I have a question concerning batteries

[kahuna123]

I was a marine electrician before I got a real job. Granted I avoided small boats at all costs.

In many installations where we needed very high demand amp hours and high life cycle. For instance a sailing boat headed to Central America that was only going to run the aux long enough for the chill plate and to charge the batteries. Once on a boat called Cool Runnings that is still 20 years later operating in Jamaica that I installed 2000 watts (RMS real watts) of amp and 25 speakers with four subs.

We used golf cart batteries in series. Fairly cheap, you can buy them anywhere. last forever and nothing compares with the amp hours at the price. NO need to go there about a 24 volt trolling motor needing 4. But as house and BIG amp batteries they would be great and you can charge them HARD.

 

[Scorpion8]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

Is there a question in there?

 

[kahuna123]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

Yes I am sorry. I was wondering why I have never heard them mentioned here??

 

[scipper77]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

Yes I am sorry. I was wondering why I have never heard them mentioned here??

The prevailing opinion here seems to be to use components designed for the specific application. People do a lot of experimenting and find plenty of things that work for them. Pretty much all of the most helpful members here are only going to recommend tried and true marine specific components. You see the same thing with people asking about car tires on trailers, and automotive radios on boats. Nobody is against you doing what works for you (as long as there are no safety issues) but there is a responsibility when making recommendations to others to not lead them to a bad outcome (Tire blows out, radio stops working after one season).

 

[kahuna123]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

I kinda thought that would fall on deaf ears. But I tried.

 

[scipper77]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

I'm glad you asked actually. You just have to listen to the message you get around here and sometimes ignore the manor in which it is given. Lots of really good advice that sometimes comes off as hand slapping and makes members reluctant to ask questions.

I think your question is a good one and hope someone with something tangible to say comes along to say why it is a good or bad idea.

 

[Lakemeadan]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

Yes I am sorry. I was wondering why I have never heard them mentioned here??

I believe you are speaking of the large 6 volt batteries that are hooked in series. Most everything in in boats are only 12 or 24 volts so the 12 volt batteries on the market are excellent with many choices and different quality. Less weight and cables is a big plus on small boats. Maybe this answers it?

 

[Lakemeadan]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

And thanks to the Marine Technicians who are willing to share their thoughts on here. My experiance is auto and heavy equipment and now I have a boat and reluctantly do my own repairs to save money. Wheres the chassis ground darn it. It tests my confidence when taking the out drive apart then putting in water. Electricity does funny things on water.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

You sort of answered your own post when you said you avoided small boat at all costs -- and later indicated there is no reason to discuss the fact that one would need four of them for a 24 volt trolling motor. While the vast majority of boaters that frequent these forums are small pleasure boaters (say 24 foot and less), there is little need for a killer battery bank, nor is there room for that many batteries, and perhaps the boat performance would be compromised by the addition of that much extra weight. So what you've done is not news here -- but rather a limited application.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

No they obviously are not right for all situations. But for someone who needs 12v @
500 amp hours and batteries that last 6 to eight years they are ideal. And being designed to be bounced around they hold up well in a boat. We used them down here on a regular basis for the last 20 years in high amp hour needs such as sailboats at sea and running large inverters for microwaves and cold plates and 110 refrigeration without having to start the generator. And at $60.00 to $100 bucks they are a deal.

1200 Watts of stereo 1200W - 12v x 100 amps. Granted not all the time but a Walmart 85$ """"marine""" battery ain't gonna cut the mustard for very long. So we run the stereo a 50amps for 3 hours. That's 150 amp hours used up. Any motor outboard or inboard running at best a 65 amp alternator. And keep in mind that is 65 amp at FULL rpm needs to run 2.3 hours at full speed just to make up that loss. Not counting the energy lost starting the motor and other necessary amperage draws.

My point is if you need to run two "house" batteries in parallel to get anywhere near close to your amp hour needs for a trolling motor cold plate, inverter, of wannabe stereo's this is a much more efficient and less costly means to do so.

 

[Lakemeadan]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

No difference in construction of 3 cell or 6 cell batteries, the market offers commercial grade which ever fits your need or budget. Just like I'm not going to fit a forklift battery on my 18.5 foot boat.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

I give I was trying to help. I am off this forum.

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

Kahuna123, What the heck? You forgot to ask your question, then got it answered by several very good answers. Now your pissed and leaving?????
You must be trying to sell golf cart batteries I guess. There's no harm in asking questions but don't expect every reply to be: "Oh, wow, what a great idea! Thank you so much for your great suggestion you marvelous person!"
It ain't gonna happen.

 

[NYBo]

Re: I have a question concerning batteries

Over in another, brand-specific forum that I used to frequent, many of the guys with larger cruisers swear by house banks composed of 6V golf cart batteries.