Do batteries last forever ?

[onenyala]

I bought two identical 85 amph batteries in 2003. They are connected up in paralell to an 18 watt solar panel. The boat is a Kingscruiser 29. They only get used lightly - instruments (GPS, Sounder, Log & tiller pilot) & interior lighting plus engine start Beta 14 hp
I keep them topped up and the SG is always well up due to the constant charge from the solar panel.
Will they go on for ever ?
Another slightly related question. I have a 1 Both 2 switch. If when on board I keep the switch on 'Both' does that mean that both batteries are discharged in paralell and charged in paralell

 

[VicMallows]

That's not unusual life with the usage you quote. I've only just replaced the original battery in my 2000 reg Mondeo .... and then only because I didn't want to chance the winter. It will serve for a few more years for other duties.

Your second question: YES (unless someone has wired it in a very unusual way).

Edit: but you also say: "They are connected up in paralell to an 18 watt solar panel. " ....so you seem to be saying they are already in parallel anyway, whatever the switch position.?

Vic

 

[wizard]

I bought two identical 85 amph batteries in 2003. They are connected up in paralell to an 18 watt solar panel. The boat is a Kingscruiser 29. They only get used lightly - instruments (GPS, Sounder, Log & tiller pilot) & interior lighting plus engine start Beta 14 hp
I keep them topped up and the SG is always well up due to the constant charge from the solar panel.
Will they go on for ever ?
Another slightly related question. I have a 1 Both 2 switch. If when on board I keep the switch on 'Both' does that mean that both batteries are discharged in paralell and charged in paralell

MIne are still going from 2003 with very heavy use, the trick is to keep them topped up with both charge and distilled water.

Once they are allowed to drop below 50% ie <12.25v they are slowly damaged

 

[rivonia]

That's not unusual life with the usage you quote. I've only just replaced the original battery in my 2000 reg Mondeo .... and then only because I didn't want to chance the winter. It will serve for a few more years for other duties.

Your second question: YES (unless someone has wired it in a very unusual way).

Edit: but you also say: "They are connected up in paralell to an 18 watt solar panel. " ....so you seem to be saying they are already in parallel anyway, whatever the switch position.?

Vic

Hi Vic, I think he means that the BATTERIES are in parralell not the solar panel.?? Maybe perhaps? Any way NO batteries will not last forever but with the system you have and the very little usage that you have should last for many many years.
Faier winds

Peter

 

[peteK]

I bought two identical 85 amph batteries in 2003. They are connected up in paralell to an 18 watt solar panel. The boat is a Kingscruiser 29. They only get used lightly - instruments (GPS, Sounder, Log & tiller pilot) & interior lighting plus engine start Beta 14 hp
I keep them topped up and the SG is always well up due to the constant charge from the solar panel.
Will they go on for ever ?
Another slightly related question. I have a 1 Both 2 switch. If when on board I keep the switch on 'Both' does that mean that both batteries are discharged in paralell and charged in paralell

My 2x 85 amp batteries were bought 1997& 1998 charged with a 10w solar panel.I reckon the panel has paid for itself.

 

[rafiki_]

You might find that all of a sudden, they will quickly die. Could be this year, could be next. However, you have had a good life from them already.