Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#12
![]() |
|||
|
|||
![]()
In article ,
"Roger Long" wrote: Calder points out how battery life is increased by minimizing discharge level. No matter how many batteries you have in the boat, you'll get maximum life by putting them in one bank. Keeping a starting battery isolated and in reserve is obviously a necessary compromise for most craft. However, with a 20 hp diesel, modest starting loads, and the ability to hand start, I'm thinking that the simplicity of a one bank system might make sense for a daysailing, short cruise boat, that is docked with shore power. If the batteries did get run down away from home, I'd be willing to hand start in penance. The key question is whether a two cylinder diesel like a 20 hp Yanmar 2QM can really be hand started or if it is an "only when your life absolutely depends on it" kind of operation. I don't have much experience with engines under 200 HP so I'd appreciate the benefit of actual experience. We have a fairly recent 2GM20F. No provision for hand-starting. But a single bank is feasible, at least on the Chesapeake during the season, with the addition of a small solar cell. Ours is 12w. On last year's cruise, the battery was dead flat one morning. Switched everything off but the solar cell and we could start by mid-morning. Since it tops things off between weekends, we only need to use the engine for motive power. Have never had healthier batteries; the one I expected to replace was rejuvenated. Eventually, we will have a dedicated engine battery with absolutely the shortest possible leads. House bank will normally be isolated by a simple on/off switch, the cell keeping it healthy. Won't be able to fry the alternator by tossing a switch. -- Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux ('73 Tanzer 28 #4 out of Tolchester, MD) Xan's Pages: http://members.dca.net/jerelull/X-Main.html Our BVI FAQs (290+ pics) http://homepage.mac.com/jerelull/BVI/ |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
![]() |
||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Interesting batteries | General | |||
Removing battery | General | |||
Deep cycle batteries - miscellaneous advice? | Electronics | |||
alternator charging to high? | Electronics | |||
Experts, please review my isolator install..... | Electronics |