Chuck Gould wrote:

Jim wrote:

On my trawler my present house battery bank consists of two 8Ds, my
starting battery is a 4D.

The 8Ds are ready for replacement. I'd like to go with golf cart
batteries.

Costco has them for $62 each. No real information on the card in the
store. West marine has them for $127. There is not enough information in
either place to compare them to each other.


Sure there is.

What are the amp/hour ratings? The warranties?

How much do the batteries weigh? (Heavier is generally better in the
same size)

Neither Costco nor West Marine actually manufacture batteries, and
there is a good chance that both firms buy batteries regionally from
suppliers like Trojan, etc. Costco and West Marine could,
theorectically, have the exact same batteries for sale with different
labels on them, and Costco marks up the battery 20% and West Marine
marks it up 120%........(it's for a boat, don't you know).. :-)


For grins and giggles, compare the specs on these discount batteries to
the best flooded cell technology available:

http://www.rollsbattery.com/

The FAQ on this site will take you a fair piece toward becoming
adequately informed about batteries.



If you spend the big bucks, it's likely that you won't be hassling with
batteries again for at least ten years.





Several sites on the Internet have Trojan golf cart batteries, and there
are many choices, for prices that look like $200 and up.

I have a lot to learn about batteries. I don't have enough information,
yet, to compare what I'm seeing.

Then there's the issue of a new "Smart" charger. My 20 year old charger
probably needs to be upgraded with the batteries.

Your input would be appreciated.

Jim


Chuck;
The Rolls batteries look very good, but cost effectiveness is a
consideration.

I'm exploring all the options instead of just replacing the 8Ds with 8Ds
.. . .