Need to Replace Batteries

Erik R said:
I have a 2003 380 Dancer with some 2008 group 27 batteries in it. I'm starting to research some replacement options. Does anyone know anything about these? Thanks!

http://www.batteriesplus.com/produc...Purpose-(Starting_Cycling)/BCI-Group-27M.aspx
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Duracell is a Deka battery with a Duracell label. They are made by East Penn Mfg. in Pensylvania. This was confirmed for me by a member on here that is friends with a VP. I bought 2-Grp 31s at Sam's for $94/each. Added a Promariner 40 amp charger to charge them and I hope my battery issues are history. I installed them in Feb., but have not tried them out yet. Check Sam's price.

Bennett
 
Yes, the Duracell batteries at sams are the same as Deka name brand version, a great marine battery. They do not carry all of the Deka styles though. You can call East Penn and they will tell you where to buy them locally as well.
 
Thanks guys! Maybe I should measure to see if I can upsize? I do know that I'm re-lamping the boat for sure to LED's. That should significantly make a difference in less current draw.
 
Erik, I may be stating the obvious, but you don't need to re-lamp the ENTIRE boat (wasn't sure if that was what you meant). The only ones that will draw down your battery are 12V lights that you use when you're not on shore power or have the genny running... since the battery charger would (should) be on then, too. Or, if you're not running the engine. In other words, only those lights you would use when on the hook with no engine or genny running "need" to be replaced. Although, replacing others certainly won't hurt anything.
 
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Lazy Daze said:
Erik, I may be stating the obvious, but you don't need to re-lamp the ENTIRE boat (wasn't sure if that was what you meant). The only ones that will draw down your battery are 12V lights that you use when you're not on shore power or have the genny running... since the battery charger would (should) be on then, too. Or, if you're not running the engine. In other words, only those lights you would use when on the hook with no engine or genny running "need" to be replaced. Although, replacing others certainly won't hurt anything.
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Thanks, you're right. Just the 12V lamps that draw off the battery. It was easy to find out which lamps were what on the 280 Dancer I had because I only had 1 - 120VAC lamp :). I just wanna minimize current draw.
 
I have worked for Deka for the past 31 years, the group 31 should fit where your group 27's are. IFf you go to the East Penn Mfg website it wil giveyou all the specs.
 
M T Pockets said:
I have worked for Deka for the past 31 years, the group 31 should fit where your group 27's are. IFf you go to the East Penn Mfg website it wil giveyou all the specs.
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He is 100% correct. I had a 27 and the 31 fit perfect in the tray and I added another tray for the other one. The edges around the bottom are "beveled" to make the footprint slightly smaller.

Bennett
 
derek4343 said:
why do you need a battery charger? doesn't the altenator charge them?
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It's sort of an apples/oranges thing with a bowrider like you have, compared to a cruiser. Meaning, they are used in different ways. The batteries get taxed much harder (and there's usually more of them) as a cruiser may spend multiple days (if not more) away from dock and the batteries (if no genny) will provide all of the power for the increased load that a cruiser pulls - not just a stereo, but vaccuflush head, lights at night (all night), refrigerator, etc. During that time away from dock, it's quite possible that the engine doesn't run much, at all. A good battery charger will recharge the batteries better than an alternator, too.
 
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