Battery Selection?

[Kevin84]

Cool. All good info. For my energy budget, I've got an 12v fridge, autopilot (will be supplemented by a windvane for offshore use), VHF, radar, AIS, various lights and radio/tv. Not a ton, but not nothing either. I'll definitely consider LA batts instead.

[mitiempo]

The real problem is not battery choice regarding type but the charging system that has to match the bank. Shore charger is not difficult but alternator sizing, separate 3 stage regulator with temp sensors for both alt and batteries will add a large amount to the cost of either Agm or LifePO4 batteries, neither inexpensive by themselves.

I would stick to flooded, T-105 as suggested or a comparable like the Exide GC-2.

The price difference alone between flooded and Agm/LifePO4 is very large.

[mitiempo]

Originally Posted by Kevin84

Cool. All good info. For my energy budget, I've got an 12v fridge, autopilot (will be supplemented by a windvane for offshore use), VHF, radar, AIS, various lights and radio/tv. Not a ton, but not nothing either. I'll definitely consider LA batts instead.

Just for the record Flooded, Gel, and Agm batteries are all lead acid. The differences are the form the acid takes.

[Kevin84]

Originally Posted by mitiempo

Just for the record Flooded, Gel, and Agm batteries are all lead acid. The differences are the form the acid takes.

Thank you for the correction. I'll take a look at FLOODED batteries.

[rw58ph]

We been a live aboard for 18+ years and the bet bank for the buck is still good old flood as they are charger and user friendly. The only draw back is you have to maintain the water level at least once per month.

What ever battery, do not discharge below 50% or 12.4 volts as that will shorten the battery live. We get 7+ years.

[Kevin84]

Originally Posted by rw58ph

We been a live aboard for 18+ years and the bet bank for the buck is still good old flood as they are charger and user friendly. The only draw back is you have to maintain the water level at least once per month.

What ever battery, do not discharge below 50% or 12.4 volts as that will shorten the battery live. We get 7+ years.

Ok. So next question, for the next few years, topping off the batteries is not going to be an issue. But what about while cruising?

[Chenega]

Originally Posted by Kevin84

Ok. So next question, for the next few years, topping off the batteries is not going to be an issue. But what about while cruising?

Why not carry a gallon or two of distilled H2o and continue to check..? Buy a battery filler from NAPA to prevent spills

[Kevin84]

Originally Posted by Chenega

Why not carry a gallon or two of distilled H2o and continue to check..? Buy a battery filler from NAPA to prevent spills

Doh! Now why didn't I think of that? Lol. How easy is it to get distilled water in the Caribbean or South Pacific? That's where I'm planning on doing the majority of my cruising.

[Adelie]

Also check out:

http://www.bethandevans.com/systems.htm#29.

and

http://www.bethandevans.com/pdf/Batterydata.pdf

[scoobert]

I just did a blog post on this. Check it out. I paid 200 each.

[HansSolo]

If your considering Flooded take a look at the Rolls surrette's. They cost a bit more than say trojans but are very robust and come with a 10 year warranty. The S-530 are the same ah and size as the AGMs you were looking at originally. Also Water-Miser battery caps will help reduce maintenance a little water-miser caps

[Chenega]

Originally Posted by Kevin84

Doh! Now why didn't I think of that? Lol. How easy is it to get distilled water in the Caribbean or South Pacific? That's where I'm planning on doing the majority of my cruising.

No insult intended - but sometimes the questions asked...? I guess I missed your intended definition of "cruising".
Back at you! DOH. :-)

[Kevin84]

Originally Posted by Chenega

No insult intended - but sometimes the questions asked...? I guess I missed your intended definition of "cruising".
Back at you! DOH. :-)

Lol. I know what you mean. But yes, in a few years my wife and I will be off on a round the world cruise. But the majority of our time will be spent first in the Caribbean, then the South Pacific.

[Chenega]

Originally Posted by Kevin84

Lol. I know what you mean. But yes, in a few years my wife and I will be off on a round the world cruise. But the majority of our time will be spent first in the Caribbean, then the South Pacific.

Super! I hope we can hear about your travels as you live the dream. - Cheers to you both!

[TxCoastSailor]

OK all you battery wizards talk to me about Gel cells. Do they offer the tolerance to undercharging of flooded batteries in a maintenance free package???