8D battery replacement suggestions

[Hat43c1981]

All, I need to replace 2 of my 4 8D batteries during this winter's layup. Wondering what you all use and have had good fortune with and also which brand you have had not so good success with. Lead acid, not gel.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Dan Mapes]

We've had good luck with Sam's Club provided Duracell. Skip the AGM's they are not worth it.

 

[jap201]

i liked the rolls 8d's, but very expensive.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

i liked the rolls 8d's, but very expensive.

Only seem expensive. If you consider they will last 10+ years with a smart charger, then they seem like a bargain because you put off the need for back surgery

 

[Boatsb]

And the charger is a big part of how well they last.

New chargers can be the cheapest upgrade you make.

 

[jap201]

You're absolutely right. Mine lasted 10yrs, never had an issue. When I swapped them out, I gave them to a friend that used them to run his pellet stove. he used them for many years after that.

Only seem expensive. If you consider they will last 10+ years with a smart charger, then they seem like a bargain because you put off the need for back surgery

 

[bostonhatteras]

Rolls/surrett Last set of Rolls 8Ds lasted 14 years and only gave up prematurely because i was lazy and let the tops of the plates dry out a few times. current set is 7 years old.
They run a 2000 watt inverter when not at the dock. They take a decent work out and last.

 

[Keith]

It's all about the charging system. Money spent on a quality charger will be paid back in battery savings. We have 14 years on our 8D engine starter batteries. Just replaced my house bank at 13 years!

Keith
Lady J

 

[Hat43c1981]

Thanks for all of your input! Our Hatteras has the original Sentry battery charger still in service (40amp 2 bank. It services (4) 8D batteries. I would like to approach the idea of installing a new battery charger at some point. I prefer something that is as "plug and play" as possible. What have you all updated your boats with? Thanks!

 

[SKYCHENEY]

Victron makes a great charger. Call Scott (BoatsB) and he'll set you up.

 

[spartonboat1]

I have had very positive results with Interstates, last time from NAPA. Some say replace after 3 years, but I believe these are 6 yoa. The cells come up to full charge, except for one battery. The last time aboard, on the hard, they went Charge/Float/Full charge quite quickly, while I was observing.

One time once, I had a battery go bad and they will get very hot, if boiling dry. So I do NOT leave the charger on, while "in the building", but I do watch them closely at the dock. I.e., pull the hatches and test the cells state from time to time; 12.75 SG should be seen.

This is a 1972 43' DCFB with outboard batteries, so they are relatively easy to access.

P.s., I built a "rig" to pull the batteries last time. I adapted a trailer ratcheting winch to barn door rollers bolted to 2x6's and 2x4's. So up and out they come, and roll the center deck fairly easily. Full Red-Neck mode you might say, but somewhat straightforward. Two high school lineman could probably do as well. My Dad, who loved this boat, may he RIP, used to say "get someone with a strong back and a weak mind".

 

[Hat43c1981]

All, I am trying to figure out the battery configuration/setup on our 1981 43c. I have (4) 8D batteries that are wired in parallel. What’s the typical wiring set up that Hatteras used? 1 battery dedicated for the genny, 1 for the house, 2 for engine starting? The on board battery charger is an original Sentry C series 40amp, 3 bank. Trying to figure out what 3 banks the charger is currently charging and what each of the 4 batteries manage. Thanks in advance!