#1
IP: 67.168.58.141
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Smallest starting battery?
I have a two bank battery system with two Group 27 105ah deep cycle flooded batteries on the house bank and an isolated Group 27 105ah as a reserve "get home". I figured it was nice to have the extra ah. A regular high cranking battery is slightly smaller, but doesn't weigh much less. The batteries are a considerable amount of weight on my Islander 28.
But I hardly ever use the starting battery. And rarely get half way down the house two battery bank. I was thinking about lightening up the boat by getting rid of the starting battery, or replacing it with a smaller battery, or even a small emergency portable power source. I'm wondering what others are using for a starting batteries or a "get home" plan. Yes, there are expensive lithium options, etc out there, but not really worth it for a weekend cruiser. TIA, Jack |
#2
IP: 100.36.65.17
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I have a single large house bank, and a small separate starting battery. Its a Group U1, about 35 Amp-Hours. It has plenty of power to crank the A4, but the truth is that its only there as a backup, as I never run the house bank below 50%, and its still able to crank the A4 at that level.
Unlike a diesel, the A4 has a pretty low cranking current (around 60 amps I believe)
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@(^.^)@ Ed 1977 Pearson P-323 "Dolce Vita" with rebuilt Atomic-4 |
#3
IP: 155.186.122.195
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Jack, personally I'd stick with the 2 house and one start. If you do take one out, take out one of the house so you will still have a "start".
As far as a smaller battery, I have been using a "U-2" lawn tractor battery in my Calibogie for a couple of seasons with no issues. I am starting a 60HP Yamaha and have a couple radios going too. Plenty to crank an A-4. A friend of mine is using one to start a SBC 383 with 11.5:1 compression in a hot rod and it starts just fine. Dave Neptune |
#4
IP: 67.168.58.141
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What CCA does an A4 require?
I was thinking to remove the starting battery and just use one of these if something goes haywire. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B019RY1HMO/ref=dp_prsubs_1 |
#5
IP: 138.207.177.95
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Quote:
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#6
IP: 24.15.43.167
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I have recommended this before and will do so again fyi. I have great luck with a bank o just two Optima Blue top D34 dual purpose deep cycle AGM batteries. They are slightly smaller and about 10 - 12 lbs each lighter and easier to handle than conventional flooded batteries. I now have one 4yrs old and the other going on 12 yrs. I periodically use a charger/maintainer in the off season garage storage. They are very expensive retail but about $250 delivered on line but never ran one down or had a problem.
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The Following User Says Thank You to Sam For This Useful Post: | ||
W2ET (11-09-2020) |
#7
IP: 32.211.28.40
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My $.02 based on 30 years with an A4.
Never saw the need for hi-tech batteries, always used simple lead acid. Boat originally had 2 size 27s with an A/B switch. When I needed more house capacity, I added a gp 24 for engine start and made the gp27s a house bank. Worked fine. At one point I tried changing the gp27s to gp31s, but found they were too heavy for me to move. More details on request. |
#8
IP: 24.15.212.17
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Well, I can also agree with Al - my first 30 yrs I used 2 bank flooded deep cycles, liked Delco Voyager etc around $120 +. never really had a problem with my boat on mooring can with a good alternator. The Optima AGM's give me more reserve power per "pound or space". Being a little smaller and lighter they are easier for an older guy to handle in tight spaces. They handle vibrations better and supposedly can operate/installed in any position for those who are heeled over a fair amount. Note: I do have an old Delco, about 14yrs old that I use in the off season to power an auto bilge pump. I have a small 4 amp $50 charger/maintainer that I use when the batteries are stored that has an cycling "intermittent " charge that supposedly "desulfites" the battery extending it's life. Can't swear by it but seems to work well.
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#9
IP: 207.32.168.30
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What works for me is two lead-acid deep cycle size 27s, with the battery switch set to both. The New Mar PT-14 charger is almost always plugged in to shore power, charging both batteries at once. I use both batteries to start the engine, and for everything else, which is only some lights and the bilge pump. I am almost always using shore power for light, heat, vacuum, and computer, and occasional power tools. If I spend a night at anchor I use one battery for house. The New Mar charger is used by commercial fishermen. It cost over $400 but is worth every penny. It runs almost constantly when in a slip, and automatically switches between three phases; bulk, absorption, and float. I have had one for over 20 years and it has always worked perfectly. However, I had to replace the fan in it a few years ago because it was worn out and noisy.
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