[C320-list] Battery

[jackbrennan]

Jeff:
I presume you're running the dehumidifiers directly off an AC socket, which wouldn't touch the battery at all. No reason to run them off an inverter.
The fridge pulls maybe 3 amps an hour when cold, so, no, that's not a huge draw 
But carrying only one battery for weight reasons is false economy. If you want to get in racing trim, empty the water tanks.
That's 400 pounds, as opposed to maybe 125 for a second battery.  Also, where the batteries are, you could argue they are ballast.
The big risk for one battery is if it dies or you run it down. Then you're stuck. Better hope you're In cell phone range for BoatUS.
Jack BrennanSonas, 1998 Catalina 320, no. 528Tierra Verde, Fl.Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay



Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android 
 
  On Sun, Feb 10, 2019 at 11:40 AM, Jeffrey Brown<oceanblues at mac.com> wrote:   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
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>