[C320-list] Battery

[Jeffrey Brown]

Guys
I have a question about batteries. I keep only one battery for less weight. While connected to shore power I run the refrigerator and two dehumidifiers which I know suck a lot juice and run on AC. Although my charger/inverter is on shore power could I be putting so much load on one battery? If not, how can I test if I need a new charger/inverter?

I’m really good with the mechanical things but electric is not my expertise at all. 

Jeff Brown
949-350-5123

> On Feb 10, 2019, at 5:17 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
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>