On Wed, 01 Feb 2006 11:32:43 -0500, Jeff wrote:

Glenn Ashmore wrote:
I was talking to an engineer with a local school bus manufacturer yesterday
about Rutu's progress. I mentioned that I was leaning towards a high
capacity Group 31 battery to use for the starter bank. More than the 4JH4
needs but would give me a lot of reserve. He replied that was a bad idea
on a sailboat. Seems that they no longer equip their school busses with 925
CCA Group 31's because they have a very high self discharge rate. They are
great for regular highway use but school busses like sailboats spend a lot
of time with the engine off. The 620 to 700 CCA batteries hold their charge
much better and will last a lot longer in that type service.

Just another tidbit to store away for future use.

I've used AGM's for my starting batteries. The self discharge is very
low, and the cost isn't that high.

I've got a Harley Davidson AGM battery I use for the running lights on
my Zodiac. I charge it from the magneto in an old Honda four-stroke. I
didn't use it all summer (it last took a charge in July) and has lived
in a frozen garage. I was pleasantly surprised to read it gave 12.3
volts the other day. So I gave it an hour on a trickle charger and the
next day it read 12.6.

Good little battery and a nice introduction for me to the type.

R.