Leisure Battery Capacity. Advice.

[PaulRainbow]

Called in local company to check the charging system
PSI Marine Ltd – Marine Electronics & Jetboards

The conclusion was that the charging system...... in their honest opinion , was all functioning . Just.
Suggested that something a bit less Stone Age and more energy efficient would improve matters considerably regards charging.

The figures you quoted in the other thread would suggest the charging system is not up to the job.

However, prior to any charge system upgrade it was mutually agreed that the batteries really should be replaced first.

I disagree. If you continue with the very poor (if that) charging that you reported, all you will do is kill another set of batteries, very quickly.

 

[Bouba]

Talk about frigging topical….just came back from the boat…house battery flat as a pancake…it’s a flooded battery
Searched everywhere for the voltage leak….the lazaret light was left on
I am now recharging it and praying for the best

 

[PaulRainbow]

Talk about frigging topical….just came back from the boat…house battery flat as a pancake…it’s a flooded battery
Searched everywhere for the voltage leak….the lazaret light was left on
I am now recharging it and praying for the best

Only one domestic battery ? I thought Swift Trawlers had 2 ?

Anyway, I think you should fit at least 560ah of Lithium batteries and 2000w of solar, you can leave the light on then,

 

[Bouba]

Only one domestic battery ? I thought Swift Trawlers had 2 ?

Anyway, I think you should fit at least 560ah of Lithium batteries and 2000w of solar, you can leave the light on then,

The second battery was a (very expensive) option

 

[Bouba]

Only one domestic battery ? I thought Swift Trawlers had 2 ?

Anyway, I think you should fit at least 560ah of Lithium batteries and 2000w of solar, you can leave the light on then,

I have a solar panel of 100w which I use for the battery on the boat deck to power the winches
Because I have a generator (and I’m not afraid to use it) the state of my batteries isn’t as critical and can usually extend the period in between changing them. I just have to assess how bad my latest faux pas is

 

[PaulRainbow]

The second battery was a (very expensive) option

Blimey, big boat for only one battery.

 

[Bouba]

Blimey, big boat for only one battery.

No...it’s only 34 feet....but in total I have nine batteries all doing various jobs

 

[gaylord694]

I see another Rabbit hole.

I see people liking the sound of there own voice..... ....I really didn't know there were individuals who knew everything about everything... I must of gone to the wrong school

 

[Neeves]

I see people liking the sound of there own voice..... ....I really didn't know there were individuals who knew everything about everything... I must of gone to the wrong school

In the real world grandfathers know 'everything' about 'everything', provided 'everything' is limited to what grandchildren know.

This is or was reinforced when I started writing for printed media. One editor told me to write for a 12 year old readership. I thought this a bit insulting of the readers - but, after about 20 years of contributing to sailing magazines, is about right. Many readers know their stuff but you need to write for everyone, which means simplicity and repetition - leading to 'grandfather's' eyes glazing over.

Jonathan

 

[Neeves]

I'm no expert, have not read every post and I might be repeating what has been posted.

But a 2 hour motoring trip will never 'fill' a LA battery. Unless the engines are run for a considerable longer time than 2 hours, like 6-8 hours the batteries will never be filled. The alternators ability to produce 80 amps each is a bit of a red herring - when the batteries are at about 90% full the alternators will input only a few amps and running the engines will simply use fuel to no great positive effect. If the batteries are recharged by a battery charger, from shore power, or a solar panel is introduced, during the period the MoBo is either at its weekend destination or its home berth the batteries will then have a full charge. Older electrical systems are never perfect and 'leakage' will result in a further reduction in actual battery capacity.

If the weekend end usage is calculated to reduce the theoretical maximum capacity by approximately 50% then the batteries will always be less than 50% - before the batteries are, part, re-charged by the alternators.

When the vessel is in its home berth are all systems shut down? To me this seems unlikely. The vessel is described as an old MoBo - to me this would demand bilge pumps left live - they don't use much power (unless the leaks are severe) but their usage will add up (obviously). Is an inverter left 'on' - it will consume, about, 0.5 amps - if left 'on' even if it is not used. Is there a security system.....?

To buy new batteries without further attention to the charging and a change of practice seems to be a complete waste of money.

Jonathan

 

[gaylord694]

In the real world grandfathers know 'everything' about 'everything', provided 'everything' is limited to what grandchildren know.

This is or was reinforced when I started writing for printed media. One editor told me to write for a 12 year old readership. I thought this a bit insulting of the readers - but, after about 20 years of contributing to sailing magazines, is about right. Many readers know their stuff but you need to write for everyone, which means simplicity and repetition - leading to 'grandfather's' eyes glazing over.

Jonathan

Well your not far wrong there as most of the top contributors are like children they just want to be heard and noticed .... . My view on them is that " Children should be seen but not heard"............... .. ...Now wouldn't that be lovely