Yet Another Battery Choice Question .

[HarveyN]

I thought I'd find the answer but I didn't. First off, my batteries are well over five years old, wet cell, 12 v. I have a battery switch for either, both or off. The engine runs very little during the year, maybe 3-4 gallons.

I only need to start my old Westerbeke diesel to get off and back on the mooring a couple of times a week, if that. No overnights. It was getting harder and harder to start the engine so I bought a SUNFORCE Solar-Powered Trickle Charger - 350mA .

The engine started more easily but I noticed that I had to add water to the batteries more often (they rarely needed water before).

Yesterday the batteries wouldn't start the engine (after a couple of weeks of very hot weather and not being on the boat at all). The water levels were down a bit. I topped them up and maybe they'll start today but I need a more reliable solution.

If I need to get new batteries my question is what to buy - my use is essentially starting the engine and next no "house" usage. And since I use the engine so little, the only recharge is with a solar charger.

Automotive starting battery (1 or 2) or deep cycle.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Oh yes, I have a 26' Nonsuch.

[Pete7]

Yep, you need two new batteries. Nothing special, suggest a pair of budget engine starting batteries and flooded type so you can top them up again. Two engine starting batteries because you have no house loads and just might need the second battery to start if the first goes flat.

Probably about 75 AH would do. Keep it simple and cheap, they should last 5 years with a trickle solar charge and be cost effective..

Pete

[HarveyN]

I was hoping it'd be something simple. Thanks a lot.