Another new owner re battery size???

[Bill Stebbins]

New owner of a CD 28 power must purchase new batteries. Local advice suggests two deep cycle 4D batteries. The boat has an alternator. Is this overkill or just good insurance? At over 100lbs each I am more concerned that they will affect the performance of the boat than I am about cost, though they will fit fairly close to the midline near the engine. The boat is fairly basic with elec windlass, elec water pressure, GPS, depth sounder, VHF, and the usual lights. I would appreciate the wisdom of those more experienced than me.



stebbins@umich.edu

[Neil Gordon]

If your question is one battery or two, one is enough unless it doesn't work to start the motor after you forgot to turn a light off or whatever.

I wouldn't worry too much about the extra weight.


Regards, Neil
s/v LIQUDITY
Cape Dory 28 #167



nr_gordon@compuserve.com

[Pete Asensio]

Bill:
As the new owner of CD 28 Open "Junonia", I experienced a few problems with cold starting this past season. I also considered using 4D batteries to replace the current automotive types (size 29??). Switching to 4D batteries would involve ripping out the existing cleats and battery boxes, and I do not look forward to hoisting 100 lb. + batteries out of the engine room for winter storage!

I am now thinking about wiring the existing units in parallel as battery #1, and installing two more of the same size to starboard of the Cummins diesel. This would double the capacity without requiring a block and tackle every fall and spring, and would allow me to use the existing battery switch, etc.

I will be VERY interested in other replies to your post...



pase@uconect.net

[Burt Polishook]

Wow! 4D batteries?. I just bought an 89 CD28 trawler in August and found I needed new batteries within 2 months. The boat had a fair amount of equipment on it.I replaced the group 31 gel cel batteries with sealed acid batteries of the same size and am very satisfied. I may put in an isolator and change the wiring to separate the batterie so that one is for starting and the other for the house load.
Burt



polisho@ibm.net