[Rhodes22-list] Battery

Sun Feb 15 20:30:51 EST 2015

Thanks to all of you for your advice. Now I know where to start. I did get things running today and got out sailing in glorious 15 knot winds and not a cloud in the sky. But our warm  weather is playing havoc on our snowpack and hence water for the coming summer. 

John Waldhausen

> On Feb 15, 2015, at 4:23 PM, The Rhodes 22 Email List <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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>> 
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> 
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