rene
Junior Member
Coralyn Ann SO 36i
Posts: 23
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Post by rene on Jul 16, 2012 19:45:43 GMT
The original domestic batteries on our 36i do not hold a charge any more and need to be replaced. The starting battery seems to be doing fine. The question is do we replace just the domestic batteries, or should we also replace the starting battery? (And if so, why?)
Your thoughts will be appreciated.
Rene
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Post by ianqv on Jul 16, 2012 20:22:08 GMT
Hi
Hard one to answer without seeing it!
If the battery is ok - why replace it?
How old is the battery? If it's knocking on a bit you could replace it for peace of mind.
Or you could get it drop tested - most garages would be able to do this for you.
Hope this helps
Ian
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Post by MartyB on Jul 16, 2012 20:29:57 GMT
I personally do not see a reason to replace the starting batteries when one does the house battery(s) UNLESS, you are changing out the style. As house batteries will typically be dead if you will after about 300 recharges. This could be 1-2 yrs depending upon how you use the boat. Where as a starting battery may last upwards of 6-7 yrs. So reality is, you could be like me, you will go thru 2-3 house batteries in the same time as one starting battery.
As far as when to replace all, as I said earlier, if you are going from say ALL lead cell to AGM or gel cells, then yes, the starting battery would need replacing to one of the new styles, as the alternator or house charging system, usually can only deal with one style of battery at a time, be it lead, gel or AGM. If staying with the same style of battery......I'm on my third house battery on my 7 yr (to me) old boat, that in reality 27 yrs old. I'm always using lead cells.
marty
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Post by Don Reaves on Jul 16, 2012 21:23:34 GMT
I had a similar issue with my SO35. One of the house batteries killed the other when a cell shorted out. That's the main problem I have with running batteries in series. Without question, if you have to replace one battery in a set that's wired in parallel, replace them all.
The starting battery, on the other hand, is not wired in parallel with any other batteries. (At least not on my boat.) This causes a very different electrical environment, and the battery in my case lasted another two years.
Marty is absolutely right about battery types, though. Keep things simple and use the same style everywhere.
Don
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rene
Junior Member
Coralyn Ann SO 36i
Posts: 23
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Post by rene on Jul 17, 2012 5:03:28 GMT
Thank you guys for all your answers, it is really helpful.
The batteries to be replaced are the original lead cells that came with the boat when it was new in 2009.
We are considering AGM batteries for the replacement.
As we sail in Greek waters, we also will buy solar panel and wind generator.
Cheers, Rene
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Post by MartyB on Jul 18, 2012 4:14:51 GMT
If you go with AGM's, then YES, replace both the starting and house bank. Reality tho, the best bang for the buck is 6V lead cell house batteries as far as longevity, you get upwards of 1000 recharges. 12v agm or lead even gel;s only get around 250-400 recharges.
AGM's granted to allow a upward of 40+% of the lost AHRs to be added, vs 25% for lead and 20% for gel's. Unless you are willing to upgrade the alternator, or have a very high powered one to begin with, add that to you list of upgrades. or if you use it to charge the batteries......you can blow it out. Obviously a solar or wind generator would serve the purpose too. Probably at the same or more cost.....For how "I" use my boat, AGM and the added cost of solar/wind/new alternator is not worth it. My landline charger will do AGM/gel/lead, but my little 50 anp alternator would not like recharging 100 amps of battery at 40% for very long!
Marty
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