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Post by Pete B on Sept 23, 2007 15:47:10 GMT
We're just at the re-wire stage of our Raider 18, we've put in a battery selection & isolating switch for a twin battery system but looking at the different batteries available I wondered if any one knew or have stumbled across any info on the net regarding battery choice. We need 2 x 85 amp but there's a massive range to choose from - deep cycle, marine, leisure, gel-cell etc, etc  Our batteries are positioned in battery boxes up the front of the boat safe & dry in the cabin. Any recommendations? How do leisure & marine batteries differ? Cheers |
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Post by dave phillips on Sept 23, 2007 17:00:29 GMT
best batteries i have used are varta which i have got now
i got two 125 amp ,they were fifty quid each from solent truck parts
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Post by Pete B on Sept 23, 2007 17:11:53 GMT
Cheers Dave, thats good to know, not leisure, deep cycle or anything special?
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Post by dave phillips on Sept 23, 2007 17:21:58 GMT
i can't remember but i think they are just normal batteries ,they been in the boat for two years with out touching them , i do a lot of night trips with the deck lights on all night plus vhf and music ,dont seem to effect them or drain them
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Post by Pete B on Sept 23, 2007 17:23:42 GMT
Cheers Dave, just the info we're after
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Post by Dave.S on Sept 23, 2007 21:57:18 GMT
Hi Pete
I would suggest you get a normal car type battery for starting and leasure battery for running the electronics.
The leasure type are designed for deep cycle which means it does less harm when it runs low but they don't have the same cranking power as normal car/desiel engine batteries have.
I use Halfords car batteries as they guarantee them for 2 yrs.
Dave
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Post by squideyebarnes on Sept 24, 2007 12:12:08 GMT
I would just like to add a point on location of your batt's being in the front of the boat as lead acid dont like a pounding in a planing hull and could end in power failure.
Andy
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Post by monkeynuts on Sept 24, 2007 16:48:30 GMT
if i were you id go for same as dave has , standard automotive 125amp acid battarys
iv got 1x 125amp for domestic and 1x 85 amp for the engine and i do bit of all nite sole trips this time of year and iv never had a problem
and, andy is right in what he says about the battary at the front when slaming, the acid will leak out and your battary willl cook and be dead in no time .
if you want cheap good quality battarys, try lucas in millbrook(southampton)
also for the type of boats we have marine battary means extra few quid for absolut f*** all
cheers john
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Post by Pete B on Sept 24, 2007 19:27:13 GMT
I would just like to add a point on location of your batt's being in the front of the boat as lead acid dont like a pounding in a planing hull and could end in power failure. Andy Cheers Andy! We may need a different type of battery than the acid type then? We decided to put the batteries up front because the Raiders are quite well known for pointing skyward's with a lump on the back so the theory was to use the weight of them. Also we needed them locked away for security. Also several yards have re-kitted Raiders in this layout, they must have used a battery suitable for this position I suppose? |
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Post by Pete B on Sept 24, 2007 20:00:22 GMT
Do you reckon sealed AGM or sealed Gel would be needed? as they are non spillable & non gassing?
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Post by squideyebarnes on Sept 24, 2007 20:22:38 GMT
I would say gel Pete but would not put in front just more trim should do the job.
Andy
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Post by Dave.S on Sept 28, 2007 12:35:18 GMT
Pete If you suffer from nose high problems add some trim tabs. The Smart automatic ones seem to work well on smaller craft like ours. They have now brought out a new version made in moulded composite material. Link here www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX.htmIf you know anyone going or already in the USA get them to buy them for you as they are a lot cheaper there but you can get them in the UK if needed. Dave  |
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Post by eccles on Sept 28, 2007 12:51:29 GMT
We use sealed gel in our boat, got to be safer IMO. My car also has sealed gel - 3 years old NP so far.
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Post by Pete B on Sept 28, 2007 19:48:09 GMT
Pete If you suffer from nose high problems add some trim tabs. The Smart automatic ones seem to work well on smaller craft like ours. They have now brought out a new version made in moulded composite material. Link here www.nauticusinc.com/smart_tabsSX.htmIf you know anyone going or already in the USA get them to buy them for you as they are a lot cheaper there but you can get them in the UK if needed. Dave Cheers Dave, the engine that is on the boat when we bought it is underpowered in my opinion so no probs as yet but I read alot about the raiders pointing skywards when a big four stroke lump is put on the back. We're intending to get a 115hp so it was ideal to put the weight of the batteries to some use. They had to be in the cabin for security Cheers for the link, having a look now! |
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Post by Pete B on Sept 28, 2007 19:58:17 GMT
We use sealed gel in our boat, got to be safer IMO. My car also has sealed gel - 3 years old NP so far. Cheers Eccles, the sealed gel is looking to be our choice, good to hear from someone who's been using one. |
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