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Old 01-12-2014, 04:35   #1
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Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Hello


My Oceanis 40 came with 2 Exide HVR Expert
140AH batteries forming a 280AH service bank.

I replaced them in May 2013 and they are OK.
However I feel that I should have more AHs and
I have space for another battery.

My question is: shall I add a new battery to
the existing ones? or shall I replace them all
together?

Thanks in advance for any views,

Regards, Vladis
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Old 01-12-2014, 04:55   #2
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladis View Post
Hello


My Oceanis 40 came with 2 Exide HVR Expert
140AH batteries forming a 280AH service bank.

I replaced them in May 2013 and they are OK.
However I feel that I should have more AHs and
I have space for another battery.

My question is: shall I add a new battery to
the existing ones? or shall I replace them all
together?

Thanks in advance for any views,

Regards, Vladis
You should be OK with adding a new battery, since the other two are only 1.5 years old and you say they're in good shape.

Bill
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Old 01-12-2014, 06:57   #3
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Quote:
Originally Posted by btrayfors View Post
You should be OK with adding a new battery, since the other two are only 1.5 years old and you say they're in good shape.

Bill
From what I've learned I disagree with this statement. If you will be placing batteries in the same bank they should all be the same age. This includes going as far as checking date codes when purchasing the batteries to ensure the new batteries all came from the same batch.

From experience I can also tell you this is true. I put a new 4D battery in a bank with a 2 year old 4D battery and both were dead within 2 years.

I would recommend some google searching on it. I would start with things written by Maine Sail or Morgan's Cloud.

Good luck,

Jesse
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Old 01-12-2014, 07:06   #4
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladis View Post
Hello


My Oceanis 40 came with 2 Exide HVR Expert
140AH batteries forming a 280AH service bank.

I replaced them in May 2013 and they are OK.
However I feel that I should have more AHs and
I have space for another battery.

My question is: shall I add a new battery to
the existing ones? or shall I replace them all
together?

Thanks in advance for any views,

Regards, Vladis
I think the HVR Expert batteries are AGMs. So my first thought is weather you are treating these batteries correctly since AGMs are picky. I would recommend this post from Maine Sail as a starter.

Personally, after reading that I didn't bother with AGMs and just got some decent quality 6 volt golf cart batteries.

Good luck,

Jesse
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Old 01-12-2014, 07:56   #5
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Your choice comes down to what's best vs. what's expedient. If you can sell your two 12 v AGMs for a decent price, or if you are not on a budget, I recommend all new batteries. Otherwise, for now, add one more 12v AGM. When it's time to replace them all, and if there is room, replace them with as many (even number) top quality, true deep cycle, 6v batteries. The fewer the cells in any battery bank, the better.
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Old 01-12-2014, 08:10   #6
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Quote:
Originally Posted by JK n Smitty View Post
From what I've learned I disagree with this statement. If you will be placing batteries in the same bank they should all be the same age. This includes going as far as checking date codes when purchasing the batteries to ensure the new batteries all came from the same batch.

From experience I can also tell you this is true. I put a new 4D battery in a bank with a 2 year old 4D battery and both were dead within 2 years.

I would recommend some google searching on it. I would start with things written by Maine Sail or Morgan's Cloud.

Good luck,

Jesse
It may not be a problem today but will be eventually. Something like replacing multiple V belt on a PTO, you replace a matched set. Checking to new ones for date codes is an excellent idea. The dealer may lifo and some on the back if the shelf could be old. Probably not that much of a concern is dry stored never the less it's his wallet. The OP might as well get the most out of it.
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Old 01-12-2014, 09:32   #7
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Replace battery banks as a set.
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Old 01-12-2014, 14:12   #8
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Hello,

The batteries are not of the AGM type. They are sealed (no maintenance) lead/calcium batteries. They are said to be deep cycle (more than 216 cycles) and can be seen here:

Exide Expert HVR

I am an EE engineer but I am not familiar with battery technology. I am not sure if the type of battery (lead/acid or AGM or ...) is pertinent to the mixing of difference age units.

Since this winter I have the boat about 10 miles from home and will sail away for some years when the spring season comes, I think that I will install the box and the cables so that everything is prepared when I am abroad and away from home.

One thing that I could not understand though, was the remark that the number of batteries should be even.

Thank you for all the feedback,

Vladis
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Old 01-12-2014, 14:25   #9
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vladis View Post
Hello,

One thing that I could not understand though, was the remark that the number of batteries should be even.

Thank you for all the feedback,

Vladis
PT was referring to 6 volt batteries (golf cart batteries) and in any series/parallel bank of 6 volt batteries you need an even number to achieve 12 volts. They (Fla golf cart batteries) are by far the best cycling batteries for a house bank - longevity, amp hours, and affordable.
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Old 01-12-2014, 15:12   #10
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Definitely recommend the 6volt batteries. They give more ah for the real estate they take up compared to 12v batteries. If you are really planning on sailing away for a couple years I would install a new bank of the size you want just be for leaving.
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Old 01-12-2014, 16:44   #11
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

the important part of adding batteries to existing banks, is that they MUST be equalized, all batteries must beat same specific gravity and cell plate condition, otherwise they will only perform as per the weakest battery, that is why it is not recommended to add to existing banks
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Old 01-12-2014, 19:42   #12
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

I would put the older two batteries under a load test. If they pass go ahead and put the other one in the mix. SME times a bad battery in a bank is undetectable until its to late. As a technition for a living. I dealt a lot with this and have allways advised to periodicly test the batteries. As a $40.00 extra expence for a fair load tester it save bucu dollar in the long run. A third battery is actually a good idea.


Bosun
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Old 02-12-2014, 13:50   #13
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

Don't have energy or time to rebut all the pundits who counsel against adding a battery.

With your 1.5 year old flooded batteries, just make sure they're in good condition (load tests, etc.), then add a third battery and don't worry about it for several years. If you can, equalize all of them.

YES, it's wise to replace all batteries at the same time. Yes, it's even a decent idea to check manufacturing date. Yes, all batteries should be of similar size and chemistry. Yes, golf cart batteries are the best bang for the buck.

HOWEVER, in your case, as I surmised from your original post, you don't need to be paranoid about it. Just add a new battery and take care of them all. You'll get several years out of them. Then, when replacement is required, replace them all, preferably with true deep-cycle flooded golf-cart batteries.

AVOID
, in the future, any "sealed" battery (other than gel or AGM). These are rarely true deep-cycle batteries.

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Old 02-12-2014, 14:08   #14
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Re: Adding a 3rd battery to the bank

There are plenty of boaters around who are on very tight budgets, and who are happy to buy used batteries that test well. Rather than throw good money after bad, and end up with a compromised system, optimize your battery installation by going about it with a plan, instead of piecemeal, like a patchwork quilt.
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