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At the risk of setting off a flurry of conflicting responses, I'd appreciate some feedback on choice of starting and house batteries for my Mark III. In addition to the usual assembly of cabin lights, wired in parallel, and an overhead fluourescent, she has ST60 depth and speed, an Autohelm 3000 and Rule 750 bilge pump. I'm leaning toward Trojans but am willing to consider other options. Ken Pole
Santiva
Ottawa
Ken Pole, Ottawa
1975 Mark III Santiva
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My sense is that batteries are a commodity unless you have a genuine need for (and are willing to pay for) super-premium batteries, be they well made traditional batteries such as Surrettes or the newer tech things. I would be reluctant to pay for premium batteries because the way we use our boats in this country, with a long winter layup, is apparently not good for batteries even if you do look after them carefully.
For most applications, I'm convinced that Crappy Tire's best is more than good enough. The price seems to be as good or better than anyone else's, plus they have the most hassle-free warranty, so if anything does go awry, you've got a new battery for half an hour's effort and a very small cash outlay.
David Weatherston
Towser, Toronto
C&C 27 Mk IV
Last edited by (2004-10-14 23:58:49)
David Weatherston
Towser, Toronto
C&C 27 Mk IV
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As usual, there are many choices----Starting with the local "Auto Zone" flooded (liquid electrolyte) starting and deep cycle batteries-----up to the AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat). Pls take a close look at the AGM's----they are not for everyone---but neither is Lipitor or Cialis. From an engineering standpoint (and safety) the AGM's win easily. The downside, of course, is cost---but then guys (sorry, and girls) that own C/C's don't worry about cost---only VALUE---. The people that sell AGM's will give yu all the dope on them----good luck.
I'm with with Dave on the Canadian Tire Marine battery option. We pull ours out and store them in the basement over the winter hooking them up once a month to a trickle charger over night to keep them fresh - also from Canadian tire: $65 or less. So far (4 years later) they're still going strong.
Gord.
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This will prbably start a fuss----I'm an old guy whose Dad always taught me to remove the batteries----set them on wood----never on concrete---etc, etc.
Reality is that with plastic cases one need not worry about "leakage" to the concrete----in the old days of wooden battery cases---maybe so---but no longer.
I've stored 3 commercial boats in a snow bank in th U>P> of Mich for ten years running. I turn off the selector switch---leave batteries in. Rarely do I even need a charge in the spring---if I leave them fully charged. Cold is not the enemy----Heat is. In Florida an unattended battery will sulphate in a few months----then its off to Auto Zone for thr $39 special----which is OK. Serious discharging and rapid charging is a issue that needs more consideration. Have at me guys-----Dave
I screwed up the posting by not logging in. Sorry guys. Here's the original posting on batteries:
I also have been impressed with Canadian Tire. I bought expensive? ($170) AGM batteries and had trouble with one of them; I think because of alternator problems. The return was no problem, but you have to have your paperwork.
The batteries were Exide's Orbital 34XCD. It's an AGM 50 Amp-hour battery, 1100 cca and I have been hard on the batteries, but they recharged with no difficulty. They can function both as a starting battery and a house battery which simplifies things. The batteries intended use is to power the lights and stereos of power-hungry lowriding cars. The link to the companies site is <A href="http://www.exide.com/products/automotive/exide_select_orbital_XCD.html"><A href="http://www.exide.com/products/automotive/exide_select_orbital_XCD.html">http://www.exide.com/products/automotive/exide_select_orbital_XCD.html</A>
Bruce Peever
</A>
As I mentioned---there are some issues to be dealt with as far as AGM's go----You can really dump the amps to them for quick recharge (we use them in tour boats that need quick charging on an "opportunity" basis. High amps---no problem----but if you dont control the voltage input you get a world of problems.
I can attest to the issue of heat. Today, October 21, here in Houston we have a predicted high of 92F, low of 75 - use your imagination for the rest of the year!
I have always used 2 marine deep cycle flooded batteries size 27. Brand does not seem to matter - just keep the plates flooded and charge seperately (I don't trust battery chargers - due to experience). I check frequently and top off with distilled water. Every 3 to 4 years I replace them (staggered timing), and don't wait for one to go bad.
Gasoline will go bad in heat. Some of the lighter end hydrocarbons come out of solution leaving you with lower octane fuel, and a higher oil ratio if you use a two stroke engine (voice of experience). If you are having starting difficulties and your fuel is old, shame on you. My 8 HP Yamaha 4 stroke uses straight gasoline, and with my typical 1 hour round trip of motoring the channel I burn about 1 gallon. We use the boat almost every weekend all year, and I never buy more than 3 gallons at a time unless we plan a trip. Any left over gas in these cases go to cars, lawn equipment, etc. I never use gas in my engine that is more than one month old.
Warren Smith
<A href="mailto:WBSTx@aol.com">WBSTx@aol.com</A>
Serendipity
Galveston Bay, Texas
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