Need new Batteries

R

Runningman

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Aug 16, 2010
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32276
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New to the forum and boating. I have a 1984 32' Carver. I'd like to replace the batteries (2) and the battery charger. Any suggestions on the type for both. Btw - I don't have a generator or inverter on the boat. Thanks
 
I have two batteries that came with the boat in May. I don't believe they are deep cycle batteries. One has failed several times and the marina gives me a loaner. The battery charger is probably the original one that came with the boat in 1984 as it is a large rusted metal container.
 
Boats of that era tended to have a starting battery for each engine and one of those batteries was also the house. If you want to keep this simple…

Determine which side is the house and go with at least a group 31 deep cycle for that battery. Your charger will be of the non-smart variety. Get the physical dimensions of it and look for a smart charger of about the same physical size or less so you can mount it in the same place. In case you may want to add more batteries in the future I would go with a 3 bank 40 amp charger.

My boat was originally like yours except I had a third battery for the generator and it had a 30 amp3 bank charger. I now have 2 group 27' for the port engine and 2 group 31 deep cycles for the starboardhouse and a group 27 on the genny. I also put in a new 3 bank 40amp Xantrex smart charger. It works well for the little anchoring that I do. All my batteries are of the flooded type. With the smart charger I haven’t had to add any water the last two seasons.

If you have plans for lots of overnights or inverter uses others will advise you.

Good luck
Niles
 
I have an '82 Carver 30ft. No genset, no inverter, two AC/DC fridges, windlass. Boat has two group 27 AGM batteries on a Promariner Tournament smart charger. This set-up works good, but it's not enough juice for anchoring out for any length of time. Ideally, for staying on the hook I'd like to upgrade to a dedicated engine starting battery isolated from the house bank, a bank of golf cart batteries for the house, three-stage regulators for the alternators, a 1000W inverter, and a couple of solar panels on a controller. A genset would be nice too, but that's gettin' greedy.
 
Well here is what I did on my 40SB Mainship which originally had 3 group 27 batteries and a generator. Each battery was for each engine. I could couple either engine battery into the house DC main breakers (2). I had an old 20 amp Fero charger. Step one I replaced all starting batteries with group 31 AGM's and put a parallel 31 on the port motor. I installed a Xantrex 40 amp 3 stage charger for those batteries.
I then installed a Xantrex 2500 inverter/charger with a Link 2000 controller and 3 8D AGM house batteries.
The system has since evolved to adding 3 large solar panels with 400 watts of 3 stage charging. BlueSea high current ACR's were installed to charge the house bank from either engine.
Eventually I added a 12VDC water maker, bowthruster and freshwater washdown and new windlass, they run off of 3 31 series AGM's mounted forward and charged by their own 40 amp Xantrex 3 stage charger and an ACR off the port motor.
All wiring was 4/0 marine grade wiring.
So you can make the system as simple as you need or as complex as needed.
With proper management I can run for days without starting the engines or generator and still start them.
Bill
 
To be honest, for the "house" side I'd install two 6v golf batteries... They're probably the best choice for the "house" and will start your engine no problem. For the other engine I'd install a single gp 31 starting battery. In a pinch it has plenty of power to start both engines.
 
What ever battery sizes you choose make sure they are both the same chemistry. I'm on my 5th season and the AGMs are showing no signs of deterioration.
Bill
 
Run: You will get all kind of suggestions but since youare new and havent determined your requirements or boating style. Sticking with the cheaper less exotic but shorter lived standard batts would be a good way to start. Some years from now you can always upgrade when they age.
 
Bruce +1

It aint broke yet, you don't have to change it.

Keeping thr future in mind, I would purchase a 3 bank charger
 
I used 2 grp 27 wet cell batteries on a battery switch. Nothing fancy; very basic. No inverter or genny. I could anchor out for 2 nights/2 days and watch TV and such on one battery. I always saved the second battery for starting the engine.

Conserve by turning of all lights onboard OFF; they are huge power hogs as are DC refers. One use the windless when the engine is running. Make sure each battery is thoroughly topped off by the charger at the end of each weekend. My 2 batteries lasted 7 yrs by doing the above.
 
Wow! This advice is awesome. When I asked the Marina manager about changing/upgrading the batteries and changing the battery charger he just responds by saying maybe later but never offers any advice. I've had the boat since May (my first) and my son and I are out fishing on the Chesapeake Bay every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, weather permitting. We've only taken one weekend cruise with the wife (Friday - Sunday) from Solomons to St Michaels and back with no problems. Stayed at a transient dock for the electrical connection because we didn't trust the batteries. At 63 and new to boats, its a little tough learning the ropes but I love it. Thanks to all.

"Miss Peppe"
1984 32' Carver 3227
Solomons Island, MD
 
Walmart's marine batteries (everstart?) are manufactured by Johnson Controls. I have used them for over 12 years -- replacing every 3-4 years without problems. At about $70 each for group 29 they are a great value.
 
I never "went cheap" on my batteries......they were too important to me. I always have purchased Delco. At one time Costco's Kirkland was the same spec as Delco, but that isn't always the case.

Runningman, it is all about managing your batteries. I would replace both so that you know they are in good shape. If your boating season is about over, wait until the spring to replace them. If you and your son like to go out fishing late into the year, change them ASAP. Then keep them maintained. You should get at least 5 yrs out of 2 new batteries.

Tight lines!
 
I'm in MD, I have 2 new, never used group 27 interstate marine cranking batteries 65 each if you're interested.
 
I've had a lot of luck with Interstate wetcells - got 7yrs out of grp 27 starting batts (changed to grp 31 when I repowered) and 9 yrs out of a pair of 6V Golfcart batts all hooked up to a Charles Marine 5000 charger (I can't remember the amp - 20 or 30?)

Good luck
 
At a minimum I would suggest upgrading the charger to a 3 stage charger. I would also suggest upgrading to dual use batteries I prefer AGM's but when LIPO's come down in cost I will be changing the house and thruster banks and chargers.
Bruce brings up an excellent point you need to figure out all your loads (currrent draw) and the time they will be used in a 24 hour period this will = your total amp hours needed. Then divide that number in half and you can size the house needs or battery size accordingly.
Typically you don't want to discharge batteries below 50%.
Bill
 
Bill, wouldn't he double that number rather than divide it in half? To make sure he didn't discharge his batteries by more than 50%?
 
quote:
Originally posted by marathon man

Bill, wouldn't he double that number rather than divide it in half? To make sure he didn't discharge his batteries by more than 50%?

Click to expand...

I think we are saying the same thing. If he needs 200 amp hours in a 24 hour period a 400 amp hour house bank would be needed to only use 50% of the house bank. Perhaps my previous post was confusing.
Bill
 
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