[Rhodes22-list] Battery

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

I'm actually using 2 Everstart deep cycle batteries from Wal-Mart.  The
difference between a regular car battery and a deep cycle battery is how
long they will maintain their voltage without requiring to be charged.  Cars
typically need a lot of power to get the engine turning, once the engine
fires up, the alternator takes over providing the power to the car.  So
batteries for the car are designed to provide a quick blast of energy and
then recover quickly during a charge cycle.

Deep cycle batteries are designed to provide power over continuous use.
Whether you are running lights at night, fans to cool off with or
electronics for navigation or entertainment, deep cycle is meant to be able
to provide that charge for hours on end (depending on just how much
electricity you are using).

I use a trolling motor instead of an outboard for coming and going from the
marina.  One afternoon on my way back in from a solo sail out into the Gulf,
the wind died entirely and the water went glass smooth.  I ended up trolling
for about two hours at full speed.  I check the batteries when I got back to
the docks and they still appeared near full charge. (12.25v instead of 12.56
which is their normal level)

I purchased the biggest batteries I could and the price difference between
the deep cycle and the car battery of equal cold cranking amp was only a
couple of dollars.  I would suggest you get the biggest deep cycle batteries
you can as well.

James

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of The Rhodes 22 Email
List
Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2015 2:44 PM
To: The Rhodes 22 Email List
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Battery

John, my two year old recycled boat came with two Duracell lead acid type,
Group 27 batteries. Mine are not "marine" batteries. It also came with two
stock solar panels. 

Do you have power at your slip or storage area? If so, you might consider
buying a battery charger to keep them topped off. The newer chargers will
not overcharge and will ensure they are kept in peak condition. 

If you end up needing new batteries, I'd go with inexpensive Walmart or
Costco brand group 27 replacements. 

If you want to splurge...go with AGM type batteries. 

Lastly, another option might be a move south. Just kidding...you are in a
beautiful part of the country.

Cheers,
Ted

S/V AIRPOWER 
1991/2013 R22
Jacksonville, FL



> On Feb 15, 2015, at 2:25 PM, The Rhodes 22 Email List
<rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:
> 
> That's actually very helpful. Thanks
> 
> John Waldhausen
> 
>> On Feb 15, 2015, at 11:18 AM, The Rhodes 22 Email List
<rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:
>> 
>> John:
>>     Though many on the list will surely respond with the detailed answer:
amps, volts, drain, usage and more, I can say that your batteries, if
provided by GB, are deep cycle marine batteries.  Regular car batteries will
work in their place, but will not perform as well over time in a marine
environment.  
>> 
>>    On the matter of recharging, this depends on how low your batteries
have drained. If they have drained down to nothing, they will not take a
recharge.  It's something to do with... uh... the electricity or something.
You'll laugh at the generic nature of this response when someone who has a
deeper understanding of these technicalities writes. I just needed to feel
more a part of the list than I have been lately.  (Hi everybody!)  
>> 
>> Joe Camps/v John Dawsonon the hard in Hatboro PA
>> 
>>     From: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
>> To: The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> 
>> Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2015 12:35 PM
>> Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Battery
>> 
>> Dear all
>> My Rhodes is about 2 years old now and with all the Puget Sound  clouds
the solar chargers haven't been much use recently. They are near dead though
last winter they kept a charge without problem. I'm assuming the charge is
poor because my outboard engine lift barely raises the motor, so much so
that I haven't dropped it all the way for fear it won't lift back up out of
the water. Could someone tell me if the Rhodes has regular car batteries in
it or are they marine batteries? I'm afraid I don't know the difference. Can
I recharge them or do I need new? 
>> Thanks for your help. 
>> 
>> John Waldhausen
>> Bainbridge island 
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