Zen and the art of sailboat maintenance

66 members

Description

Take the best option on sailboat maintenance. Do it yourself, with the help of others.
Comments Discussions Members

Battery type

by h

Jan 15, 2009

I am in the process of expanding my battery capacity from the original 150 AH to more like 450 AH.

The question I have is which battery type?

In reading this topic up, many recommend the Lifeline AGM type.

Anyone with comments? Both good and bad comment of certain installation appreciated.
  • up

    Dave Skolnick

    I have stuck with old-fashioned lead-acid batteries. The prices are lower and the life is good if you stay on top of the water level.

    I do have a small gel battery for my dinghy since it is most likely to get knocked over.
    3

    Jan 15, 2009

    • up

      h

      Another restriction for battery type when you also race your boat, the racing rules specified sealed type.

      A safer option in case of a knock down, I guess.

      Worht considering if ever wanted to race in Cat 1 or 2 races.

      Mar 15, 2009

      • up

        Nathaniel Poole

        increasing a battery bank involves more than adding more batteries. couple of things.

        All batteries must be new/the same type. you shouldn't just add more.
        at 450AH you should have at least 100 A alternator. will your auxiliary handle that? If running gels or AGM you should consider a 200A alternator as running engines to charge batteries is far more expensive than the cost of batteries.
        you should have a smart three-stage voltage regulator.
        If you change your alternator output you may have to change the gauge of your cables to the batteries to handle the current.

        May 24, 2009