T&T: Battery Life

[Krogenguy]

Rob was wondering if all the newer technology made any difference in  
battery life.  He thought a controlled experiment would be helpful -  
not sure how you do that, at least within a reasonable time frame.   
All I can do is relate our experience which is:

1) House bank of 6- 210 amphr Interstates,
2) Start bank of 2 unknown 8Ds (Golden Battery (Chinese?) I think -  
came w/ the boat),
3) Genset 1 group 27 Interstate,
4) House and start charged by 180 amp engine alternator or 115 amp  
inverter & 50 amp boost charger,
5) Charging controlled by 3 step smart charger (Ample Power),
6) Both banks tied together and only charged while underway or when  
amphr capacity reaches 50 to 60%,
7) Batteries powered heating, refer, MW, electronics, windlass,  
davit, hair dryer & other stuff (good for 2 to 3 days depending on  
temps).

The results were:
1) Replaced house and start (with 12 - 220 amphr Interstates) after 8  
years of use (used batteries went to a fishing boat and still in use),
2) Genset battery still in use,
3) Pulse technology added to all three battery banks.

The genset battery is an experiment to see if it will make 10 years  
and I do carry jumper cables!  The genset battery accepts 13.9 volts  
during charge an improvement from 13.4 (failing or sulfated battery)  
after addition of the pulser.  This battery is charged by the genset  
(simple auto type) and sits a lot (genset hours 15% of engine hours).

Couldn't be happier with our setup but then I'm not starting any high  
demand Jimmies!


Tom
Aventura
KK-42 #204
krogenguy@comcast.net