Starting Batteries for 32v - DC180-8'?

[zigzag930]

Looking to build a new starting bank for a 4-71 DD. Existing battery setup is one bank having four 8v195's that is connected to start both engines.

I'd prefer not to use the large 8v195's in the new bank and have found a battery recommended by DC Battery Specialists in Miami. I've used this company in the past and they have always steered me right.

In any case, the battery they are recommending is a FullRiver DC180-8 AGM (golf cart size) battery, which has over 1000 CCA's. These batteries would be a great selection for me if they are in fact a sound choice. Eventually, I'd replace the existing bank with the DC180's - once they prove themselves to be reliable.

In any case, I was wondering if anyone has used these batteries or had any comments?

 

[oscarvan]

Will they fit in the boxes?

 

[Boatsb]

Half the size of the original batteries therefore half the lead. Loom at using 2 sets of 4 for each engine.

I changed out the button a 52c with similar. Jury is still out.

 

[zigzag930]

For me that is not an issue as they will be mounted on a shelf. Size of the battery is GC8 which is [FONT=&quot]10.24 × 7.17 × 10.71 in.

At 75lbs, they are easy to carry on board.


[/FONT]

 

[chuckbullett@gmail.com]

Looking to build a new starting bank for a 4-71 DD. Existing battery setup is one bank having four 8v195's that is connected to start both engines.

Hi Zig;

I just installed 4x185 CCA 8V Golf Cart batteries in my starboard bank and they're fine.

Keeping in mind that the only job that bank has is to start my Starboard 8V71Ti.

I also replaced the Port bank this year which doubles as the house bank, and I did rebuild that bank with 4D sized 185's.

Four 8V GC Batteries fit into the Battery box vacated by 2 4D's, with some 2x4 blocking.


So far, great performance and no problems. I did this probably 3 months ago? Probably time to check water levels.

In the space vacated by the other two 4D batteries I am installing an isolation transformer for the laundry center which I also just replaced.

Cheers!

Chuck Bullett

 

[miboatnutz]

Looking to build a new starting bank for a 4-71 DD. Existing battery setup is one bank having four 8v195's that is connected to start both engines.

I'd prefer not to use the large 8v195's in the new bank and have found a battery recommended by DC Battery Specialists in Miami. I've used this company in the past and they have always steered me right.

In any case, the battery they are recommending is a FullRiver DC180-8 AGM (golf cart size) battery, which has over 1000 CCA's. These batteries would be a great selection for me if they are in fact a sound choice. Eventually, I'd replace the existing bank with the DC180's - once they prove themselves to be reliable.

In any case, I was wondering if anyone has used these batteries or had any comments?

Using that identical battery right now for both house and starting banks. Coming to the end of year three with zero problems and zero complaints. Ripped out the Hatteras fiberglass boxes and went with NOCO battery boxes.

Whole set up working well so far. Replaced the charger at the same time with an Analytic Systems unit. Just make sure your float voltage on the charger is set to the Full River specs for that battery.

 

[zigzag930]

I think, based on some of the replies, that I will go this route - at least for the new starting bank.

Thanks to all who responded.

 

[JD5652]

Zig -

I'm facing the same decision point right now. I already have a new Analytic charger ready to be installed.

I've looked at the following battery choices;

Starting:

1. Deka 819
2. Rolls 8HHG25
3. Rolls 8HHG21
4. Now Full River DC200-8 (bit more AH and MCA than the DC-180)
5. Currently have four (4) Deka 8V195

House:

1. U.S. Battery US8VG XC2
2. Rolls 8HHG25
3. Rolls 8HHG21
4. Trojan T875
5. Currently have four (4) U.S. Battery US8VG CE.

I would like some feedback on the Fallriver DC180-8 batteries. The allure of a "maintenance free" (aka.. no watering) is VERY appealing to me.

Any feedback from anyone on the Fallriver would be appreciated. Pulling the trigger on batteries today.


Also.....

In my configuration, it appears a previous owner eliminated the second set of four (4) house batteries as one of my battery boxes is empty.

I'm actually a little confused on my setup.

On the left of the photo, the battery compartment is labeled as "ENGINE" batteries. These are four (4) 8V Deka 8V195 batteries contained in two separate battery boxes and interconnected for 32V. I now see that one of the jumpers is undersized which I will remedy when I change these out.

On the right, the battery compartment is labeled as "HOUSE". These are four (4) 8V U.S. Battery US8VGC CE interconnected for 32V. All four of these are located in the far right battery box. The second from right battery box is empty.

My question is, it seems the battery compartment labeling is likely erroneous. Does the HOUSE bank also serve as a starting battery for one of the engines?

Thanks in advance!

 

[JD5652]

As a follow up, I also am dealing with DC Battery Specialists in Miami.

Very knowledgeable and prompt on communications.

 

[JD5652]

Looking to build a new starting bank for a 4-71 DD. Existing battery setup is one bank having four 8v195's that is connected to start both engines.

Zig -

Now that I look at your initial post, it appears the 58 LRC is set up with ONE set of 32V starting batteries to start BOTH engines.

Personally, I don't particularly like that set up.

Wonder how much of a PIA to change that to have one set of 32V batteries for EACH engine?

 

[cww]

I know I sound like a madman every time I say this around here, because it isn't the cheapest option, but I would go with the Rolls batteries every day of the week and twice on Sunday. They last the better part of 15 years. You aren't getting that lifespan out of anything else on the market. I just want it to work right for as long as possible with as little hassle as possible, even if I don't save $1500. From that perspective, there is a clear choice here.

 

[cww]

Oh also second the guy who pointed out the obvious problem with a single starting bank for both engines, if that's the setup I would fix that. Or at least carry a spare battery and some jumper cables onboard, because you will eventually need it with no other option.

 

[JD5652]

I know I sound like a madman every time I say this around here, because it isn't the cheapest option, but I would go with the Rolls batteries every day of the week and twice on Sunday. They last the better part of 15 years. You aren't getting that lifespan out of anything else on the market. I just want it to work right for as long as possible with as little hassle as possible, even if I don't save $1500. From that perspective, there is a clear choice here.

I'm not looking for the cheapest option, nor the most expensive option.... I'm looking for the optimum option.

The existing batteries lasted almost 5 years to the month.

Just wanted to add, it is my opinion that the Rolls is a VERY WELL designed battery and it bears thinking about the labor and hassle of changing batteries an additional evolution (or two) of batteries. Wish they made a 8V AGM... It a ROYAL PIA for me to water my batteries, and since we are humans, that tends to not get done as often as it should in my world.

 

[Captain Ralph]

. It a ROYAL PIA for me to water my batteries, and since we are humans, that tends to not get done as often as it should in my world.

Install a battery water net. I'm sure there is a better name for it.
The original batt caps are replaced with an interconnected sealed cap, some with a float like a carburetor, Fill at one point and all get leveled to a fine line.

 

[carolinacoast]

I went with GC8s years ago, and added back a 3rd bank as a backup (and selector to send to either bank) when I added the inverter function to the house side. Have a 2nd gen with dedicated start battery also. Have 2 smart chargers with 3 banks of capacity. We all seem to manage this pinch point slightly differently, and it's fun to read about the various solutions.

 

[JD5652]

To close the loop on my part of this thread.... I decided to go with (4) Full River DC200-8 for the starting bank and (4) Full River DC200-8 for the house bank.

Since my start batteries are failing, I needed to go forward quickly. At this time I don't have the bandwidth (aka, time) to add an additional (4) batteries and rewire to have each engine on it's own starting bank.

I will be installing the Analytic Systems BCA-1505 charger to service these batteries.

The support team at DC Batteries in Miami reported that many people are getting over 7 years service out of these in marine environments.

The two things that swayed my decision from Rolls to these was:

1. No maintenance/watering
2. Each of these batteries weighs 86 pounds versus 140 pounds for the Rolls. This means I can DIY this job and makes overall handling much easier.

 

[IOLANI]

I'm in the same position needing to replace both banks of batteries (32V) prior to the upcoming season. I would love to switch to AGM mostly because I hated the caustic environment created by the failing flooded cell batteries and overcharging. Really bad for the equipment down there plus can't be healthy for your skin or lungs. (This is the generator room below the galley).
My question is if all is functioning as intended (batteries/charger etc) is the gas off minimal and hardly noticeable? There is passive ventilation down there plus the powered ventilation but I don't want to have to run the blower all the time.

 

[jmooney]

To close the loop on my part of this thread.... I decided to go with (4) Full River DC200-8 for the starting bank and (4) Full River DC200-8 for the house bank.

Since my start batteries are failing, I needed to go forward quickly. At this time I don't have the bandwidth (aka, time) to add an additional (4) batteries and rewire to have each engine on it's own starting bank.

I will be installing the Analytic Systems BCA-1505 charger to service these batteries.

The support team at DC Batteries in Miami reported that many people are getting over 7 years service out of these in marine environments.

The two things that swayed my decision from Rolls to these was:

1. No maintenance/watering
2. Each of these batteries weighs 86 pounds versus 140 pounds for the Rolls. This means I can DIY this job and makes overall handling much easier.

I did the same over a year ago for the same reasons , so far , no regrets.

 

[zigzag930]

JD, nothing to do with the batteries this thread is all about - but I noticed in one of your previous photos what looks like cone shaped air filters on your engines. Did you modify the original metal breathers to accept these?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[JD5652]

JD, nothing to do with the batteries this thread is all about - but I noticed in one of your previous photos what looks like cone shaped air filters on your engines. Did you modify the original metal breathers to accept these?

Thanks,
Jim

Jim -

This is done by a previous owner and yes the breather section was modified to accept the Walker air Sep filters.

I can get you some close-up photos if you want.

Back to batteries... how's your Full River batteries serving you?