Checking the batteries

Checking the batteries

Check Y.E.S...they are the new Lifeline dealer and just got a new Pallet of batteries in!!!!

They need replacing after an admirable 8 years of service (Lifeline 6V AGMs)

If you are on a smart charger and have a SOC meter you might find golf cart batts will last as long , at 1/2 the price.

Most of the expense on batts is the learning curve , once you learn to live off the batts properly , the old wet style does admirably.

Each month I check the batteries water level, volt level, load test, and start the engines. This year I had to replace two of the 3 wet cell 8 D start batteries after 8 years. I still think the best bang for the buck is the wet cells. I do not leave the dock, the few time we do, with out checking and starting everything a few days before so if something does not start/work if can be repaired/replaced.

Being a card carrying member of the 21st Century I vote for the AGM's. My first set lasted at least 8 years (sold the boat) and my current set is 5+ years old.

If you nose around in the right places, some one will sell you what you need at a reasonable price just to make a few bucks. Plus, if you know some one with a Port Supply card, West has them also.

And, the little Optima AGM's from Sam's or Walmart (who cares red or blue top) will certainly start a gen set. Two in a row will start a 6-71. They are really cheap.

-- Edited by Doc on Friday 30th of July 2010 11:39:30 AM

-- Edited by Doc on Friday 30th of July 2010 11:42:07 AM

I got the Lifelines here: https://www.powerstridebattery.com/marine-batteries

Last time I bought them here http://www.batterystore.com/ but they have dropped Lifeline for Odyssey and didn't have any 6 volts.

Each month I check the batteries water level, volt level, load test, and start the engines.

Wow!

To load test a batt it has to be disconnected from the string , that's an amazing amount of work each month .

Esp since a SOC meter tests the battery condition and compares its charge acceptance , with its past charge acceptance , to give a really good idea of the batterys aging.

Disconnecting a maybe dozen batts 12 times a year vs $160 once , sure would not be my choice!

FF wrote:

since a SOC meter tests the battery condition and compares its charge acceptance , with its past charge acceptance , to give a really good idea of the batterys aging.

So Fred, I"m in the market for a new SOC meter, as my current Xantrex Link 10 has become suspect.Calls to Xantrex only results in an offer to service for about half the cost of a new one. How do the new meters display acceptance rate history? What brand(s) do you recomend? Sure would be nice if I could use my current shunt and wiring though. ........Arctic Traveller

My favorite is www.bogartengineering.com/ -

These are made for alt energy homes and RV's , so will need to be inside , not on the fly bridge.

Depending on how much info you need you can stay simple or go for the one that talks to your computer for a second by second picture, and history.

We use them to keep the battset from going too low ,and harder a full recharge.

Should you want to make a hobby of batt charging , there the folks!