Battery Woes

[Como No Cruising]

Como No has just returned to Texas after 13 years of cruising around the world. That means 24/7 on batteries, with less than 5% of the time hooked up to shore power. We do have a wind generator (Fourwinds) and 3-75 watt solar panels. Additionally, our alternator is rated at 100 amps. No generator. The alternator is regulated via a Xantrex smart regulator and solar panels thru a Xantrex solar/wind regulator. No regulation on the wind gen.(We monitor closely) . For monitoring we have the old Amp Hr. Plus 2, which has given good service.

In 13 years of full time live aboard cruising we have gone thru two sets of batteries. Our first set consisted of Prevailer Gel Cell, Group 27,s. Five were installed in the Port side cockpit locker. Those batteries were replaced in Malaysia in 2005 after 7 years of service. They were still good and went to another cruiser who used them for a couple more years. The only comparable batteries that we could source in Malaysia for anywhere near a reasonable price were Trojan AGMs, group 31. We installed 5 and reset all of our charging parameters. As with the Gel batteries we run 4 batteries as one house bank. One battery is reserved for engine starting. The Trojans are still functioning as new.

We run 12 Volt refrigeration (Frigoboat, with Keel Cooler), lots of interior lights, Alpha Autopilot, two VHF radios and all those other little essential navigation items. Our batteries are never allowed to be discharged below 12.3 Volts. Truth be told, they rarely get that low even after days at anchor, unless we have no wind or sun.

I have heard a lot about equalizing AGMs or periodically "Topping them up". We have rarely been able to "Top up our batteries", except as occours when we have plenty of wind for days.

Now, our experience has probably been exceptional. Maybe we are just lucky. Good batteries are expensive and a real Pain in the derriere to change out. Our battery installation does not lend itself to periodic checking for adding water----thus the need for sealed batteries, in our case. That said, if we had better access we would likely go with flooded Lead Acid batteries, if nothing else, just for the cost factor. But, our experience with both the Gels and the AGM's have most positive.

Will & Annie
NOW!!---hooked up to shore power in Texas!!!

[Como No Cruising]

Further to my previous post----Your mileage may differ. Cheers to all.