nuckolls.bob(at)cox.net
Guest
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 Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:22 pm Post subject: [OT] boat wiring specificity |
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At 06:02 AM 2/26/2008 -0800, you wrote:
| Quote: |
I've been considering switching to RG batteries in my sailboat. Batteries
are used for all power and the engine isn't run very often. There is a
power charger used in harbor.
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Is it a "smart" charger? Know when to quit
charging and hold the batteries at their
appropriate float voltage?
| Quote: | The lead acid batteries go 3-4 days without recharge. Would RG do better?
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Capacity is capacity is capacity . . . irrespective
of the technology wherein that energy is stored.
Unless you change technologies, i.e. swap out
lead-acid for lithium-ion, then the amount of energy
store per pound our cubic foot of battery isn't
going to improve much by swapping out flooded
batteries in favor of RG batteries.
| Quote: | The conventional batteries are just auto batteries
- supposedly deep cycle. Would I need the same size RG batteries?
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If it's time to replace your existing batteries,
an set of RG batteries might offer a bit more capacity
for the weight and size but not much. They are safer
in closed spaces. Flooded batteries ALWAYS out-gas
during charging. Battery spaces aboard boats and airplanes
for flooded batteries need deliberate attention to
venting.
RG batteries may be a bit cleaner. Being sealed
the tend not to grow ugly fuzz on the terminals.
But for deep cycle service, you're probably going
to get a better return on investment on batteries
intended for deep cycle service like wheelchair
and golf-cart batteries.
RG batteries are the obvious choice for aircraft
for weight reduction and better cranking performance
at low temperatures. Unlike batteries in your boat,
the aircraft battery may run for years never being
called upon to support a deep-cycle load. I'm not
sure I can recommend you go out and replace your
existing set of batteries with RG devices. If you
perceive a good return on investment for the batteries
you've been using, you may want to stay with them.
Bob . . .
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