Battery question

[Sianna]

Hi I have a Leader 805 which has 3 (same make, in parallel ) x 125ah leisure batteries, one has failed completely the other 2 are holding good charge. Is it ok to replace it with another manufacturers 125ah battery or do they all need to be matched?

many thanks from a newbie

Phil

 

[Seejay]

I’m afraid you need to change all three. A new battery will risk charging quicker and better, leaving the others undercharged. Could even overheat. You can keep the other two for a different 2 bank if you have one.
Alternatively try a used battery of the exact same spec, you may get a bit more use out of them but its not the best way to go...

 

[Restoration man]

We have got right mix of batteries on our boat all on the same bank , different brands and totally different amps on some of them , some of them were on the boat when we bought it 10 years ago and fitted another 2 battery’s within the first year of ownership, there all still in good condition and run my inverter and 2 12v fridges, the only thing I do is, I NEVER leave the charger on when I’m not down the boat ,and they have been great I think most problems with batteries is over charging, so don’t waste your money just replace the bad battery ,

 

[BruceK]

A battery bank meeds to be balanced and should be seen as a single cohesive whole. If one is duff the whole lot needs to be replaced. At best the longevity will be severely compromised, at worst you could overcharge one and have a fire. A battery balancer on your charger may minimise the impact should the remaining batteries still be in good health and reach maximum capacity but swapping just the one battery is very much a flawed approach. Google it for yourself.

 

[cherod]

There you are , ask 2 experts get two different opinions , take your choice ?, but whatever you do get the duff one out asap , it will destroy the other two .

 

[BruceK]

There you are , ask 2 experts get two different opinions , take your choice ?, but whatever you do get the duff one out asap , it will destroy the other two .

I'm not an expert, I have just been in the same predicament and did the research at the time. Battery banks are not unique to boating and there is a plethora of information on the net. Not one that I could find gave the excuse to justify saving the beer tokens. You're welcome to show me wrong.

 

[cherod]

I'm not an expert, I have just been in the same predicament and did the research at the time. Battery banks are not unique to boating and there is a plethora of information on the net. Not one that I could find gave the excuse to justify saving the beer tokens. You're welcome to show me wrong.

i am not trying to prove you wrong,, where do you get that idea ?

 

[Seastoke]

One for Anna GEEK

 

[Seejay]

Although a new battery in your existing bank could work, and probably would for some time and therefore put off the moment needed to replace all, I wouldn’t do it. Restoration above has done it and it works for him, although most people I immagine leave their chargers on when away from the boat for some time and in this case I would definitely not advise on a mixed bank.
If working to a budget then, as mentioned, 1) use a balancer 2) use a used battery of same spec and 3) only use the charger when on board and keep checking the temp especially for the first few charges.

 

[ontheplane]

I thought you could mix them I must admit - however do NOT mix different types - so if you have 2 x sealed lead acid, only replace with Sealed lead acid - if you have GEL then only replace with GEL and so on - I didn't think a new battery would mess up the other two provided the fully charged voltages are basically the same, and yes a balancer is a good idea.

 

[Sianna]

Wow thanks for the replies even if they are mixed?? Most peoples opinions are that they get replaced a set.

I have had other opinions that it could be re-configured with a "starter battery" (a new cranking battery) with the other two wired up as leisure batteries rather than all in parallel. So will looking this first before committing to 3 new batteries.

For the record I never have the boat on charge when I'm not there, we are on a swinging mooring and it would need a bloody long lead and whilst she's out for winter the charge can only be on charge whilst I'm there, hence why I took them all home. I took off the cover on the duff battery and all the plates had crumbled into a heap!! Opps

 

[BruceK]

i am not trying to prove you wrong,, where do you get that idea ?

Lol, you misunderstood. I'm not expressing an opinion, just repeating what all the true experts are saying. In that; "you"( plural) are welcome to prove me wrong (that I am misquoting them)