74 Tricabin. Batteries

[Sanctuary 2]

i inherited (2) Chrysler 440's with (2) batteries each side. There mix match. 650,550,800,750 cca
Not sure what's on generator.

Of the 2 batteries on the port side One is hooked up to a solar panel the other is disconnected. Battery switch left in both.

The 2 batteries on the stbd side one has a battery tender attached but neither is being charged. Battery switch left in both.

I was thinking two 4 or 8d's. Deep cycle I want the ability to stay on the hook as much as possible. Getting rid of gen battery. And getting rid of some very old wiring. I'm not sure if the onan gen runs. I may never use it.

In port I would use (2) 10 amp smart chargers to keep then topped off. Plus solar panels.
Also not sure if onboard charger works

What are your thoughts???

[Allen Sr]

As far as the chargers go I would use a single charger with two or three outlets, depending on if you utilize the generator or use the third leg to charge a dedicated house battery. I run three batteries on my F36. One for each engine and one for the gen set and a single charger with 3 separate leads for charging. Have had no issues with this set up.

[Sanctuary 2]

Thanks for the reply. I am thinking along that line.
What size batteries?

[g36]

dont know how long you want to stay out without recharging and what all you have running from the batteries. if you plan on an invertor for tv, fridge (if not 12vdc)etc. that will kind of help in what size a house bank you may need. i and some others on here use golf cart batteries they are very good for use on a house bank. others use larger 12v's.4d 8d etc. without knowing some useage items and expectations it would be hard to suggest sizes for you at the moment. if you have a genset you have away to recharge while out if needed and using a pretty large charger you will be able to replenish a good amount of energy quickly back into your batteries while on the hook.

[Sanctuary 2]

I will run only the bare necessities on the hook. Need to power radios, ipads, lights, bilge pumps and such.
refrig and tv and such I will only run with shore power. If i find them necessary.

What size battery do i need to start the 440's?? It seems i should not need two per side.


If gen does not work. I will take a small generator and jump pack on board also.

2 golf carts, 4d or 8d deep cycle for house good idea.

I guess im curious as to what you are actually running???

Still kicking rocks...

Thanks

[larryeddington]

interesting world we live in necessities include Ipad.

I would get the genny running, great backup for charging or running ac refers and HVAC

[Big D]

I will run only the bare necessities on the hook. Need to power radios, ipads, lights, bilge pumps and such.
refrig and tv and such I will only run with shore power. If i find them necessary.

What size battery do i need to start the 440's?? It seems i should not need two per side.


If gen does not work. I will take a small generator and jump pack on board also.

2 golf carts, 4d or 8d deep cycle for house good idea.

I guess im curious as to what you are actually running???

Still kicking rocks...

Thanks

For gassers, I don't use anything less than 1000MCA/800CCA start batteries anymore. Reserve Capacity is important so the higher the number you can get for the money the better.

10 amp chargers for this application is too small in my opinion. For what you're thinking, I wouldn't go with anything less than a 30 or 40 amp unit. Remember that on a multi bank unit, the total output is devided between all the banks. A good Smart charger will output full rating to a single bank if the others are fully charged but one is very low requiring full output. Having said that, you must keep in mind that the addition of a larger charger will require larger charge wiring.

If you're electrically savy, change it up so that each engine has it's own dedicated start battery, and a separate deep cycle battery for house loads. This requires some forethought and a few changes to charge everything properly while underway and maintain isolation but you'll be happy you went through the excersize. We can help you here with that.

When you say that you're getting rid of the generator battery, do you mean replacing with a new one or eliminating it entirely?

[Sanctuary 2]

Thanks for the input.
800 cca starters.
Are you talking grp 31 deep cycle for house.

Understand the need for larger battery charger. With cables to match.
There is one onboard but don't know if it works.

As for the generator. I have read that if the don't run there not worth repairing. Some people pull them and replace with 4d or 8d.

I do all my work it won't be a problem working on things mechanical or electrical.

I will try getting all original systems working. I have a feeling the batteries are toast. So I will start with 2 new 800-1000 cca
starting batteries.

Still kicking rocks !!!

Thank you

[Big D]

I would not get rid of the generator. If you want to spend time on the hook as you've stated, it's the best thing to have IMO. They're usually pretty robust so it may be something that's repairable with a little effort. I also have an inverter for the fridge away from the dock and very short loads like a microwave as I prefer that over starting the generator for a 30 second microvwave blast. But you can't beat being on the hook and waking up in the morning with a fresh pot of coffee, turning on the water heater, battery charger, etc....something you can only do reasonably with a generator. What kind of generator is it Onan MCCK?

The size of your battery bank really depends on how power hungry you'll be while on the hook, and for how long. You can always add batteries later if you find yourself using more power than anticipated. I wouldn't go with anything smaller than group 31. Group 4D and 8D are also good though harder to manage physically. 6 volt batteries seem to pack the most punch for the footprint.

[Sanctuary 2]

Yes it's an Onan MCCK. not sure of size. Will look next time at the boat.

[Allen Sr]

Probably a 6.5 mcck.

[Sanctuary 2]

I'm going to start with two group 27 1000 mca, 105 amp hour starting batteries. One for each engine.
Objections?


Onan 6.5 w genny. Are the reliable?
What size battery do I need for genny?

[Big D]

......Onan 6.5 w genny. Are the reliable?
What size battery do I need for genny?

The MCCK is pretty hard to kill if it's treated right. Parts are getting a little harder to find and can get pricey but they are good units. I wouldn't go with anything less 475 mca. A 950 or 1000 mca of cource would be better under hard starting conditions. I assume yours has a starter?

[Sanctuary 2]

There is a battery in that compartment. I think it's for a starter.
I'll use the group 27 for Genny to. It will be like having a back up

[Big D]

The newer MCCKs used an external starter while the older vintage Onans used one of the windings in the generator section to crank the engine.