Batteries, engine and service?

[Willbe84]

Hello,

I have tried to search for information regarding batteries but only find detailed specifications and reports, I cannot seem to find a practical guide to replacing my batteries.

My current batteries are long due a change, my boat no longer starts and they hardly hold any charge. So the first thing I did was order a jumpstart.

I'm using my crossed over batteries to start a Volvo MD2020 and run the devices listed below. I would like to have a dedicated batter for starting and an other for services but do not have have trouble in finding a reputable brand.

Should I go for a deep cycle for services and a started for the engine? will I need 2 chargers to charge these?

Current setup:

CTek 200 charger

devices:
Garmin GPS 128
Garmin Map 295
Navico RT6500s
Kenwood KDC-20245 CD player
Camping Gaz CTL350 gas/eletric fridge
3 26cm neon tubes

The batteries are 17.3cm H (can be higher)x 27.6cm L x 22.3cm W each and fit perfectly in their container

Thanks
Ian

 

[Graham_Wright]

Try Battery Megastore. They will advise. Just bought 2 130Ah for the domestics but they tell me they have high cranking current as well. They were £105 each.

 

[PhilipF]

Try Battery Megastore. /QUOTE]

Yes, good advice. Got mine from them. no one in the Torbay/Dartmouth area could get what I needed to replace mine, but travelled up the M5 with one old one as a copy, and they found me the four I needed straight away.

They're just off the motorway at Tewksbury BTW

 

[pvb]

The battery size you've quoted sounds like a typical Group 24 case, and these usually only offer about 80-85Ah. If you only have one for domestic use, that means your useable capacity is probably only 25Ah, which isn't going to last long. It certainly won't be enough to run that fridge on!

Your best bet would be to replace your batteries with 2 deep-cycle batteries, linked in parallel to give a 160-170Ah domestic bank, and then have a separate starter battery. The MD2020 is only a 700cc engine, so you won't need a huge battery (around 50-60Ah should do).

 

[Tranona]

You might consider using a Red Flash or Odyssey AGM start battery which is extremely small and can be mounted in any orientation, so does not need to be in the battery box (although it can be). This will free up space to fit a bigger house battery. Suggest you also look at the BEP Marine switch clusters to control the charge from the alternator and give the ability to parallel the two banks for emergency starting. a proper mains charger will charge usually up to 3 separate banks and programmable for different types of battery. Have a look in www.power-store.com

 

[nigelmercier]

Your best bet would be to replace your batteries with 2 deep-cycle batteries, linked in parallel to give a 160-170Ah domestic bank, and then have a separate starter battery. The MD2020 is only a 700cc engine, so you won't need a huge battery (around 50-60Ah should do).

Good advice.

 

[Willbe84]

Thank you

Thank you for your replies

I have bought 2 Varta AGM Deep Cycle 115ah's and one Optima 4.2 50ah as a starter

I'm looking into the BEP Marine switch clusters; they look interesting. I've just sent an email to BEP support since I'm having a hard time figuring out which on is suitable for my setup

I've just spent 7 hours anti-oxidizing, waxing and polishing my deck yesterday - she's looking great
regards
Ian

 

[NickRobinson]

oops- mis-posted two windows open!.

Nick

 

[Tranona]

Thank you for your replies

I have bought 2 Varta AGM Deep Cycle 115ah's and one Optima 4.2 50ah as a starter

I'm looking into the BEP Marine switch clusters; they look interesting. I've just sent an email to BEP support since I'm having a hard time figuring out which on is suitable for my setup

I've just spent 7 hours anti-oxidizing, waxing and polishing my deck yesterday - she's looking great
regards
Ian

Think you will find the 716 cluster is the one. I have used that one in my old boat. Your two house batteries will be one bank and the start battery the other. The alternative way if it suits your layout is to use the 715 and a separate 710 VSR. Functionally exactly the same but you only have the three switches showing - the VSR can be in the engine compartment. That is the way my current boat is wired and I have the three switches mounted through a bulkhead using a mounting plate. The choice really depends on where you want to mount the switches and the space you have.

Hope this helps.