INVERTOR OR GENERATOR?
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- prowlersfish
- 2025 Gold Support
- Posts: 12725
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:56 pm
- Location: Lower Chesapeake Bay ,Va
I have used Dual-purpose Marine Batteries and never liked them , one was a delco , and 2 interstates never again I had to add water weekly ( to the interstates and they just did not seem to crank the engines over like a true starting battery ( both brands).. But I also had a interstate cranking that I did not like ( also drank water like a fish).( top of the line too ) . for what its worth I have a duralast in my car and its great . the boat now has 2 truck 4D batteries , cheap ones that do better then the duel purpose interstates ( 4D) that cost almost 2x as much. add a little water yearly ??
Last edited by prowlersfish on Wed Apr 27, 2011 4:57 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Boating is good for the soul
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat
77/78 TROJAN F36 Conv.
6BTA Cummins diesels
Life is to short for a ugly boat

Re: INVERTOR OR GENERATOR?
I have a 77f30 and my fridge is both 12 and 110 power ,, go to a truck stop store and u can get 12v coffee makers and such,BRADMAN11 wrote:I HAVE A 1977 F30 FLYBRIDGE THAT I BOUGHT IN SEPTEMBER.. I WANT TO BE ABLE TO POWER MY FRIDGE AND MAYBE A OUTLET OR TWO FOR THE MARGHRERITAVILLE BLENDER AND OTHER SMALL THINGS WHEN I AM OUT ON THE WATER. WHAT WOUDLD BE THE CHEAPEST AND EASIEST WAY TO ACCOMPLISH THIS?
I have a inverter for my computer and other small things if ur using them while under power its not as much of a issue ,,exteded use with the engins off is more of a concern , if u buy one buy a bigger one than u think because they never power what they say
9
Heefus, If you use the two switches leave them on "all" until you drop the anchor and shut off the engines then switch to "house" while on the hook. When you get ready to go, before starting the engines switch to "all" again, start your engines, pull the anchor and go. This way you won't have to switch while running and take a chance on ruining your alt. The house batteries will charge back up while your switches are on "all'. Using this method will not give you the best option for your system as the "house" and "starting" batteries will not be charging at the same rate but this will work until you get better finances together for improvements. I have gotten several years out of batteries doing this as long as the "house" batteries are not ran down too far before recharging. One night on the hook is enough. Of course most people don't stay in one place more than one night anyway.
risctaker, I have used these dual purpose batteries and they are fine but will not have as long of life as purpose built batteries. The better way to go is "Starting" batteries for "starting" and "deep cycle" batteries for "house". The money is not much different and the life is much, much longer and stronger. I have used them all trying to save money at different times and it's true,,, hind sight is twenty-twenty.
risctaker, I have used these dual purpose batteries and they are fine but will not have as long of life as purpose built batteries. The better way to go is "Starting" batteries for "starting" and "deep cycle" batteries for "house". The money is not much different and the life is much, much longer and stronger. I have used them all trying to save money at different times and it's true,,, hind sight is twenty-twenty.
1975 F-32 "SIMPLY BLESSED"
Attended a battery seminar put on by a battery manufacterer and this very subject came up regarding dual purpose designs. The engineer stated that given the physical requirements that both types need (deep cycle & crank), the best one could do for a given size is to engineer a fair compromise between the two functions period. Any claims stating otherwise is pure marketing according to him.
She was a 1969 36 ft wooden beauty with big blue 440s that we'll miss forever.
And thanks to the gang, 2012 Trojan Boater Of The Year
And thanks to the gang, 2012 Trojan Boater Of The Year
Makes good sense to me. looks like I'm heading for the Exide truck (4D) battery route. Thanks all.
1970 36' Trojan Tri-Cabin Enc. Pilot House
aka "Basket Case"
383 Chryslers 280 HP V-Drives
Lincoln Harbor Yacht club
Weehawken, NJ
"If you continue on the course you are on, you run the risk of winding up where you are heading"
aka "Basket Case"
383 Chryslers 280 HP V-Drives
Lincoln Harbor Yacht club
Weehawken, NJ
"If you continue on the course you are on, you run the risk of winding up where you are heading"
- prowlersfish
- 2025 Gold Support
- Posts: 12725
- Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2005 6:56 pm
- Location: Lower Chesapeake Bay ,Va