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Boat Batteries

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Bill Tattersall

Member
Hi All,
My boat has a pair of 8D batteries, one for starting and one for acceries but they can be switched together on an emergency. The problem I have is that they are in a terribly difficult place to get to especially as I get older. I have to change them and if I could get by with a pair of type 31 batteries?
 
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Could install 2 or 3 group 31 batteries in the locations currently occupied by the 8D batteries ?
Could use lithium 8D or lithium group 31 batteries to save weight .
Lithium also allows deep cycling the batteries without damaging them .
Running a lead acid battery below 50% is not smart .
 

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Bill Tattersall said:
Hi All,
My boat has a pair of 8D batteries, one for starting and one for acceries but they can be switched together on an emergency. The problem I have is that they are in a terribly difficult place to get to especially as I get older. I have to change them and if I could get by with a pair of type 31 batteries?
Click to expand...
For charging hard to reach batteries I will connect a pair of extension wires with a quick connector running to an easily accessible location for easy hookup to the charger without removing any covers, similar to what is used for trolling motors and solar panels. This works well on combines, tall pickups and motorcycles too. Just make sure that the exposed pin on the connector goes to the ground side of the battery to prevent any accidental electrical shorts if the safety cover is accidentally left off or lost. Splice a mating set of quick connects into the output cable of the charger to easily remove the battery clamps and connect to the hidden battery.

I use the cables for connecting trolling motor as they are 10 GA or larger, some are fused. Similar connectors are available from many sources:


 
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This guy wants to Chage his batts., not CHARGE them. Anyway, would help to know the load, example, Detroit singe engine Diesel, duel, et cetera. 31's DO WORK. I down graded my truck from 4 Mill spec bats, 24v, to 2 31,s and she stars nicely. C series Cummings.
 
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Bill Tattersall said:
Hi All,
My boat has a pair of 8D batteries, one for starting and one for acceries but they can be switched together on an emergency. The problem I have is that they are in a terribly difficult place to get to especially as I get older. I have to change them and if I could get by with a pair of type 31 batteries?
Click to expand...

Hello Bill-

Take a gander at this thread- it covers a lot of variables you may need to consider: https://www.trawlerforum.com/threads/8d-vs-type31.48738/
 
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If they need changed, I would look at lithium for a boat. You can get a lot more capacity in the same size with less weight. Just remember that while all lithium batteries are good at deep cycle, not all are rated for starting.
 
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Bill Tattersall said:
Unfortunately, they sit on a shelf under the deck with about 3" of room above. 1 x 1 strips get screwed down to keep them from shifting. The strips have to be taken out to remove the batteries. Then I have to slide the batteries out.
Click to expand...
Sometimes it is well worth having someone else do the hardest tasks, maybe pick the batteries you want and then let a marina or boat dealer change out the batteries for you?
 
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Ericp351 said:
This guy wants to Chage his batts., not CHARGE them. Anyway, would help to know the load, example, Detroit singe engine Diesel, duel, et cetera. 31's DO WORK. I down graded my truck from 4 Mill spec bats, 24v, to 2 31,s and she stars nicely. C series Cummings.
Click to expand...
The local International OTR dealer buys 1000 CCAs, 3/8" stud post 31s by the skid and sells them cheap since they buy bulk, one size. Down side is they aren't deep cycle if one is looking for a trolling motor battery.
 
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I think Epoch sells marine rated lithium batteries they cost much more but are lighter, will withstand deeper discharge much better than lead acid, are rated for more life cycles, but require more tailored charging. At the least in a Boat I would suggest AG M instead of wet flooded lead acid. For strictly starting purposes it’s cold cranking amps you need while for energy storage and lower amp long use discharge like say a trolling
Motor it’s the number of amp hours of energy storage you need to consider

Your boat your money your choice not ours

Remember D Day
John T
 
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scootergmc said:
Bill, what's your vessel? Sounds like it's not your average bass boat.
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It's a 32' JC Custom, somewhat similar to a New England lobster boat. It's set up for cruising with really nice accommodations including a Kubota generator and air conditioning. My girlfriend and I have cruised from Maine to South Carolina and practically every place in between. Thanks for the interest. I certainly got plenty of advice on my battery situation all of which has confused me even more.
 
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Bill Tattersall said:
It's a 32' JC Custom, somewhat similar to a New England lobster boat. It's set up for cruising with really nice accommodations including a Kubota generator and air conditioning. My girlfriend and I have cruised from Maine to South Carolina and practically every place in between. Thanks for the interest. I certainly got plenty of advice on my battery situation all of which has confused me even more.
Click to expand...

Heh heh, I hear you. Sounds like a nice boat. I'm not a boat guy but I sure like spending time cruising on other people's boats... :D
 
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