[C320-list] Battery

[Brian McLamb]

Can’t go wrong with a good Interstate or NAPA battery. Usually get 6 years
from Interstate.   Brian s/v Serenity #1075


On Sun, Feb 10, 2019 at 8:17 AM Troy Dunn <troutwarrior at gmail.com> wrote:

> Jeff-
>
> You would probably have to provide a lot more information in order to give
> you a correct answer.    Here is some general info you may already know
> that might help you decide how to proceed.  If a battery lasted only 3
> years on my boat I would be upset, but I go to significant effort to ensure
> the batteries are well cared for since they are a fairly expensive
> "consumable" on the boat.     Scroll to last paragraph for my recco on
> battery if you are already a battery expert.
>
> A decent FLA battery that was designed to be cycled at all will generally
> last you between 3 and 7 years depending on how you use them.
> A *true* deep cycle FLA battery should get you to the upper end of that
> number (assuming no abuse), generally cost *less*, but will be difficult to
> find in a 4D and require some reconfiguration if for instance you wanted to
> changed to Trojan golf cart batteries. (not on your to do list I know).
> FLA batteries are generally "more forgiving" of abuse than AGMs.
> Abuse to batteries on a sailboat usually comes in a few common varieties.
> 1. Consistently cycling the battery below 50% state of charge. (an amp
> counter properly configured and maintained [easier said than done] can help
> avoid this.  a true smart gauge is probably better [almost bullet proof])
> 2. Consistently failing to achieve full charge after a cycle (e.g. cycling
> between 50% and 80% SOC for days on end)
> 3. Charging at too high a voltage (this is less common but can happen)
> 4. Loss of electrolyte (aka battery acid)
>
> Battery capacity (in amp hours) will degrade over time for all the
> traditional battery types no matter how much you baby the battery.   Unless
> you know the actual SOC (or at least have an accurate guess based on
> counting amp hours used/topped up)  The effects of making the above
> mistakes even just a few times have a compounding effect over time.    This
> is generally because as owners we like to think that the capacity of OUR
> batteries has not changed over time (denial and all that).   So...as they
> ultimately lose capacity over time...the abuse becomes an accelerating
> downward spiral.
>
> If all of the above has already been factored into your thought process,
> then East Penn makes an ok product for the money IF your choice is a dual
> purpose FLA battery in a 4D case.   I am currently getting ready to replace
> 2 of these dual purpose batteries and they were bought in 2012.  The
> battery I use all the time for the house is on its last legs.  The backup
> battery specific gravity is still perfect.   I've been plotting my upgrade
> for almost a year now.   It won't look anything like I originally thought.
> It won't be cheap either.
>
> One last thought.... bring jumper cables!
>
> Troy Dunn
> S/V Wonky Dog
> Hull #514
>
> On Sat, Feb 9, 2019 at 11:58 PM Jeffrey Brown <oceanblues at mac.com> wrote:
>
> > Hi everyone,
> > I know there’s lots of threads on batteries and everyones opinion on what
> > is best. I’m pleased with the 4D style battery and don’t want to
> > reconfigure anything. I purchased a less expense $250 4D from the local
> RV
> > store (I only use one since I race a bunch and don’t want the extra
> weight.
> > They’ve only lasted about 3 years. I’m wondering what brand you suggest
> > that will have a better life? Or perhaps cheap batteries for 3-years is a
> > better value.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Jeff Brown
> > "Out of the blue" Dana Point, CA
> > Catalina 320, Hull 78
> > (949) 350-5123
> > oceanblues at mac.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
-- 
Brian McLamb