battery life

[Loualfr]

anyone know what the average battery life is for a small 12 volt marine battery. I've had it for 6 years and I think its lose its ability to charge from the engine.

[sailingdog]

Depends a lot on how it was treated... if you treat a battery badly... over discharging it and not properly charging it.. you can kill it in a matter of weeks... Six years is a pretty good run for a marine battery, even under ideal conditions.

[USCGRET1990]

...I agree, 6 years is good for any battery,,,,

[Goodnewsboy]

Six years is often cited as good battery life, but who really knows. If a battery will take and hold a good charge, and if it can handle the loads you put on it, you are probably good to go, provided that you have two of them and you aren't headed for the high latitudes.

I have a Delco GR 24 in a runabout that went into service before 1990 (You read it right, 1990) Still takes a charge and spins the engine very strongly. Since it is a lake boat, I check it frequently and otherwise leave it alone.

[arbarnhart]

Hate to be another "me too", but batteries are consumables and you did a commendable job of using that one up slowly. Get another just like it and treat it just like you did that one.

[USCGRET1990]

Originally Posted by Goodnewsboy

Six years is often cited as good battery life, but who really knows. If a battery will take and hold a good charge, and if it can handle the loads you put on it, you are probably good to go, provided that you have two of them and you aren't headed for the high latitudes.

I have a Delco GR 24 in a runabout that went into service before 1990 (You read it right, 1990) Still takes a charge and spins the engine very strongly. Since it is a lake boat, I check it frequently and otherwise leave it alone.

But aren't the lights always out in Mass....?!

[USCGRET1990]

Feel I'm goin' back to Massachusetts,
Something's telling me I must go home.
And the lights all went out in Massachusetts
The day I left her standing on her own.

Tried to hitch a ride to San Francisco,
Gotta do the things I wanna do.
And the lights all went out in Massachusetts
They brought me back to see my way with you.

Talk about the life in Massachusetts,
Speak about the people I have seen,
And the lights all went out in Massachusetts
And Massachusetts is one place I have seen.

I will remember Massachusetts...




Bee Gee's

[camaraderie]

Must be drinkin' Sam Adams tonite eh USCG??

[dohenyboy]

found an excellent article on batteries, everything you wanted to know

http://www.batteryfaq.org/

[Goodnewsboy]

Lights out?

You have me confused with the inhabitants of the state house.