New Batteries

[sk16]

The batteries on my Bayliner 285 are not holding the charge for longer than a few hours (must be a few years if these have ever been changed!). As a result I guess it's time to change them.

Any advise on what size batteries would be best for this boat?

 

[VicS]

The type of boat is irrelevant. It's the equipment your are powering and the engine you are starting that determine the requirements.

You need to calculate your electrical consumption in Ah to ensure you have a domestic battery large enough to supply your needs without being discharged below 50% of its full capacity, although you can go a lower with a proper deep cycle battery.

The size of your engine starting battery depends upon your engine requirements. "Cold Cranking amps " CCA being the important figure. Ah capacity not being relevant as far as engine starting is concerned.

 

[DavidJ]

Generally you will be constrained by the battery box size so put in the max you can that will fit. (I doubt that Bayliner got it wrong) Make sure that the terminal posts are the same configuration as existing or you will have some rewiring to do.
If you want to learn a bit about batteries then read:
http://www.sterling-power.com/support-faq-2.htm
best of luck
ps I recently bought my Bosch 110Ah leisure batteries from Costco at £72 incl VAT

 

[ebbtide]

[ QUOTE ]
I recently bought my Bosch 110Ah leisure batteries from Costco at £72 incl VAT

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My local Bosch dealer can't supply maintenance-free batteries of that size so went elsewhere. Are yours the old-fashioned acid needing topup type?

 

[Scubadoo]

For my 25ft boat I have two Elecsol 100amp batteries (domestic & engine), these batteries are about 5kg lighter each than the normal non-carbon fibre batteries and last longer etc.

Not too expensive around £90 each - http://www.tayna.co.uk/catalog/1017/0/Elecsol-Batteries-Elecsol-Batteries-page1.html

 

[Ripster]

Just bought two new batts from Tanya - came in two days, keen prices too. As has been said, its the CCA rating that will help with an efficient engine start.

 

[DavidJ]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I recently bought my Bosch 110Ah leisure batteries from Costco at £72 incl VAT

[/ QUOTE ]

My local Bosch dealer can't supply maintenance-free batteries of that size so went elsewhere. Are yours the old-fashioned acid needing topup type?

[/ QUOTE ]
Yes but don't be fooled that the sealed for life don't need topping up, they do but the difference is you just can't do it. Gel is a different game but lack the performance of traditional 'wet' batteries.