I used to have the info on cost effectiveness of GC batteries, end results
they are the cheapest per amp/hr. Simple, traditional and can take a deep
discharge and will come back, use only distilled water and check every so
often. For year cruisers had used 6's in series. I first came across their
use in the VIs 20 yrs. ago and I converted then. I know of two types of GC,
standard and industrial. Industrial is twice as tall, twice as heavy, twice
the amps and hard to find. Standard GC you now can find anywhere - all the
same go for the best prices. The DR, PR and I think Trinidad had or do
still manufacture batteries. Have some short battery cables made up and
hook in series. I also converted my starting battery to two 6's, just to
make things the same. Things worked out well.

stu


"Schoonertrash" wrote in message
...
The old boat had a couple of 4D's at 220 Amp each. The new boat is
currently using fairly standard 12 volt RV size batteries at 110 ratings
each. I'm thinking of going to the 6 volt variety as I have to go back up
to or near 400 Amp hours of storage. Which size, which voltage, and why?
If six volt are the fairly inexpensive one's from Costco (golf cart
batteries)useful or should I just spend the money at West Marine?

Tanks
Michael