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cmckitrick
Navigator

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USA
116 Posts
Initially Posted - 07/26/2007 :  11:07:16  Show Profile
I had two dual purpose marine batteries in my boat. After four years they didnt seem to be charging. My wife very kindly went to West Mariine to get replacements. She told the guys there what they were for but she came back with two starter batteries. I dont even use the batteries to start my motor. I noticed yesterday after being out just three times this season (just put the boat in last week)that my radio was giving a low battery message. That has never happened before. What type of batteries do you guys suggest? I havent hooked up the wires from my motor so there has been no alternator action. I gues I better do that. I am wondering how long it would take running the motor for them to charge back up. Thanks for reading this and any suggestions are appreciated.
Charlie McKitrick
Norwell, MA
Valiant Lady... for now
'81 C 25 SR/FK
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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts
Response Posted - 07/26/2007 :  11:47:28  Show Profile
You need to get the outboard charger hooked up. Batteries will naturally loose charge. It would take many hours of running depending how far down the batteries are. I use a small solar charger that keeps my batteries topped off. I suggest you hook the batteries on a charger to get them topped back up. Then the Engine and solar charger would keep them fully charged.

In my opinion, the light electrical loads we have on our boats do not require a special battery. Deep cycle would be better but it is not essential.

You can measure the charge of the battery with a multimeter and a voltage chart you can find on the net.

Tom.
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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts
Response Posted - 07/26/2007 :  12:09:56  Show Profile
Charlie,
I don't imagine that you gain anything by not having the battery connected to the motor so, the little bit of boost from the alternator would be a bit of a plus and wouldn't hurt anything. I'd also see about returning the starter batteries to West Marine and get replacements for your house batteries.
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Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts
Response Posted - 07/26/2007 :  14:26:59  Show Profile
Charlie, I suggest that you have the wrong type of batteries. Read this:

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/westadvisor/10001/-1/10001/BatteryTypes.htm

The two types are made differently. Regardless of how you charge your batteries, the issue is how you draw them down. You can use deep cycles for your infrequent engine starts, but you are really intending to use them for lights, stereo, electronics, etc., which ARE deep cycle uses.

You can also get deep cycle batteries for a LOT less than WM charges. Look locally. Last year we got three quality American batteries for $95 each compared to WM's $135 (130 ah each).

BTW, given your charging and use, you did pretty well with four years. You may also want to consider a solar panel for trickle charging. Your batteries will last longer. You could get the dual purpose ones again, but why spend more than you have to? By engine starting, most battery manufacturers mean inboard engines, which require a bit of cranking capacity, like diesels on sailboats and V8's on stinkpots. Outboard engines simply don't put that sort of load on batteries, so deep cycles would do ya just fine.

If you search around some more at the WM advisors, you can learn a lot about batteries and electrical systems. Their writeups are very good and should answer your other questions, like when do I need to charge, and what batteries really need.
Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 07/26/2007 14:34:03
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 08/02/2007 :  14:38:24  Show Profile
One of the keys to battery longevity is not allowing the charge to get too low. I use the battery to power the VHF, GPS, occasional stereo and occasional running lights (not for long) and sail maybe 15 hrs per week. The 6 watt solar panel has kept the battery in fine shape all season - so far. I went for a rail mount kit and simple take the panel down when we go out. Couldn't be happier.
Edited by - jerlim on 08/02/2007 14:39:40
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.