Maybe (probably) dumb questions abt batteries...

[Buccaneer]

On the 48MY, port side is "house" and start port side motor; stbd side "starters only" for stbd motor and genny.

I'm thinking to put an inverter in (as many of you know and have commented upon [thanks]), and have a Q about useage.

Stbd side was replaced about 18-24 mos ago, port about 6 mos ago. Stbd side now appears to be dieing a slow and untimely death.

I've heard that its best to replace both sides at the same time, so that the plates are at "parity" as they're being charged. This is supposed to not overcharge on the lesser drained "side."

While that makes some sense to me, I also know that - by the way the boat's configured the port side will always charge discharge with more frequency and in deeper cycles that the stbd side. Right?

So wouldn't it always be that Id be hanging out port side more frequently? Or am I going to be swapping our stbd side along with port just becasue?

No, I'm not a DIY'er; and no, I'm nor mechanically reclined. Yes, I'm trying to learn about all this 'lectrical crap. So - pardon the rudimentary question... But slap an answer on down anyway.

Speak slowly. Use one sylable words.

 

[Pascal]

what's important is to replace full banks at a time, unless they are are fairly recent. I wouldn't replace both banks just because of charging worries... it may be better on paper but not worth it.

under 2 years for batteries isn't good. you need to find out why? are you dscharging them too much before recharge? is your charger older and boiling water out; how much water do you have to add?

 

[bobk]

I agree with Pascal, but would add that a single 8D battery may not be adequate for an inverter if you want to keep a household refrigerator/freezer going overnight with out a lot of generator time. Search the previous posts on inverters for some other tips.

Bob

 

[drburke]

I would echo this question about the age of the charging system:

...is your charger older and boiling water out; how much water do you have to add?

Batteries are too expensive to not use up-to-date technology.

DAN

 

[Boatsb]

Just a though from the BG days (before the generator) I was fine for 12 hours without power using the 12V lights and left the fridge closed. Before I left I put it on coldest for 2 hours and I had 12+ hours of cold stuff in it. I di use some basic common sense. I filled it with cold liquids and got them as cold as possible. I also kept it closed as much as possible. Overnight should not be a problem if you prepare it right. Use the inverter and 12V systems for lights and other low amperage things.