Can anyone recommend a good book about charging systems ?

[Svsilvergirl]

Just bought 44 islander with a 4108 Perkins . Boat has 4 6 volt golf cart batteries that add up to about 400 amp hours total , and a group 27 start battery. Boat has a switch for 1 or 2 or both , think it is a 100 amp alternator , separate regulator , shore power battery charger appears to charge all batts regardless of batt switch position . And there is a small 2000 watt inverter that I just hooked up. Would only rate my electrical abilities as somewhat competent. Built lots of cars and motorcycles , and done all their wiring. But this system is a tad over my head. The house bank comes up to full charge , but if I turn on the inverter , it will drag it down rapidly , without much load applied. Going to be motoring the boat home from Olympia Washington to Portland Oregon next month , and don't anticipate any problems with that. But we are planning on going cruising full time starting in 2012 , and would like to replace the batts , and add solar , etc to the system. And I have no clue what Agm or gell or rolls or add infinitum......would be the best . Or if I just need to replace the 6volt golf cart batteries and go sailing.. I know I don't know enough to even ask intelligent questions here , but I'm a pretty good learner. Figure if inroad up , at least I might be able to ask semi intelligent questions

Thx in advance

[Svsilvergirl]

Oops. Typo. If I read up , might be able to ask intelligent questions. Damn iPad keyboard

[Sabbatical II]

Originally Posted by Svsilvergirl

Oops. Typo. If I read up , might be able to ask intelligent questions. Damn iPad keyboard

Nigel Calder is the author of a brilliant book on all boat systems including electrical. Just google him for the title name.

Greg

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

And Charlie Wing and Ed Sherman for electrical issues.

[Boracay]

My first guess is that your permanently connected battery charger is a constant drain on your batteries. I believe some are better than others.

More details on your situation could give better guesses...

[Sabbatical II]

I found the book.

"Boatowner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual" by Nigel Calder.
"How to Maintain, Repair and Improve your Boat's Essential Systems"
I've read it cover to cover. Brilliant book!

Greg

[Reach-around]

Calders books are excellent. I would also recommend the '12 volt bible for boats'

[zeehag]

if your batteries are more than 5 yrs old, get new ones .....the rest will fall into place well. i covet your group27--i have a d8...eeeps--3 men and a boy to lift or move it....and do read nigel calders book

[Cheechako]

For a quick batt test, charge them up, disconnect the positive cable attachment(s) and measure the voltage next morning. If not fully charged, they're toast. And remember, a huge battery bank is only good if you can fully recharge it. Otherwise you're just ruining your batteries by living off a big heavy bank at less than appropriate charge level! Also, big difference in external regulators. if your batt's and alt.reg are working good you should do fine. Chances are you will be motoring alot down the coast...

[Svsilvergirl]

Thanks for all the suggestions , found the 12 volt bible for boats at amazon , for my kindle ipad app . Love that app . Puts a book on my ipad and my android phone both , and keeps track of where ya were when you read it on either one . Never know when you will have a spare moment to read