I have had no need to put isolators in the bank. I treat the two 6
volts the same as I did a single 8D and the amp hours are about the
same as a single 8D. The big advantage is initial cost and later if one
cell develops a problem I am only out 60.00 for another 6 volt as
compared to the replacement cost of a 8D. The weight in the boat is
also less. The golf carts have a heavier plate so heavy discharge is
less likely to damage the plates and cause the cells to fail. Not to
mention that I can remove one battery and replace it myself without
having to hire two other people to help me get the battery out of the
boat.


Jim wrote:
John Cassara wrote:

OK Here's a stupid question.

When using multiple 6 volt bats they are series-wired in pairs for 12 volts
then the pairs are parallel wired to build the bank. Would that be correct?
Do you use isolation switches within the bank?

What is the gain? I have not researched the amperage of the 6 volt bats
ver's size. Is there truly an advantage to doing this?
John

That's part of my question. How does two 6v batteries connected
together affect their amp ratings? Is 270 (6v) + 270 (6v) = 540 (12v)?
Or is 270 still 270?

My 8Ds are a tight fit. The options for golf cart batteries allow side
to side mounting, making them considerably narrower.

The golf cart batteries should/might be cheaper, easier to move, higher
amp, and better at deep discharge cycles.


"chuck" wrote in message
ups.com...

Jim, We have been using standard 6 volt golf cart batteries that we
bought from a golf cart service guy in Marathon Florida on both of our
house banks. Cost was around 60 or 70 dollars each. We do a lot of
cruising and the batteries are discharged and recharged quite a bit via
the engine, solar panels and wind generator. Batteries last and average
of seven years before they start to wind down and we replace them. be
sure and use all of the same batteries. Don't mix and match different
manufacturers. Chuck


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.

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