8D Battery ratings

[Bob Bradley]

I need to replace my port battery bank (a pair of 8D batteries), and I am not familiar with batteries of this size. What sort of ratings should I be looking for?
Bob

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I have heard that many people are putting in two smaller batteries in place of one of those monster 8D's. Someone who has done this will probably post it, but I think they were Group 27, but I could be wrong.

 

[Capt K]

Bob, if you decide to stay with the 8D's, see Tom at Cedar Island Marina. He'll get you a good price on ones with pretty good AH and CCH ratings. Tell him Kevin told you to call him. He's the parts guy.

K

 

[Maynard Rupp]

8D batteries are quite cheap. After you install them, you can skip your trips to the gym for at least a weak. I like them. I buy them at Mike's Marine with 4 stores in lower MI and Ohio. I think they cost me about $140 each

 

[Nick]

I replaced my port and starboard batteries last year with heavy duty Interstate 8Ds. I decided that because the battery boxes were raesonably accessible below the cockpit floor behind the salon door, that I could use a "come-a-long" and lift the old batteries and lower the new ones in place without breaking my back. The batteries weigh about 140 lbs each. I also used a handtruck to get the batteries into the cockpit. The Interstate's cost about about $190 each for the 1400 cold cranking amp model 8D-MHD. I think the prices in our metro area are similar for various brands. I monitor the water levels to make sure I don't cook the cells. One season so far. If I get three-four years out of the batteries, I'm satisfied.

If you go with Group 27s, I think you will need two batteries in parallel to get the amperage you need to roll over the DD at a good speed. especially when the ambient temps are cool in the NE.

http://www.ibsa.com/www_2001/content/products/product_commercial.asp


Nick

 

[Norm Mayer]

On my 1970 44' Tricabin I HAD two sets of 2 8D batteries; one set (bank) for each engine. On my boat, one set is in the center of the boat so very accessible from the center hatch. The other bank (starboard, which is starboard engine and house) is outboard of the engine, which requires lifting the batteries over the AC housing with little clearance to get the batteries and yourself out there (outboard of the engine). I found it much easier to replace each 8D with three smaller automotive batteries hooked in parallel with cable sets easily available from your local NAPA store. I found it so much easier hoisting a total of six much smaller batteries into that remote location, by myself, I might add, than removing 2 8D batteries with the help of others. Those six smaller batteries were much more powerfull in terms of CW and AH, than the 2 8D's, plus had the added benefits of being deep cycle (excellent for house batteries).
FWIW
Norm Mayer aboard
Runaround Sue in N Ft Myers

 

[jim rosenthal]

Three Group 27s fit in one 8D case. Lots of jumpers, though.

 

[DickB]

If this is your house bank, you might consider 6-V batteries. I think the footprint for six is about the same as a pair of 8-Ds. Even more jumpers, tho.

Dick

 

[Bob Bradley]

I have 2 banks of 2 8D batteries each. Fortunately, the are located beneath the cockpit sole and are quite accessible. I can stand next to them and lift them to the deck with no more difficulty than is required to lift the 140#.

I have located a local source - The Battery Shop - in Wallingford CT where I can get them for about $171 each. I'm also going to call NAPA for a comparison price. I believe they told me that the batteries are 1550 amp hours at 32 degrees.
Bob

 

[Nick]

The Napa batteries sound like a good deal, plenty of amps. Set a metal or wood frame (2x4 or similar) over the cockpit hatch and hook up a "come a long" to the battery handles to save your back and lift the beast out.



Nick

 

[Bob Bradley]

Great idea, Nick. I have a couple 5' tall sawhorses that I used to use to store my canoe in the cellar during the winter. The height let me keep the canoe on my shoulders while putting it on the horses. They'd be perfect as the legs are wider than the hatch and the height will give me room for my comealong.

 

[egaito]

I really cheaped out on my starting batteries....

My situation may be different in that the previous owner was kind enough to wire the boat so any engine can be started from any battery. Since I'm generally close to home, even when overnighting, reliability in remote locations isn't a big deal for me, so....

I've been using Champion 8D's purchased from Sams warehouse for starting batteries for $99. These batteries are going on their 4th season, with the only casualty being the one I used for a house battery, due to the deep discharges I put it through I'm sure.

I replaced this one with a deep cycle, but the other two are still kicking.

To get them in and out is a 2 six-pack job as you have to share with a couple of dock mates. While I'm in the bilge playing crane operator, two guys in the salon haul them out of the bilge with lines tied to the handles. It spreads the weight, and allows me to muscle them directionally while they handle the vertical aspects of control. They don't come out flat, so one guy lets his line out while the other pulls to get them out on end. Works great for me......

-Ed G.

 

[captainwjm]

after dragging out an 8D on 2 seperate occasions, I've decided "no more." Next time, I'm going the 6V route. More amps, one man operation to replace, relatively same costs. With that being said, it may be a while as the Champions I got at Sam's are performing quite well [sound of knocking on wood].

 

[34Hatt]

I've decided "no more." Next time, I'm going the 6V route. More amps,

Be careful 6v are more reserve amp not cold cranking amp. I have 8D for motor and 6V for house bank.