Hi, Chuck, and thank you.

Of course, we all know about www.batteryfaq.org, which I find a great
reference. Be prepared to spend some time digging and reading.

It continues to amaze me how technical a topic boating is. I can identify
with my new-boater friend who thought you just turned the key and pushed the
lever. He's not finding the old joke about "BOAT= 'break out another
thousand'" currently very amusing. However, the technicalities, over the
years, have proved to be a distinct part of the pleasure (and undeniably
also often a major pain in the transom), and paying attention to them makes
boating safer ... and less expensive.

My main battery problems over the years have been from corroded
connections - boy, can that ever sneak up on you! Also, a deep cycle
"suddenly" (?) went bad on me once, and fried the alternator. I'm not sure
that was foreseeable, but many boaters view a digital voltmeter as essential
for keeping an eye on a battery's health. Checking the specific gravity is
better, but in the real world, a voltmeter will get used more often. If
they're not _perfect_, replace immediately. (The literature says "or repair"
but I have never heard of it actually being done.)

The extra money spent on good batteries can more than pay for itself. I know
some friends who use a high-end brand but get 10 years out of them ... _and_
are very knowledgeable about maintenance. Really good charging matters, and
doesn't happen all by itself. See the reference quoted above. Charging is
the topic you started us on.

Batteries and charging is always a good discussion point among boaters. It
rivals "what's the best anchor" as a subject of controversy and strong
opinion. But they're good conversations to have, sifting fact from
speculation, and making mental notes ...

Batteries and charges are one of the essential systems on any boat with an
engine. We can manage without a fridge or a transom wash-down, but not
without well-charged batteries. Good winter topic. Thanks again.

Charles

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Charles T. Low
www.boatdocking.com

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"Chuck Gould" wrote in message
oups.com...

Anybody else got something useful to add?