Rhylsailer99
Well-Known Member
I have recently installed a dedicated starter battery instead of using two leisure batteries, and I now have two AGM leisure batteries configured as a bank.
I have realised that the alternator charges at 14.1 volts, but the batteries require 14.7 volts to reach a full charge.
Do I really need a DC-to-DC charger? I can see a potential issue if the switch goes to “Both,” as that would temporarily connect the starter battery and leisure batteries together as one bank.
I also have around 100W of solar going directly to the leisure batteries, which does reach 14.7V for the AGM batteries.
Are the extra 0.6 volts crucial for prolonging battery life? Could I possibly rely on the solar to keep them topped up?
I only foresee real issues if I spend a few days on the boat in summer and run the batteries down to the point where the solar cannot keep up.
I have realised that the alternator charges at 14.1 volts, but the batteries require 14.7 volts to reach a full charge.
Do I really need a DC-to-DC charger? I can see a potential issue if the switch goes to “Both,” as that would temporarily connect the starter battery and leisure batteries together as one bank.
I also have around 100W of solar going directly to the leisure batteries, which does reach 14.7V for the AGM batteries.
Are the extra 0.6 volts crucial for prolonging battery life? Could I possibly rely on the solar to keep them topped up?
I only foresee real issues if I spend a few days on the boat in summer and run the batteries down to the point where the solar cannot keep up.
