Battery Article in PBO

[Avocet]

I've just read Charles Sterling's battery article P.42 this month's PBO and I'd just like to say "Bravo". it's not that I agree or disagree with him particularly, it's that what I really like from a magazine is to be educated by people who have particular expertise rather beyond my own. As I said, I've no way of knowing if he's right or wrong but I wouldn't mind betting that it will stimulate vigourous debate among other experts - all of which I shall read with interest.

Too often these days, a magazine can't afford to run an article with strong consumer-focused views for fear of loosing every battery manufacturer's advertising business (that's quite a lot compared to my £3.00) but I'll certainly keep paying it if they're going to run more stuff like this!

Finally, to add my humble two penn'oth, I day-sail most of the time and have very modest electrical needs. I have always bought "cheap" (£50) "leisure" batteries and they last about 4 seasons. I've only been sailing 10 years so I'm on my third battery and there didn't seem to be much to choose between the last two (different brands). I don't have a fancy charger - I have a home-made car alternator arrangement but I've never needed to charge the battery other than in winter occasionally just to top it up.

Anyone else got any thoughts?

 

[coliholic]

Yes he kind of threw down the gauntlet to the battery manufacturers and other experts didn't he. Will be interesting to read the replies. Bet he gets some grief but as you say all adds to our general fund of knowledge.

Just bought three new 125AH 1000CCA batteries, cheapest lead acid ones I could find at £60 each, so glad to see he endorses my decision.

 

[halcyon]

Must go out tomorrow and get a copy.
But I agree with your set-up, have spent the last 25 years ( hell is it that long ) telling people to fit cheap and chearful batteries and throw them away after 3 years , check the alternator runs at 14.2 -14.4 volt, avoid blocking diodes and don't let the batteries drop below 50% capacity, charge a little often.


Brian

 

[stretch33]

Good article l agree, l intend to change my batteries this season and hopefully this little series will give some pointers, l've always replaced mine with the leisure type batteries from caravan shops and had no problems. The 125amp batteries at £60 is bloody good value. Whereabouts l have to ask?
Phil

 

[dickh]

Yes, excellent article, I also bought 2 x 110AH batteries last year at £60 ea - Exide type, originally were used on lorries with tail lifts - can't remember the exact part no but are now marketed as marine batteries - and I bet they haven't changed the construction. These particular batteries were recommended by Adverc - look at their website www.adverc.com I bought them from ATS, shop around and you should get a good deal - one did go flat after 2 weeks, and I suspect it was not fully charged, after charging has been fine. I regularly check the voltage and SG.
They replaced 2 x Gel Sonneschein batterys, which I suspect were about 10/12 years old, but were 3 times the price to replace. So far I have been pleased with them. If they last for 3/4 years I will be happy.

 

[billmacfarlane]

I thoroughly enjoyed the article. I got the impression it was deliberately provocative , daring the battery manufacturers to respond and prove that more expensive batteries are worth the extra money. My own experiences are mixed . I used automotive type batteries for 3 years charged from a smart regulator ( TWC ) , and they only lasted 3 years. I switched to "deep cycle" batteries and they were still going strong after 7 years. I'd love to know why . There might be some interesting replies in next month's PBO.

 

[johnsomerhausen]

It's actually quite simple to choose between two deep cycle batteeries of the same announced capacity: the heaviest will be the best.... Starting batteries will have thin lead plates (so that the chemcial reaction at the surface of the plates, which produces the current occurs fastest) whilst deep cycle ones will have thicker plates to store more eneergy (but release it more slowly). So a heavier battery will contain more lead (the weight of the case is minimal in relationship to the contents).
john

 

[coliholic]

Stretch, I had a problem with my batteries all going flat so spoke to Exide who made them, the number was on the batteries.

Described the symptoms to them and we agreed that replacing all 3 was probably the best thing to do. They told me the most suitable model number DP120 I think and I tried to buy them direct from them, but you can't do that, you have to go through their "approved distributors". So they gave me names and numbers of a couple of local suppliers and after a bit of cheeky chat, also told me their sale price to the dealer, £44.00 + VAT. I rang around a couple of the dealers, asked them their price (they all started at £75-£80, and then told them what I'd be willing to pay, bearing in mind I'm buying three. Played one off against another and in the end offered one of them £52 each plus VAT and he agreed. After all it's an easy sale for them. They place order with Exide, and get delivery in 3 days, I collect next day, so they get a reasonable margin for not much work and no cash flow implications of carrying stock etc.

Good deal for all concerned I think.

Tech helpline number for Exide is 0800 393674 and they'll advise you of best battery model and give you numbers of a few local suppliers. Really helpful chaps at Exide. Well worth a call to them.

 

[LadyInBed]

I enjoyed the article - well done PBO. He certainly laid down the gauntlet and I expect, has ruffled a few feathers. I look forward to the next thrilling instalment . . . .