Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 01-13-2014, 10:33 PM   #1
Guru
 
drb1025's Avatar
 
City: Port Ludlow
Vessel Name: Fiddler
Vessel Model: DeFever 46
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 703
8D Battery Replacement options

I have two 8D batteries for starting two 135hp JDs. These batteries also run the hydraulic crane and the windlass. One has gone bad and I am going to replace them both. I am considering replacing each 8D with two Group 31s. This would provide more CCAs as well as allow me to install them due to being half the size and weight of the 8Ds. Any thoughts on this proposed configuration are appreciated. Thanks
drb1025 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 12:12 AM   #2
Art
Guru
 
Art's Avatar
 
City: SF Bay Area
Vessel Model: Tollycraft 34' Tri Cabin
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,569
Quote:
Originally Posted by drb1025 View Post
I have two 8D batteries for starting two 135hp JDs. These batteries also run the hydraulic crane and the windlass. One has gone bad and I am going to replace them both. I am considering replacing each 8D with two Group 31s. This would provide more CCAs as well as allow me to install them due to being half the size and weight of the 8Ds. Any thoughts on this proposed configuration are appreciated. Thanks
As home bank and engine starters... Been using four (4) wet cell Group 31 Deep Cell Batts from Battery Plus Store for years. Inexpensive, no problem, easy to maintain, charge quickly, and they collectively supply plenty of power. Also have a gen set Group 27 starter batt... and... a completely independent Group 27 deep-cell/starter combo batt that is always 100% charged in wait for if all else fails!

http://www.batteriesplus.com/product...-SLI31MDC.aspx
Art is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 12:16 AM   #3
Guru
 
Daddyo's Avatar
 
City: Cruising East Coast US
Vessel Name: Grace
Vessel Model: DeFever 48
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,420
I am no fan of the 8ds. Too heavy. I'm not real crazy about a setup that has you running that other stuff off a starting battery. Starting batts should be dedicated and separated. The house needs should be handled by deep cycle batts. If possible I would put a group battery of appropriate CCA for start and 6v cart batts for house.
__________________
Cruiser
Esse Quam Videri
Daddyo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 12:22 AM   #4
Guru
 
BruceK's Avatar
 
City: Sydney
Vessel Name: Sojourn
Vessel Model: Integrity 386
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 13,329
New sealed 1300CCA dual use/compromise 8Ds, if needed, 53.5 kilograms each. Not an install job I look forward to.
__________________
BruceK
2005 Integrity 386 "Sojourn"
Sydney Australia
BruceK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 12:25 AM   #5
Guru
 
drb1025's Avatar
 
City: Port Ludlow
Vessel Name: Fiddler
Vessel Model: DeFever 46
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 703
I have 8 6v Trojans for the house bank. I agree that it would be better to run the crane and windlass off the house bank. I run the engines when using them.
drb1025 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 12:29 AM   #6
Guru
 
BruceK's Avatar
 
City: Sydney
Vessel Name: Sojourn
Vessel Model: Integrity 386
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 13,329
Quote:
Originally Posted by drb1025 View Post
I have 8 6v Trojans for the house bank. I agree that it would be better to run the crane and windlass off the house bank. I run the engines when using them.
The crane would be handy installing the 8Ds.
__________________
BruceK
2005 Integrity 386 "Sojourn"
Sydney Australia
BruceK is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 12:31 AM   #7
Guru
 
Daddyo's Avatar
 
City: Cruising East Coast US
Vessel Name: Grace
Vessel Model: DeFever 48
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,420
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceK View Post
The crane would be handy installing the 8Ds.
__________________
Cruiser
Esse Quam Videri
Daddyo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 05:16 AM   #8
FF
Guru
 
FF's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 22,553
2 Banks , start & house are always the better choice , but running start (31) as house batts is never a good option.

The 8-D size , at least as a truck batt is a reasonable compromise.

Sure there heavy to move every 5 -6 years , but a couple of $20 bills handles the problem.

Few wires to hook , and keep clean, few cells to water (hydrocap if you have the height) and if its already in a safe secure box , no extra work.

IF your operation changes and the 8D do loads of house service , the change to 2 batt styles may become necessary.
FF is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 05:46 AM   #9
Guru
 
Aquabelle's Avatar
 
City: East Coast, Australia
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 935
Running all short-burst high current draw equipment off a battery bank configured for this specific purpose actually makes a lot of sense. My vessel is set up this way too. The thruster and crane have more in common with engine start than House loads, You might consider Optima spiral bound AGMs: very robust, high charge delivery, fast recharge & tolerant of variations in charging voltages. Much easier to handle than 8Ds, Of course you can still parallel to the House bank in the event of a problem with either.
Aquabelle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 05:54 AM   #10
Guru
 
N4712's Avatar
 
City: South FL
Vessel Name: Oliver
Vessel Model: Nordhavn 47 Hull# 12
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,607
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceK View Post
The crane would be handy installing the 8Ds.
Attached Thumbnails
image-1080973126.jpg   image-600029663.jpg  
__________________
Thanks, Oliver
M/V Oliver
Nordhavn 47 Hull #12
N4712 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 07:27 AM   #11
Guru
 
Tom.B's Avatar
 
City: Cary, NC
Vessel Name: Skinny Dippin'
Vessel Model: Navigator 4200 Classic
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,841
When I reconfigured my DC system, I decided to pull the windlass off the start battery as to not put, what I considered, a heavy load on the house bank just before sitting on the hook. In addition, the engine is running at the time. ;-)

That was my take. YMMV. However, as I sit and think about it now, I did move the alternator (since I only have one) to feed the house bank while underway. Perhaps I should move the windlass back to the house buss. Hmmm... At least it's an easy swap from one buss bar to another. :-D
__________________
2000 Navigator 4200 Classic
(NOT a trawler)
Tom.B is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 07:45 AM   #12
Senior Member
 
neworleansrich's Avatar
 
City: New Orleans
Vessel Name: Catalyst
Vessel Model: 50 ft Power Cat
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 141
Go with golf cart batteries. MUCH easier to handle, better deep cycle capabilities, all the cranking you will ever need. Pair them with a modern 3 step charger. Ferro-resonant chargers are garbage.
neworleansrich is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 08:51 AM   #13
Moderator Emeritus
 
ksanders's Avatar
 
City: SEWARD ALASKA
Vessel Name: DOS PECES
Vessel Model: BAYLINER 4788
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,266
So, maybe I'm the only one here but I like the 8D batteries.

I have heard and read the specs of the group 31's but I just do not beleive that the people that designed the group 31 were, (using the same technology) that much smarter than the people designing the 8D.

To me, bigger, and heavier makes a better battery.

I'd rather see your windlass and crane running on your house bank though.
From my standpoint there should be zero loads on the start batteries other than starters. But, that is not what you were asking.

As was previously suggested, dockside labor for a half hours work can be fairly inexpensive. If it were me, I'd find two strong kids and offer them 20 or 50 bucks each to do the heavy lifting.

For less than one visit to the chiropractor this issue can be solved.
__________________
Kevin Sanders
Bayliner 4788 Dos Peces
Seward, Alaska - La Paz, Baja California Sur
https://maps.findmespot.com/s/XLJZ#history/assets
ksanders is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 09:01 AM   #14
Guru
 
N4712's Avatar
 
City: South FL
Vessel Name: Oliver
Vessel Model: Nordhavn 47 Hull# 12
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,607
Quote:
Originally Posted by ksanders View Post
So, maybe I'm the only one here but I like the 8D batteries. I have heard and read the specs of the group 31's but I just do not beleive that the people that designed the group 31 were, (using the same technology) that much smarter than the people designing the 8D. To me, bigger, and heavier makes a better battery. I'd rather see your windlass and crane running on your house bank though. From my standpoint there should be zero loads on the start batteries other than starters. But, that is not what you were asking. As was previously suggested, dockside labor for a half hours work can be fairly inexpensive. If it were me, I'd find two strong kids and offer them 20 or 50 bucks each to do the heavy lifting. For less than one visit to the chiropractor this issue can be solved.
I totally agree, I rather have nine big 8D's instead of a bunch of smaller batteries. I think the whole weight thing is just an excuse like ff said only takes a couple twenty dollar bills to get some help. I also recommend if you have the money, go for AGM ones, so you don't have to worry about them giving off gases and having to fill them with water.
__________________
Thanks, Oliver
M/V Oliver
Nordhavn 47 Hull #12
N4712 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 10:24 AM   #15
Guru
 
SCOTTEDAVIS's Avatar
 
City: Vero Beach, FL.
Vessel Name: FIREFLY
Vessel Model: Pilgrim 40
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 918
I really don't think starting those engines really needs an 8D, trucks use them to start big diesels in all kinds of weather including below zero, often using large doses of glow plugs. Boaters just don't have the all weather starting requirements.

That said, I like to be as independent as possible, I am fairly young and while not adverse to spending a few 20's to the local youth I don't want to be dependent on someone else. When replacing the 8D starting batt. in Firefly I went with two 1000 amp cranking batts and they fit nicely into the old box.

I have nine 6 volt GC batts for the house and one cranking batt hooked up to the gen-set with one Gp 31 not hooked up to anything, this is trickle charged and alongside the genset battery.

I can replace any or all of the battery's myself even moving them with the dingy if necessary. Like I said, I like to be independent, most likely this will change as my back gets older, but at least now I have a fighting chance. Horsing 8D's around under deck in limited space alone was not going to happen.

I think the price for 8D's in comparison to four 6 volt GC batteries, makes the GC batteries a better buy especially considering their designed use allows for longer life.

My $.02
SCOTTEDAVIS is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 10:24 AM   #16
Guru
 
City: Carefree, Arizona
Vessel Name: sunchaser V
Vessel Model: DeFever 48 (sold)
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,186
Quote:
Originally Posted by drb1025 View Post
I have two 8D batteries for starting two 135hp JDs. These batteries also run the hydraulic crane and the windlass. One has gone bad and I am going to replace them both. I am considering replacing each 8D with two Group 31s. This would provide more CCAs as well as allow me to install them due to being half the size and weight of the 8Ds. Any thoughts on this proposed configuration are appreciated. Thanks
I'm with Kevin and FF, stick with the 8Ds. Northern Diesel out of Anacortes has very good prices and strong backs for the install. BTW, I much prefer the davit and windlass to run off the starts, the boat was built that way and seems to work just fine.

I even have an 8D for the genset start, I know I'm probably the only guy here with one for that use, but WTH.
sunchaser is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 11:03 AM   #17
Guru
 
N4712's Avatar
 
City: South FL
Vessel Name: Oliver
Vessel Model: Nordhavn 47 Hull# 12
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 3,607
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunchaser View Post
I'm with Kevin and FF, stick with the 8Ds. Northern Diesel out of Anacortes has very good prices and strong backs for the install. BTW, I much prefer the davit and windlass to run off the starts, the boat was built that way and seems to work just fine. I even have an 8D for the genset start, I know I'm probably the only guy here with one for that use, but WTH.
We have a 4D for wing/ gen starting, so your almost not alone.
__________________
Thanks, Oliver
M/V Oliver
Nordhavn 47 Hull #12
N4712 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 11:59 AM   #18
Guru
 
Edelweiss's Avatar
 
City: PNW
Vessel Model: 1976 Californian Tricabin LRC
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 1,860
Quote:
Originally Posted by sunchaser View Post
I'm with Kevin and FF, stick with the 8Ds. Northern Diesel out of Anacortes has very good prices and strong backs for the install. BTW, I much prefer the davit and windlass to run off the starts, the boat was built that way and seems to work just fine.
I even have an 8D for the genset start, I know I'm probably the only guy here with one for that use, but WTH.
I agree. . . Either stay with the 8D's or if you want a lighter smaller case 4D's (which are common to bus and truck applications.) Having owned commercial boats we never ran anything smaller. I switched from 8D to 4D's, because the space allowed me to add another battery bank and an additional 2600 amps. Yeah, they're also 45 lbs lighter which is nice. I also swapped out the generator battery from a smaller auto/golf cart battery to a 4D which is another 1000 amps. Gives you plenty of options for when things go wrong.

I normally use Interstate Batteries, but I'm trying two 4D Pacific Power Batteries on one bank now. At $173 each I had to give it a look!! They're 4 lbs lighter than the Interstates. The weight of the battery is a product of the amount of battery material that's inside the case and not all batteries of the same case size weigh the same. The Interstate set they replaced were still going strong on their 11th year. So we will see??
__________________
Larry B
Careful . . .I Have a Generator and I'm not afraid to use it !
Edelweiss is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 12:02 PM   #19
Guru
 
drb1025's Avatar
 
City: Port Ludlow
Vessel Name: Fiddler
Vessel Model: DeFever 46
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 703
Thanks for your suggestions. Per the JD owner's manual, these engines need 640-800 CCAs, so the 8Ds are overkill for starting. But with the extra load from the windlass and crane, perhaps that is why they were installed. One of the 8Ds is dying and sucking the life out of the other, so I need a solution that is equal to or greater than the CCAs of the starting 8Ds, but with less weight so I can replace them in the future without hiring someone. Thus, the idea of paralleling two Gp 31s to replace each 8D.
drb1025 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2014, 12:06 PM   #20
Art
Guru
 
Art's Avatar
 
City: SF Bay Area
Vessel Model: Tollycraft 34' Tri Cabin
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 12,569
Quote:
Originally Posted by drb1025 View Post
Thanks for your suggestions. Per the JD owner's manual, these engines need 640-800 CCAs, so the 8Ds are overkill for starting. But with the extra load from the windlass and crane, perhaps that is why they were installed. One of the 8Ds is dying and sucking the life out of the other, so I need a solution that is equal to or greater than the CCAs of the starting 8Ds, but with less weight so I can replace them in the future without hiring someone. Thus, the idea of paralleling two Gp 31s to replace each 8D.
Revisit post # 2. And, Best Luck!
Art is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Trawler Port Captains
Port Captains are TF volunteers who can serve as local guides or assist with local arrangements and information. Search below to locate Port Captains near your destination. To learn more about this program read here: TF Port Captain Program





All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:24 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0
Copyright 2006 - 2012