Vsalva
New Member
Hi all,
My sailing boat had two Mastervolt 130AH AGM batteries, a 115 amp alternator, and a Mastervolt IVO smart 12/50 mains battery charger. My usage is typically 1 to 3 day trips sailing solo, so I use the autohelm a lot. Recently, my batteries failed to hold charge and I tested them with a Stirling battery Tester which suggested they were at their life end. They are six years old. So I think I’ve had reasonable use out to them. I started to consider the replacement options, and decided to avoid lithium for the reasons quoted elsewhere on this forum. I then looked at lead/carbon, carbon/gel batteries as an alternative to AGM. The benefits seem to be a deeper depth of discharge, greater charging cycles, and faster charging. I dislike running the engine to charge the batteries in an Anchorage as I worry it’s intrusive to other people sharing the anchorage. Anyway I have bought 2 Victron 106AH lead carbon batteries, and am waiting for a third. However my concern is whether they will lead to excess load on the alternator, and whether the mains charger (programmable) is suitable or up to the job.
I don’t want to spark a debate on lithium, solar additions, wind etc so please don’t take this thread that way. I know these are all very well researched issues but just not for me at this time. I just want better educated opinions on the specifics of what I’m doing. Many thanks Vincent
My sailing boat had two Mastervolt 130AH AGM batteries, a 115 amp alternator, and a Mastervolt IVO smart 12/50 mains battery charger. My usage is typically 1 to 3 day trips sailing solo, so I use the autohelm a lot. Recently, my batteries failed to hold charge and I tested them with a Stirling battery Tester which suggested they were at their life end. They are six years old. So I think I’ve had reasonable use out to them. I started to consider the replacement options, and decided to avoid lithium for the reasons quoted elsewhere on this forum. I then looked at lead/carbon, carbon/gel batteries as an alternative to AGM. The benefits seem to be a deeper depth of discharge, greater charging cycles, and faster charging. I dislike running the engine to charge the batteries in an Anchorage as I worry it’s intrusive to other people sharing the anchorage. Anyway I have bought 2 Victron 106AH lead carbon batteries, and am waiting for a third. However my concern is whether they will lead to excess load on the alternator, and whether the mains charger (programmable) is suitable or up to the job.
I don’t want to spark a debate on lithium, solar additions, wind etc so please don’t take this thread that way. I know these are all very well researched issues but just not for me at this time. I just want better educated opinions on the specifics of what I’m doing. Many thanks Vincent
