[C320-list] Batteries

[Brian McLamb]

Hi Scott. I changed to AGM a little over a year ago. Survey recently have
had issues on resale as new codes do not like Catalina battery placement in
non vented area under couch. My charger unit had ability to change a
setting switch to AGM from flooded battery so that much was fine. Years ago
I added a starting battery and had alternator upgraded to handle the load.
A smart regulator was also installed to manage the charge to the 3
batteries. All has worked very well.
S/V Serenity. # 1075.  Brian

On Wed, Jul 11, 2018 at 7:26 AM Scott Westwood <scottwestwood at bellsouth.net>
wrote:

> OK.  Another loaded question:
> I am trying to dig into the decision to replace the existing battery(ies)
> or switch to AGM.  One of my Liquid Batteries is toast and needs to be
> replaced.
> AGM batteries are more than twice the price and it will "likely" mean
> replacing my existing charger.  I need to verify that but I am assuming,
> for now, that I will need to replace the charger I just installed 3 years
> ago.
> I understand the value of non-liquid AGMs and not having to keep
> re-filling distilled water, heeling not an issue, etc....
> If I go ahead and go to AGM and replace my charger, then I might as well
> go ahead and get an upgraded monitoring system.  Right now I have the old
> analog rocker switch and I would go/add a digital one that would show the
> current load.  I always like the thought of knowing how much current you
> are drawing "right now".  I added a remote panel monitor for the charger
> when I replaced it so I have some sort of monitor but would be nice to know
> current draw.
> A co-sailor is suggesting I move to the West Marine 4D  at $790 each...
> while I can replace the existing liquid LA for $280 each and keep my
> charger.
> Does anybody have any experience with longevity of the AGMs?  If they live
> twice as long it might be worth it to do it all now.  If not then I don't
> see the value.  I can replace these LA batteries every 5+ years and save
> boat units.
> May even think about adding a start battery??
> Any thoughts out there?  Has anybody re-done all this and have
> models/pics/experices etc....  Projects on the website?
> I said it was a loaded question(s).
> Thanks,
> Scott Westwood scottwestwood at bellsouth.net H (919)-362-8538    C
> (919)-618-7185
>
-- 
Brian McLamb