Battery size R27 Classic

[Boatdreamer]

I was talking to a fellow R27 owner the other day and the topic was batteries. He has a 2015 Volvo powered R27 and he has group 31 batteries. Our boat is a 2012 Yanmar powered boat and I know Bill from CaspersCruiser has the same boat we have and both have group 27 batteries. Did Ranger Tugs go with the larger batteries when they switched to the Volvo engines or is this something owners are doing? I’m very curious what the advantages and disadvantages are of going with the larger batteries as mine need to be replaced very soon. Also is anyone using Lifeline AGM batteries and if you are what are your thoughts on them. They’re expensive but are they worth it?

Tim
Gratitude

 

[Red Raven]

My 2014 with Volvo has group 31 AGM batteries. Perhaps the flooded are group 27 and AGM option is group 31? Personally I would go with the highest Amp hours you can fit. I have heard good things about the Lifeline batteries but have not tried them myself.

Curt

 

[Trisailor]

My 2011 R27 came with group 31 AGM batteries. I believe they were the originals due to the Mfg dates. I got almost 7 years of life rom them. I replaced them with Group 27 AGM's, primarily to lessen the weight on the port quarter. There was a small difference in amphours, but not spending long hours on the hook or on a mooring, I figured the trade off was worth it. Plus I got a bit more space in the battery compartment for air flow/temp control. I figure, based on battery specs, I removed 40 to 50 lbs out of the port quarter. Not to mention my back was grateful for less weight man handing the batteries around. After close to a year with the new batteries, I'm happy with their performance. I also used one of the deep cycle batteries for a start battery, it provides a robust enough CCA rating to make me comfortable. With four identical I can rotate them to different positions if needed, even though that is what the battery combo switch is for.

 

[knotflying]

My 2011 R-27 has group 27. Many of us are always trying to get as much amperage as possible. My advice is figure what you need before you start changing things. I joined my thruster to the house with a switch in between so I can isolate it if I want to. Many a night (up to three) on the hook and never had an issue. As they say, if it works, don't fix it. If you have been satisfied with the group 31 and they fit okay without issues then I would go with the same.

 

[GaylesFaerie]

...Also is anyone using Lifeline AGM batteries and if you are what are your thoughts on them...

I believe that if you change your battery chemistry (FLA to AGM) you will need to make sure to adjust the charging profile for re-charging power sources like your alternator.

 

[j&lgray]

Trilogy is a 2012 Ranger 27 with a Yanmar 180 HP and has 4 - Group 31 batteries.