So, Brainstrust. Do we have any preference for deep cycle batteries to add as a house battery. To be used for autohelm (ST 2000), radios, lights & navs. NO fridge, telly, anchor winch, etc. Current engine/general battery is a reasonably new Optima yellow top. Apart from alternator, the charging is only small (20W?) solar panel (regulated by CE Duo - with 3 voltage settings from memory). Current system easily handles re-start after day sailing, but I want to upgrade to dual system before going overnight with a/helm. In the absence of better info, I would probably go for an Optima blue top - the more deep cycle version of current batt.
I would recommend prudence setting up a dual system. My idea of having the starter battery a deep cycle one as well paid off when the house battery run down for some reason and one is able to switch to the second "starter" battery with ample power to run things and have plenty of power to start engine as well. The battery bank is not the place to save money, in my opinion.
Im with SirG. Get a good brand name battery. If you get a dud battery normally excellent MPPT chargers and solar panels are no use. This place has a selection www.batteriesdirect.com.au and dispatch next day. I got mine there.
I converted my boat to a two battery layout through a rotary switch. It runs exactly what you are going to run. I bought a non maintenance deep cycle/cranking battery from Battery World. 120 AH. About $225. Works perfectly. They even gave me a little solar charger FOR FREE. Love it. This was about 2 years ago.
Agree re dual battery set-up. Even for day sailing, being unable to start the engine can be a major bummer, not to mention safety issue.
If you're on a budget, have a look into used UPS batteries. I have had a couple of these over the years and had very good service, at a small fraction of new cost. They typically go for about 1$ per Ah.
Try searching eBay for 80Ah deep cycle batteries. They're not available all the time, but there are a couple of guys who have them from time to time.
I have the same setup. I have a 250ah deep cycle and a 120ah as well as another small battery all run independently through switching. I don't bother with any solar. I do have a 120 amp alternater. My fridge compressor is engine driven and hot water is engine heat exchange so I need to run my engine for at least an hour every day. I went away for 5 weeks and never had to use anything but the 250 ah it started the motor as well.
FreeRadical said.. We just replaced our house batteries with Full River DC105 AGM's. Seem good value and have good reviews.
Full River batteries are hard to go past for a boat. I run 6 x 160ah Full River AGMs for my house batteries. If you want to go high end AGMs, go for Life Line batteries but I even borked at the cost of them.
