Why did you buy golf cart batteries when they were so inferior.

[Fuss]

Oh no, I’ve ruffled some feathers with the still putting water in house batteries sailors.
and now one’s deciding not to go to lithium even though this thread is about the superiority of fork truck batteries way back in the old days.

but the good thing is that they got me back with some nasty comments.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Fuss

Oh no, I’ve ruffled some feathers with the still putting water in house batteries sailors.
and now one’s deciding not to go to lithium even though this thread is about the superiority of fork truck batteries way back in the old days.

but the good thing is that they got me back with some nasty comments.

I wouldn't say "nasty", just truthful.
Religious zealotory gets tedious in short order. I hope you find your "truth".
Good bye.

[OldManMirage]

This thread did one good thing - it reminded me I probably should check the water level in my golf cart batteries !

And I should probably make a trip out to my mother-in-law's to check hers too. At least they are in a golf cart.

Is it ok to check the water level in golf cart batteries that are actually in a golf cart ?

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by OldManMirage

Is it ok to check the water level in golf cart batteries that are actually in a golf cart ?

Yes, but you have to get that water at the golf cart shop.

I am having SmackDaddy flashbacks.

[Mike OReilly]

The OP is clearly not worth engaging with, but the topic is still useful to those of us considering the switch. I hope those who have actual wisdom to share will continue to do so. I’m certainly learning plenty

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by Fuss

Oh no, I’ve ruffled some feathers with the still putting water in house batteries sailors. and now one’s deciding not to go to lithium even though this thread is about the superiority of fork truck batteries way back in the old days. but the good thing is that they got me back with some nasty comments.

You are mistaking the negative feedback as noise from Ludittes. Not so - reaction is due to an incredibly poorly formed argument in favor of LFP, and even poorer articulation thereof (seriously - shading people for watering batteries? That's your best shot?)

Transition to LFP is doing just fine. With every passing day, the ease of transition from lead to LFP improves and the logical use-cases expand. Finger-wagging arrogance is counter-productive. You're not helping. .

[mvweebles]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

The OP is clearly not worth engaging with, but the topic is still useful to those of us considering the switch. I hope those who have actual wisdom to share will continue to do so. I’m certainly learning plenty

I made the switch to LFP a couple years ago and will not go back. There are caveats - the Victron based system has a lot of components and the number of configuration tweaks is infinite. The off-grid community is getting much more integrated so stay tuned for future enhancements that will make it even easier and less expensive.

I've started to consider LFP for starting batteries (I have a 75hp Perkins 4.236 so start requirements are relatively modest). Our boat is in Chiapas MX now taking a break from our cruise from California to Florida. It's damn hot and the engine room temps exceed 110F when underway. This really cooks lead/AGM batteries and quickly shortens their lifespan - last one barely lasted 2-years. The new generation LFP Start Batteries such as this Antigravity HERE have higher operating range - up to 140F. I could also get rid of my DC-DC charger which was replaced last year due to a failed unit (Renogy DC-DC failed and replaced by Victron).

The above said, for distance cruising in places such as Central America, there's a strong case for old-school battery technology. Cabling is simpler, controls are non-existant. Most importantly, finding a battery that wasn't made for a car/truck is difficult to impossible; and very expensive when located. I know of on cruiser who sat for 2-months figuring out their battery/charging situation.

[smj]

Originally Posted by thomm225

I don't know where I could get Lithium Batteries for $335 that would support the needs of my boat.

The Golf Cart Batteries have been working perfectly. No need for Lithium.

2 decent 6v 215 ah golf cart batteries nowadays will run you about $300, a decent 100ah lithium drop in about $200-$250. Usable amp hours are close to the same but the lithium will charge quicker and be more efficient as their voltage remains higher. The one lithium will also weigh 100lbs less than the 2 golf carts.
I already had the lithium friendly Victron solar regulator but did end up buying a 110v Victron charger and a Victron dc to dc charger as well, total cost of $320.
We used golf cart batteries for a couple decades and were very happy with them but so far the lithiums have been far superior to us, but time will tell?

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by smj

2 decent 6v 215 ah golf cart batteries nowadays will run you about $300, a decent 100ah lithium drop in about $200-$250. Usable amp hours are close to the same but the lithium will charge quicker and be more efficient as their voltage remains higher. The one lithium will also weigh 100lbs less than the 2 golf carts.
I already had the lithium friendly Victron solar regulator but did end up buying a 110v Victron charger and a Victron dc to dc charger as well, total cost of $320.
We used golf cart batteries for a couple decades and were very happy with them but so far the lithiums have been far superior to us, but time will tell?

Well, my 220AH Golf Cart Batteries are only a few years old so I'm not even looking at the moment.

Plus my Victron 75/15 Smart Solar Controller is all I need to keep them charged along with a 65 and 50 watt solar panel. I don't have shore power hooked up.

The 65 watt panel is probably 12 years old.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66n6MKOXQFM

[CaptTom]

I just bought four, 230AH, name-brand, 6V golf cart batteries at a reputable dealer (Batteries Plus) for $509.96 US. That's $127.50 each.

I'm only mentioning this in the context of the cost comparisons being made in this thread, not to enter a religious debate. I'm with Mike O on this point; in between the trolling, it's a good discussion and I'm learning a lot. Thanks to all those who've made positive contributions!

[smj]

Originally Posted by thomm225

Well, my 220AH Golf Cart Batteries are only a few years old so I'm not even looking at the moment.

Plus my Victron 75/15 Smart Solar Controller is all I need to keep them charged along with a 65 and 50 watt solar panel. I don't have shore power hooked up.

The 65 watt panel is probably 12 years old.

I can’t blame you for keeping your golf cart batteries, they served us well for years. Just trying to point out our experiences with the lithium’s.

[smj]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

I just bought four, 230AH, name-brand, 6V golf cart batteries at a reputable dealer (Batteries Plus) for $509.96 US. That's $127.50 each.

I'm only mentioning this in the context of the cost comparisons being made in this thread, not to enter a religious debate. I'm with Mike O on this point; in between the trolling, it's a good discussion and I'm learning a lot. Thanks to all those who've made positive contributions!

Sounds like a great price on the golf carts. I remember paying less than $50 a piece for the Trojan T105’s!

[rslifkin]

Originally Posted by CaptTom

I just bought four, 230AH, name-brand, 6V golf cart batteries at a reputable dealer (Batteries Plus) for $509.96 US. That's $127.50 each.

I'm only mentioning this in the context of the cost comparisons being made in this thread, not to enter a religious debate. I'm with Mike O on this point; in between the trolling, it's a good discussion and I'm learning a lot. Thanks to all those who've made positive contributions!

This definitely adds more to mvweebles's point about location. Relative prices of different types of batteries will vary depending on where in the world you are.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by smj

2 decent 6v 215 ah golf cart batteries nowadays will run you about $300, a decent 100ah lithium drop in about $200-$250. Usable amp hours are close to the same but the lithium will charge quicker and be more efficient as their voltage remains higher. The one lithium will also weigh 100lbs less than the 2 golf carts.
I already had the lithium friendly Victron solar regulator but did end up buying a 110v Victron charger and a Victron dc to dc charger as well, total cost of $320.
We used golf cart batteries for a couple decades and were very happy with them but so far the lithiums have been far superior to us, but time will tell?

This is more or less where I'm at. I've been very happy with my lead-acid wet cells. Current set is nine years old, so very cheap. Passive charging systems (solar, wind) keep them fully happy 95% of the time. My power needs are known, and modest, so I have no need for more amps.

That said, I'm all in on adopting new tech that makes sense. Progress is real, which is why I love my new(er) anchor, my composting head, and probably a bunch of other stuff we have.

I know "drop in" is not as simple as that. There are other changes that need to happen on my boat, so I'm here to learn, so I can make an informed decision about how to best make the switch.

Loving the real-world experience and info. Can do without the condescending preaching.

[Cheechako]

..... and here I thought you got Golf Cart Batteries because they were engineered for a lot of deep cycling with thick plates and are cheap. More lead for your buck!

Little did I know that buying Lithium at multiples of the cost which will burn your boat to the waterline at sea was better!