Batteries

[dj43]

We have 4no 180 amp batteries that power the domestic's ,bow thruster and one engine,( all 24 volt) one has been

using lots of water, also problem starting engine and holding charge ,this week end on the boat, turned charger on when arrived ,next

morning bad smell from them,on checking first two were to hot to touch and steaming, they are less than three years

old ,take it that they are cooked, and need replacing ,or could the charger be faulty,

Looking to change to sealed maintenance free calcium type, been looking on battery megastore they have an offer on for two pairs of

Alphaline mf190 sealed batteries £740.82 ,anyone got any experience with these, and is it worth adding larger capacity

 

[rafiki_]

Yep, if you are getting the bad egg smell, then the batteries are dying. I have used Alphason sealed wet batteries for 5 years with no problems. Battery Megastore is a good place to buy.

 

[rosssavage]

Have six of the smaller alpha line batteries in for a year now, no problems. Got two xv31 for engine starting and four dc31 for domestics, also from battery megastore. Next day delivery, low cost, so far so good

Also upgraded from 110ah to 125ah per battery and they seem to last forever (well, much longer off grid running the fridge and electric blanket overnight etc..)

 

[LionsDen]

Hi Merlyn - My view is if the battery boxes will allow go for larger batteries as long as the existing battery charger and alternators can recharge these bigger batteries in a reasonable time and the cost is not prohibitive then this is the way I would go.
As previously stated above your domestics will then last longer when away from shore-power etc :encouragement:

As you know I use Rolls Batteries which can be absolutely hammered and will recharge fully afterwards - No connection just a satisfied customer

 

[halcyon]

,take it that they are cooked, and need replacing ,or could the charger be faulty,

Have you checked the charger voltage ?


Brian

 

[dj43]

Brian,
Have to admit that I have not checked the output from the charger, noticed the dial was flicking up and down,slightly that's when I went and checked the batteries,they were topped up two weeks before, from memory normally showing about 28amps on gauge ,at a guess, would this be about right, next time down on the boat will have a check,

Terry,
Thanks, will get a price from them, but they sound expensive,


Thanks for all reply,s
boating don,t you just love it,

 

[Griffin Marine]

Boat
Break Open Another Thousand
Tim

 

[dj43]

Boat
Break Open Another Thousand
Tim

My boat is fast becoming similar to trigger's broom.

 

[halcyon]

Brian,
Have to admit that I have not checked the output from the charger, noticed the dial was flicking up and down,slightly that's when I went and checked the batteries,they were topped up two weeks before, from memory normally showing about 28amps on gauge ,at a guess, would this be about right, next time down on the boat will have a check,

Check battery voltage, varies with battery type and charger make, but around 28.5 / 29 volt max charging, 27 volt float charge would be reasonable, amperage depends on charger / battery size / charge level, but should fall to a low value when on float charge, like 1 amp with no domestic load on.


Brian

 

[dj43]

Check battery voltage, varies with battery type and charger make, but around 28.5 / 29 volt max charging, 27 volt float charge would be reasonable, amperage depends on charger / battery size / charge level, but should fall to a low value when on float charge, like 1 amp with no domestic load on.


Brian

Sorry Brian should have been 28 volts not amps ,thanks for the information, charger is a master volt 24/75

Merlyn

 

[NoIllusion]

Have a chat with Tayna Batteries.........very knowledgable and helpful.

 

[LionsDen]

Brian,
Have to admit that I have not checked the output from the charger, noticed the dial was flicking up and down,slightly that's when I went and checked the batteries,they were topped up two weeks before, from memory normally showing about 28amps on gauge ,at a guess, would this be about right, next time down on the boat will have a check,

Terry,
Thanks, will get a price from them, but they sound expensive,


Thanks for all reply,s
boating don,t you just love it,

Merlyn - I got a very god price will tell you more when we speak next b4 you contact bardens btw :encouragement:

 

[CharlieAlpha]

Merlyn - I got a very god price will tell you more when we speak next b4 you contact bardens btw :encouragement:

So Terry you enjoy special status among men
Merlyn: it might be worth buying a cheap hydrometer to test the acid levels (if battery not sealed), this will tell you most about battery condition as you may have a duff cell which is harder to spot with voltage.

 

[LionsDen]

So Terry you enjoy special status among men

Well spotted sir :encouragement:

 

[Scubadoo]

I have used Alphaline batteries for a few years for both the boat and car and so far no problems.

Tip, Batterymegastore are also listed on ebay and are usually slightly cheaper!