[Icarus05]

I've read and read this winter so I can make sure my "new to me" electrical system is up to par.

First order of business is to replace the batteries. After much deliberation, I've decided to go with a drop in replacement of the 8A4D AGMs. I have a friend who can get them wholesale. However I don't want the wrong battery at the right deal.

Is this a deep cycle battery?
Tri-State Battery Warehouse : 8A4D Deka Intimidator High Performance AGM Battery [8A4D] - $379.95

We have a slip so this will be topped off 90% of the time the same day or within a week of cycling and charging with engine only.

Thanks

 

[newhaul]

Here ya go fwiw In the specs for the battery it says " Superb Dual Purpose Design
Ideal for both starting and deep cycle applications"

 

[mitiempo]

No. Golf cart 6 volt batteries are deep cycle. Any battery that posts a cca rating is not deep cycle. Not only are 6 volt golf cart batteries true deep cycle batteries with thicker plates but they are much easier to handle that 8D's.

Why are you set on AGM batteries?

AGM Batteries - Making The Choice - SailboatOwners.com

 

[Minnewaska]

I'm not expert, but I can't imagine a 4D AGM that wasn't designed for house bank or deep cycle use. What else would you use them for?

You say drop in replacement, so presumably that is what is there now. I still don't take for granted that the prior owner properly set up for AGM charging. The shore powered battery charger needs to have an AGM setting and your alternator needs a temperature controller at the least, or it could burn out. AGMs are good batteries, but they are very finicky with charging requirements, especially when deeply discharged. AGM start batteries or light house use are very different.

The other thing that strikes me is using 4Ds. They must weigh something in the 130 lb range. I hauled four group 31 batteries around at maybe 70 lbs each and was at my limit in some very awkward angles. I think I would rather be waterboarded than hump around a 4D.

 

[Icarus05]

So I called Deka and they say they are "deep cycle". I also have read Maine sails posts about Deka vs Lifeline et.al. AGMs. That being said, I think I'm going to switch to flooded for many of the reasons you and others have mentioned.

I'm looking at 2 or 3 US battery group 31s. Nothing but good things said about them and I think they would fit better with the charging system; Link 2000 R.

What is the best battery box option for these batteries? Is just a tray enough or should I have a fully enclosed box? Space is limited.

 

[Maine Sail]

If you want a Deka VRLA battery that is good for deep cycling their GEL batteries are tough to beat.. Look for the upcoming May issue of Practical Sailor for some interesting info on AGM's...

 

[Minnewaska]

So I called Deka and they say they are "deep cycle". I also have read Maine sails posts about Deka vs Lifeline et.al. AGMs. That being said, I think I'm going to switch to flooded for many of the reasons you and others have mentioned.

I'm looking at 2 or 3 US battery group 31s. Nothing but good things said about them and I think they would fit better with the charging system; Link 2000 R.

What is the best battery box option for these batteries? Is just a tray enough or should I have a fully enclosed box? Space is limited.

Whatever you use, you need to insure the charging profile of your equipment is compatible. AGM, Gel, flooded are all different. I don't think swapping one type for the other is that simple. However, I'm also unsure which type the 2000r regulator is designed for. Maybe it has user settings for each. Your PO may have mismatched, killing the current AGMs.

As for the box, I would suggest a full box for flooded. They could leak, after all, unlike AGMs or Gels. More importantly, they need to immobilized, so,they don't bang around and break. Sitting inside a loose box isn't good enough, IMO. Brace them and provide a box to collect a leak.

 

[Icarus05]

Thanks. Yes its programable and I'll be sure to match it to the FLAs.

 

[Zil]

If you are switching to flooded batteries, use golf cart batteries.

 

[chuck53]

The PO of my boat put in 4 new 6V batteries just before I bought the boat 5 years ago. Still going strong. I might add that when I bought the boat, he told me the single starting battery would probably need to be replaced in the next year or so. That was also 5 years ago and it is still going strong.
All my batteries are flooded.