[C320-list] totally shot D-4 Batteries

[Louis Spitz]

Thanks all for your suggestions and inputs.
 I recharged the batteries, and despite being totally drained, they (so far) seem to be holding a charge. 
 Until time passes, I’ll be somewhat insecure.
Lou Spitz #195

> On Jul 17, 2023, at 9:13 AM, islgirl3--- via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
> 
> Hi,I went with Duracell 4D batteries. It was a 2 person job to remove four 6 volt batteries and install the 4D's. I did not have to remove the table. It's been 5 years and no issues. Boat is on a mooring.
> RichBarbara Rita. 897
> 
> Sent from AOL on Android 
> 
>  On Sun, Jul 16, 2023 at 7:45 PM, Troy Dunn via C320-list<c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:   Hi all-
> 
> Way too much ground to cover in an e-mail thread.  But I’ll mention the
> high points.
> 
> As of two years ago, FLAs were still the most cost effective for most.
> That being said, LiFePO4s were definitely gaining on FLAs, I suspect by now
> IF you are designing an entire system from scratch, LiFePO4 is now the
> obvious choice.  Unfortunately most 320 owners aren’t ripping out their
> entire electrical systems and starting over so that doesn’t really
> apply….for most.
> 
> AGMs always come in dead last for energy (watts) per dollar spent.  They
> do have some significant advantages over FLAs like a slightly higher depth
> of discharge, and the ability to go to more significant heel angles without
> worrying about spills etc.  , and obviously not have to water them is
> pretty nice too.  One downside of AGMs is they are the least forgiving to
> abusive cycling.  Take them way down into their discharge depth
> consistently without getting them back to a full 100% charge and they will
> rapidly lose capacity.  FLAs are slightly more forgiving and of course
> LiFePO4s live for this kind of punishment.
> 
> I went with 4 GC2s (the FLA kind) and a group 27 backup battery.  That’s
> 464 Ah (232 Ah usable)  for the house which is a really healthy number for
> us with tons of margin.  We generally wake up after a night at anchor with
> 85% SOC.  The thought of dealing with those 4Ds still makes my back hurt
> thinking about it.  For those still needing to move 4Ds the best approach
> is to slide a shorter 2x4 under the handles and then have two people lift
> the battery.  It's still heavy but more manageable this way and when done
> this way simplifies getting the battery out of the salon.
> 
> I have since added a watering system to the batteries which helps with the
> watering process but it’s still a chore that has to be done.
> 
> Installing GC2s is not a straightforward process for most since it's
> unlikely you will be able to get the to fit without modifying the battery
> compartment.  There are pictures of all that DIY fun in my gallery.
> 
> Ultimately there are so many variables and so many user types of the C320,
> reccomending a battery replacement is really difficult without knowing a
> lot more about cruising habits, battery management skills, and of course
> how much enjoyment one gets from boat projects vs cruising.
> 
> FWIW
> 
> Troy Dunn
> Hull #514
>