Battery Maintenance/Replacement question

[melkat]

Generally speaking, with seemingly fine batteries in a 2006 330 express, what would be the consensus--change out after 2 years? Wait till after 3 years? Thoughts anyone?

350 hours on engines
primarily offshore use

 

[gerrys]

I always look at replacement between the 3rd and 4th year. Why? Because I've seen degradation beginning then, particularly faster discharging. This is my guideline for a properly maintained battery. Poorly maintained batteries can be lost a lot sooner.

Not sure what batteries you have in your 33, but my Marlin came with Deka batteries, GP27.

In searching for replacements I came across Interstate SRM-27B Deep Cycle/Cranking. They have the GP27 physical size but pack more punch and reserve. Don't confuse with the SRM-27 - not the same batteries. The B series is generally not carried by distributors and must be spacial ordered. They are horses and will run your electronics for a long time with plenty of startup power for the run home.

 

[Average Joe]

I change marine batteries every three years whether they need it or not.

 

[gw204]

I change mine when they're...well....dead.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

I don't remember changing batteries on any of my boats.

 

[ocnslr]

I don't remember changing batteries on any of my boats.

Could that be due to the short period between purchase and trade-in on a larger boat?

 

[jfmagana]

Depends on many factors (e.g., Do you trickle charge them when docked? what type of batteries they are. How you manage your battery banks, etc.), but a good rule of thumb is every 3 years. Look at it this way: w/o your batteries, you could find yourself in a very bad situation...it's just not worth it...change them. Also, there continue to be rapid advancements in battery technology...why not get the latest/best.

 

[NOTHING ELSE MATTERS]

:wink:

 

[BobP]

There are ways to load test batteries with a simple device, just like in cars.

I guess it's easier to just replace periodically.

 

[jehines3]

It depends on whether you leave your boat plugged in or not. My biggest problem with a boat always hooked to shore power is the batteries are giving a false sense of charge and discharge rates. I charge my batteries while running and when I return to the dock while I'm cleaning the boat. If when I return to the boat day/week/weeks later the engines don't start strong than I replace the batteries. I always do in pairs. The price of lead is rising quickly batteries will not be a just change it item soon for this reason. Smart charging and good sense will let you get 4-6 years out of batteries. I'm contemplating AGM on the next round. Considering the cost, random repalcement is just not a good use of the boat dollar IMO.

 

[Double Eagle]

Batteries

My Grady is ten years old and I am going to put the third set of batteries in this spring!!!!!!!!! Keep an eye on them and check the water.

 

[Boats Rock]

Heat, vibration, and low acid are the killers of batteries. Deep cycle batteries dont last as long as there counterparts because of the time needed to charge them. So with that said I have replaced my deep cycle battery at a rate of 2 to one to the starting batteries. I just have to remember to check it often and trickle charge it when it reads around 12.2 volts or less. I also carry a battery pack just in case. Lights,bilge pumps,radio,GPS.You never know.

 

[BobP]

Gerrys - you can get the same battery in a 29 series flooded, fits in same box as 27.

Find the Interstate distributor for freshest batteries, good pricing, can't say more here.