com>
    Date: March 27, 2017 at 4:03 PM
    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