using an 8D battery for luxury electric

[searay1976]

Hi to everyone
I am new to the site. I hope I can contribute more than I ask. I have a 1976 30' weekender. completly renovated the cabin and thee cockpit. My question is My mechanic is recommending an 8D battery for the boat because I do not want to get a generator. I would use it for the radio,refridge,tvetc. I am curiouse if anyone else has done this. Thank

 

[Creekwood]

An 8D is a very heavy battery, but would work. An alternative is to use two high capacity 6v golf cart batteries wired in series in a case designed for that usage. A bit lighter overall, almost the same capacity and the big advantage is that they can be lifted out one by one (heavy though). With an 8D you will need a crane or lift. That is what I have done on my 330DA. I also reconfigured the battery wiring so the golf card batteries in the bilge are the house bank and the ones under the seats are the port starting batteries.

 

[tobnpr]

Ditto on the 6v golf cart batteries.
Aside from the points made above, they're deep cycle- designed specifically for the use you're contemplating.

8D batteries are for engine starting- not deep cycle.

 

[WileEScott]

I have 2 8D's for this purpose so I can run the AirCon. Mine are the AGM deep cycle so no issues there. I will say that the 6V Golf cart is a good idea though. The 8D's are 120lbs a pop for AGMs. Not as heavy as lead acid but mucho $$. I wanted the low to no maint aspect.

Either way you go it will work just I highly suggest you install a "gas gauge" AMPs gauge to inform you of how much juice you have left. I used Magnum Energy for all my parts. Kicks Booty and no gene BS! Same weight as a gene though. :grin:

 

[sr330daguy]

I went the 8D route,wasn't happy,changed to 2 6 volt golf car batteries.

 

[swift1]

Ditto on the 6v golf cart batteries.
Aside from the points made above, they're deep cycle- designed specifically for the use you're contemplating.

8D batteries are for engine starting- not deep cycle.
__________________

THe 8D's can be cranking OR deep cycle for house loads. Read the label

 

[fc3]

Can't see how that makes much sense long term. I'm a "right tool for the job" person.

A Westerbeke 3.0 BPMG weighs 170 lbs. It doesn't run down and delivers full power for as long as you want. 8D batteries weigh between 120 and 160 lbs. They get weaker the longer you use them. After a few years, you have to replace the battery. The more you use them, the sooner they need to be replaced. Generators like to run and are good for thousands of hours The generator will just need a set of spark plugs and an oil change every year.