Battery Monitors Y/N ?

[c130king]

Stephen,

Thanks for the info. Actually I have never run my battery down. I normally motor out to sail and then motor in...sometimes motor to some other nearby marina for lunch.

And then sail for 2-6 hours or so depending on winds, schedule etc... using only GPS and sounder. I have never had a low a battery. Never had a problem starting my engine.

But reading all these posts regarding battery monitor I was just wondering if I have been lucky or should I do something.

I think for what I do now I am fine with one battery, no monitor, and no trickle charging while the boat is in the lot.

But eventually I will upgrade all this along with other cool stuff so that I can start doing bigger/better/more comfortable cruising.

For now I will continue to read all the great tips on this website and make my wish list for future projects.

Thanks,
Jim

[Night Sailor]

Here is an informative article from one of my favorite solar sites, that gives you what you need to know.

http://www.windsun.com/Batteries/Batter ... 20Voltages

Note that the maximum battery life from any lead acid battery including AGM or gels is attained if it is recharged before it reaches 50% of charge. This also has an advantage to you in that it takes a lot less time to charge.

My Ford Expedition 5.4L V8 has started with only 11.2 volts, so I don't know why our small outboards couldn't. However, it saves time and money to keep the system charged to 50% or higher.

Whatever monitor you use, be sure the alarm level is adjustable. I once invested in an audible, visible two bank system that was adjsutable but not for less than 12.3 volts, and it drove us nuts because 12.3 was plenty of capacity for the three house batteries I had serving less than an amp of equipment.

[baldbaby2000]

I monitor the voltage but that's about it. Dead batteries aren't a big problem with us as long as we know about it. We can pull start our 40hp Tohatsu and also carry a Honda EU1000i that we can start to run the battery chargers.

[Catigale]

Jim - probably cheaper for you to

1 Buy a backup starter jumper battery and keep on board
2 replace your battery every three seasons maybe

Your usage is perfect for that model I think

[c130king]

I have done #1 already. As for #2, based on my useage, I think I will "fly until fail" as we say in the pilot business...

...and then buy a new one

...unless I just get overly motivated and decide to upgrade the whole system.

Thanks again,
Jim

[commocean]

Well, I have a dedicated 12 volt for my 70 Suzuki to draw from and two 6 volt house bank batteries. As I read the postings here I realized my wife wanted me to bring our 800 watt microwave so I was then going to bring the 900 watt generator. So, your insights have once again enlightened as I now realize that I can recharge onboard.

Thanks

[kmclemore]

I'm somewhat like you, Steph, in that I run two deep-cycles - one is house, one is starter - but I run them combined. When I feel like the starter one is starting to get a little on the low side, I cut it off and just use house. The Xantrex keeps good track of them both.