"Leoma" batteries

[JD-MDR]

I have two simple interstate marine batteries and a switch 1-both-2 and off. I always keep it on #1 unless I watch too much video with the inverter draining the juice. I am not getting a third battery for the windlass. I always start the engine and make sure the alternator kicks in before using the windlass. I plan to replace the batteries every two years, actually I alternate buying one every year. Is something wrong with my system? I don't have much electronics and don't want any that aren't essential. No solar or wind generators or any other contraptions cluttering things up. I'm trying to use less power not find ways to generate more. When I do go out into the Pacific I will bring a very small Honda generator, since I have some gas for my outboard anyway, to be used only if I can't start my engine. Last weekend, anchored in a small cove, there was some guy with his generator blasting. I hate that. I really wanted to be mad but they were having so much fun with all their kids and toys. Oh, my Md7A does have a hand crank but I don't think it's possible to use since the engine is on a v-drive and in backwards.It would be dangerous and definitely take two people/ Please respond.

[kerrydeare]

I have two simple interstate marine batteries and a switch 1-both-2 and off. I always keep it on #1 unless I watch too much video with the inverter draining the juice ... I plan to replace the batteries every two years, actually I alternate buying one every year. Is something wrong with my system? ... I'm trying to use less power not find ways to generate more. When I do go out into the Pacific I will bring a very small Honda generator ...

There's nothing "wrong" with your system if it works and fits your intended uses. However you may benefit from a simple change that should (1) get more life out of your batteries so they last longer, and (b) keep track of battery usage with having to write down a lot of information all the time. Just use battery number one on odd-numbered days, and battery number two on even-numbered days. I have been doing this on a CD 28 since 1981 and it works for me.

BTW, I have no pressure water, fridge, windlass, water heater, etc. I do have a pile of low draw electronics, but if the radar and autopilot have to be run for extended periods, the engine does just fine for keeping the batteries up, even without a special alternator. I never added a separate battery charger because I wanted to avoid the associated issues that sometimes happen. In the tropics and when I lived aboard for several years, I added a few solar panels, but that was quite a while ago. The engine is a Volvo 2002 that replaced the original raw water MD7A after many thousands of hours. I was able to hand crank the old MD7A but you are out of luck with the reversed setup in your boat.

[JD-MDR]

Thank you for the much appreciated response. I don't understand the need to write anything down?

[kerrydeare]

Thank you for the much appreciated response. I don't understand the need to write anything down?

Some users might think it necessary to remember which battery they last used. This technique avoids that step. Another aspect of the "write it down" mentality is that one may need to refer to earlier complex work in the future, instead of re-inventing the wheel.

[JD-MDR]

Thanks. I think I'll try changing the battery every weekend.It doesnt seem good to let one sit so long and not be used. l'll just train myself to switch over every time I go out