Changing batteries on my 1999 400 sundancer?

[legasea]

The question i have is should i replace all 5 batteries with deep cell or could i put 2 8d batteries and 1 4d for the generator?

i have 2 350 cat 3116 diesels.

Thanks in advance.

 

[katricol]

Do you have the original batt. charger ?

 

[northern]

I run four 12 volt deep cycles for starter batteries two of them run the 12 volt systems and ten 6 volt golf cart for house power with a 2600 watt inverter. Small batteries are easier to handle. All are 5 years old and are good. I had to replace two 12 volt as the 60 AMP converter boiled the water out of them last winter and the batteries were ruined. The 6 volt are on a 3 phase smart charger system. I now charge the 12 volt with the same system.

 

[mistercomputerman]

You might want to consider these:

http://www.optimabatteries.com/optima_products/bluetop/specs.php

Size of batteries
Group 31 Optima = Group 27 lead acid
Group 34 Optima = Group 24 (less 1" in length) lead acid

As far as charging:

OPTIMA BlueTop Charging Information​

The following charging methods are recommended to insure a long battery life - always use a voltage-regulated charger, with voltage limits set as described below.
BlueTop Type: 34M
These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications.

Recommended charging information:​

Alternator:
§ 13.3 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:
§ 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.
Rapid Recharge:
§ Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:
§ 13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).

All limits must be strictly adhered to.
BlueTop Type: D34M / D31M/ D27M
These batteries are dual purpose. They are designed for engine starting and deep cycling applications and for use in boats with large accessory loads.

Recommended charging information:​

Alternator:
§ 13.65 to 15.0 volts, no amperage limit.
Battery Charger:
§ 13.8 to 15.0 volts, 10 amps maximum, 6-12 hours approximate.
Cyclic Applications:
§ 14.7 volts, no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). When current falls below 1 amp, finish with 2 amp constant current for 1 hour for D34M and 3 amp constant current for 1 hour for D31M.
Rapid Recharge:
§ Maximum voltage 15.6 volts (regulated), no current limit as long as battery temperature remains below 125°F (51.7°C). Charge until current drops below 1 amp.
Float Charge:
§ 13.2 to 13.8 volts, 1 amp maximum current, time indefinite (at lower voltage).
All limits must be strictly adhered to.

Source: http://www.optimabatteries.com/product_support/charging.php

 

[osd9]

The 8Ds will be H E A V Y and need to be maintained. I have basically the same set up as you, motor wise, in a 410DA....I have 5 DEKA AGM batteries and I can't say enough as to how great they are.....ZERO maintenance. They are now 4 full sesons old and I hope to get at least one more (2010) season from them.....

 

[legasea]

Thanks for all of your responses i greatly appreciate it.
Yes i still do have the original charger on the boat.

 

[The Bill Collector]

The 8Ds will be H E A V Y and need to be maintained. I have basically the same set up as you, motor wise, in a 410DA....I have 5 DEKA AGM batteries and I can't say enough as to how great they are.....ZERO maintenance. They are now 4 full sesons old and I hope to get at least one more (2010) season from them.....

I too have 5 AGM batteries and they have performed great.
No hassles with the need to keep adding water all the time like my 6 volt wet cells I have for the invertor.....

 

[RollerCoastr]

I was under the impression that you could EXPECT to get 5+ seasons from AGM's....?

I'm still using regular lead-acids. I can get 3 reliable years from them. The 4th year is dicey and for the cost and trouble, I wouldn't trust them for 5.

AGM's are on my wish-list, but with the extra expense and the ease of access to maintain the L-A's on the 400DA, AGM's would have to last me at least 5 years to make it worthwhile.

 

[osd9]

I was under the impression that you could EXPECT to get 5+ seasons from AGM's....?

My AGMs are going on their 5th full season. I'll let you know. So far, I see now sign what so ever of any degradation in power to start my CATs....I'm not one to run them down much, and they are on charger 100% of the time when at the dock....winter, summer, spring and fall.....absolutely ZERO maitenance. IMHO, worth every penny the Previous Owner spent on them.....:grin:

 

[RollerCoastr]

lol someone elses money is always a good thing.

 

[legasea]

so which agm batteries would you recommend?

thanks again

 

[mistercomputerman]

Take a peek at your parts manual and see what "group" size batteries Sea Ray installed. You want the replacements to fit in the original battery trays. I have 5 Optima Blue Top SC31DM batteries installed September of 2008 so you'll have to catch me in a year or three to see how they are holding up.

http://shop.optimabatteries.com/products/category/BlueTop/1737.0.1.1.54219.54060.0.0.0