T&T: 1) Alternatives to 8D batteries are ? 2) How are the Odyssey Batteries?

[Steve Sipe]

WS wrote:
> We have 5 8D batteries onboard our 53 foot trawler. Two for Port. Two for
> Starboard. One for Genset.
>
> Three were replaced about 12 months ago. Two need replacing now.
>
> - They are very heavy and on the outside of our engines.
> - Very difficult to move across the motors during replacement.
> - Very difficult to access for checking and service.
>
> What are alternatives?
>   
Find out why they failed. Something's wrong.

I found myself in the same situation, I have 2-8D's that the PO abused, 
they were cooked dry, they were on a battery isolator, the ER ambient is 
too high. They weren't 3 years old, both have dead cells

I'm in the process of making the following changes:

    * Added 250 cfm cont. duty blower to lower the ER ambient temps
    * Changing the 2-8D's to 6-T-125's (6V golf carts) that will utilize
      the same footprint, a bit taller, adds 200+ AH capacity
    * Added temp. sensor to charger
    * Replace isolator with charging relays
    * Convert the stock 105A alternator to external regulation & install
      Balmar regulator with temp sensors for alternator & batteries
    * Add appropriate fusing that was never installed

I don't know how much of that applies to your situation, but it may give 
you some ideas. I'm not complete, so the jury's still out on how much 
improvement I'll gain, but it sure can't be worse!

Good luck with your quest for answers!
Steve Sipe

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