[C320-list] 4D Battery replacement

[Warren]

Ted, first let me provide some context. Our marina store stocks Interstate 
batteries. They deliver them to the boat for me (dock or ground if hauled.) 
I specify that they be no older than 4 months, (there should be a mfgrs 
date on the battery.) They execute any warranty issues (I've not had any.) 
In short, they provide a valuable service beyond just selling the 
batteries, so i will continue with them even if I'm paying a bit of a 
premium.

That said, yes, I can recommend the Interstate SRM-4D. I'm going on our 3rd 
set and these are facing the 4th season and still holding a charge well. As 
long as they are fully recharged after use, occasionally equalized, water 
kept full, and terminals clean and protected, I expect to get 5 to 7 years 
from them.

I also recommend becoming educated about aspects of marine batteries by 
using internet resources, Nigel Calder books, and reading some of the 
articles by MainSail on SailBoatOwners.com and his blog at Compass 
Marine http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/boat_projects.
Warren Updike
C320 #62, Chesapeake Bay

On Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 7:01:17 PM UTC-4, Ted Harrison wrote:
>
> Warren would you recommend the SRM's 
>
> Ted Harrison 
>
> > On Mar 29, 2017, at 3:48 PM, Warren Updike <wupdike at hotmail.com> wrote: 
> > 
> > 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 
> > 
> > 
>