SgtAlf":224n0pa1 said:
It appears my House Batteries are coming due for replacement. I don't know what to go with. I found this one, but is it the right one for my R-23 application? I'm looking for Group 31 AGM, I think.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/productde ... gLX0PD_BwE
First question, What battery chemistry is installed now Cranking and House batteries? If you are replacing only house batteries it is best to stay with the same battery chemistry as the cranking battery ( Flooded, Maintenance free, AGM) The next question. What size batteries are installed now Group 27 or Group31? If group 27 are installed a Group 31 will not fit in the battery tray. If group 31 are installed you can install Group 27 or 31 in the tray. The information of current batteries installed is shown on the battery label. CCA, MCA, group size, AH capacity. Match your replacement battery to these specs. If you want to increase the specs you should still maintain the engine battery chemistry. If you want to change chemistry replace all batteries. I personally like to replace all batteries together unless less than 2 years of service and one fails.
There are all kinds of threads on TugNuts about best batteries ,changing batteries and battery replacement. Most of the answers are of opinion. Use the general opinion of TugNuts to help you decide which battery brand and size would be your best choice.
Personally I'm on the fence. I have always used Flooded chemistry Maintenance free. I like East Penn products DEKA for this type of battery. I normally get a minimum of 3 full seasons before the batteries start to loose capacity. I just replace them on a 3 full year cycle. The Flooded maintenance free are inexpensive and approx.15lbs ea. lighter than the AGM. In our smaller TUGS and CUTS that makes a difference. I Purchased NorthStar AGM's my last time. The batteries had a good review, seem to have a solid built housing, rated for 900 cycles at 50% discharge and pricy. The hope is to get 5 years service, maintaining the rated capacity for the life expectancy. I went with Group 27 weighing at 67 lbs with 93 AH @ 20 hrs and CCA 930 and MCA 1180. I'm on my second season with them. I do put them through the test. I do not have solar or generator. I do have an inverter and use it often when cruising. I have had the batteries at or slightly lower than 50% discharge many times. Time will tell if the investment of 2X battery cost has proved warranted.
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tjiann":224n0pa1 said:
SgtAlf":224n0pa1 said:
It appears my House Batteries are coming due for replacement. I don't know what to go with. I found this one, but is it the right one for my R-23 application? I'm looking for Group 31 AGM, I think.
https://www.batteriesplus.com/productde ... gLX0PD_BwE
Just curious as a fellow R-23 owner how you determined when they were due for replacement? Was it a certain dip in performance, or a generally prescribed time for hours/years? Thanks.
Tim
First indication is less time on the hook with battery capacity. After charging the batteries what is the Voltage? If the voltage after a 24 hour charge is less than 12.5 V (after letting the batteries rest with no charge and no draw for minimum of 4 hours the batteries are gettin close to needed replacement. There are inexpensive battery testers that can display the overall condition of the battery. Testing should be done with all terminal connections disconnected. This is a good opportunity to test the battery condition and at the same time do preventative maintenance, giving the batteries a full inspection and cleaning all terminals and battery post's. Apply some type of protective anti-corrosive to all connections.
