What to do with an extra battery

[Bobby P.]

Happy thanksgiving weekend to all. Wishing a safe and happy time for everybody!

If you followed the battery discussions, you might have read that I replaced my starting battery with an Optima. I thought the starter batter was shot, because it didn’t seem to hold a charge (Fact was, I routinely drained it by keeping the propane sensor on - I’m solving that by installing a switch next to the stove, rather than pulling the fuse each time.).

Sooooo,after pulling the battery, charging, load testing, leaving sit for a week and load testing again (repeating 2x while not on n charge.), I’ve determine that this battery is just fine.

Any suggestions on what do do with an extra group 30?

My current configuration is 4 house batteries, 1 thruster/generator, and the Optima for starting.

Thanks much,
Bobby

 

[knotflying]

Maybe find a buyer for a used battery. Didn't you have to trade it in for the core exchange.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

If you don’t sell it many parts stores will take it from you and give you a $20.00 debit card for there store.

Jim

 

[BB marine]

The question is do you want to use it as an extra battery? If so do you have room in the battery compartment for an additional battery? If so I would use it in parallel with generator thruster battery. The added stored capacity could come in handy while docking in high wind high current conditions when using the thrusters. We witnessed this while at the Wharf marina in Orange beach. A 34 American Tug was coming into a slip. The wind was strong and the current strong with the wind. The captain was relying heavily on his thruster to push the bow. He had a 8D battery dedicated to the thruster but after 10 minutes of negotiating the current and wind the battery was depleted. He was able to get out of the marina and run the boat into the canal and the alternator charging enough to regain some needed AMPs came back into the harbor to give it another try. With the help of some of us boaters we were able to get the Tug safely in the dock. More battery power would have helped. I don't rely on my thrusters for normal docking but when conditions are not favorable they are your best friend. Having enough battery to provide peek power is a good thing. Just a thought!

 

[Jim and Jackie]

When I converted my stove from electric to propane used one of the extra dc circuit breakers to control the propane sensor. It was a holdover from my last boat where the circuit breaker had red LED so it was easy to tell if the propane was turned on.

Jim Demerest
2010 R29 Chessie

 

[Chili Pepper]

I am having the same problem with my engine battery. Have noticed this time after time. Then all of a sudden the battery kept its charge. Discovered that the fuse to the XINTEX device had blown. Replaced the fuse and the battery started depleting again. The XINTEX literature says that it only consumes 64 ma (0.064 amps) when propane solenoid valve is not activated. It should take in excess of 65 days to deplete the battery. It had only been 23 days. Could there be a problem (eg. short) in the wiring or does the device consume more current than its literature states? Has anyone else experienced this problem. My Tug is stored in a boat barn out of the sun thus the solar charging system cannot help.

I plan to measure the current going to the XINTEX device with and without the propane solenoid valve energized. Will make a post next week with the results.

 

[Bobby P.]

Thanks for all of the input!
I think I am going to put the extra battery in parallel with the thruster/genset battery.
Good advice!
Bobby