Battery Recommendation and DYI installation

[Blue HarBur]

I have OEM batteries (two Deka Intimidator 8A27M) on my GW Freedom 285 that are just over 3 yrs old and not holding adequate voltage load. (The FL heat takes its toll.). Any specific recommendations for brand of battery and any tips from those who have completed a DYI installation? (Space is tight but appears doable for someone with reasonable skill & ability). Thank you.

 

[drbatts]

Cannot help with installation on your exact boat because I have never been on a 285. That being said swapping out batteries falls into a simple DIY project. Just look at the specs of that batteries and replace them with a similar rated battery. Most batteries are the same and just rebranded. I have tried many different "brands" and have found they all last about 3 seasons in both of my gradys. Take a couple of pictures of what wire goes where and/or count how many wires go to each terminal so you don't miss a wire when your reconnecting everything. Hopefully your setup on the 285 is better then on my 305 which is a PITA to get to the batteries.

Now if your looking to upgrade your current battery set up or add additional batteries, then that changes things.

 

[loubeer]

Agree with "drbatts" about taking pics before starting project. I use a zip ties to bundle all the cable/wire connections to each battery post. Really helps to keep things organized.
If no built-in battery straps on batteries, invest in a good battery strap to pull out old and put in new. Baking soda and water helps to clean-up/neutralize acid in battery pans, if needed. Use battery gel/spray on new terminals and connections.

 

[JLR]

I have the same boat. I have replaced the batteries myself. Not fun but doable. I originally had AM batteries. They did not last vs. the increased price. I replaced them with regular flooded acid batteries. I use Exides.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I have tried many different "brands" and have found they all last about 3 seasons in both of my gradys.

Just for personal education: Did you tried also AGM batteries and if so, how did they held up?
In Costa Rica i switched to AGM batteries and they lasted considerable longer than flooded ones, but one problem was that i did not charged them for 6 months when i was working in Sardinia, however, the AGM's (Optima's in my case) don't suffer that and were on about 80% charge after 6 months.

Chris

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

Just for personal education: Did you tried also AGM batteries and if so, how did they held up?
In Costa Rica i switched to AGM batteries and they lasted considerable longer than flooded ones, but one problem was that i did not charged them for 6 months when i was working in Sardinia, however, the AGM's (Optima's in my case) don't suffer that and were on about 80% charge after 6 months.

The other reason i use AGM,s is that the don't/have a low hydrogen production and thats important if batteries are in a closed compartment.

Chris

 

[luckydude]

AGM batteries and this battery tender, my buddy gets 8 years, I'm 5 years in and the batteries are great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08G3STB1N/

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

AGM batteries and this battery tender, my buddy gets 8 years, I'm 5 years in and the batteries are great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08G3STB1N/

Yep, i have about 6 single NOCO's for my boat, car and agricultural equipment and they keep either wet or AGM batteries in top shape.
Over the winter i use a timer to power the NOCO's only 2 hours per day, only Sunday for more hours would be another solution.
Chris

 

[luckydude]

Yep, i have about 6 single NOCO's for my boat, car and agricultural equipment and they keep either wet or AGM batteries in top shape.
Over the winter i use a timer to power the NOCO's only 2 hours per day, only Sunday for more hours would be another solution.
Chris

Why a timer? I thought NOCO's are smart, the light glows green, they aren't pushing more electrons?

 

[Hookup1]

I use the NOCO single-bank for bow thruster, windlass and stereo battery - Duracell 34M AGM. ProMariner ProSport 20 HD 3-bank for 2 Duracell 34M AGM's for starting batteries and a Duracell 27M AGM for house. Chargers are on all year. Batteries from Sam's Club - great price. I figure 5-year lifespan for my use case.

Having a newer charger is really important. They support the new battery types, have "smart" charging and are not that expensive.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

Why a timer? I thought NOCO's are smart, the light glows green, they aren't pushing more electrons?

Yep, they will start trickle charging when full.
But i charge them while i'm 500 miles away and feel better if the charger works only two hours a day and see no reason why i should leave it on 24/7.
But that's me.
Chris

 

[luckydude]

Yep, they will start trickle charging when full.
But i charge them while i'm 500 miles away and feel better if the charger works only two hours a day and see no reason why i should leave it on 24/7.
But that's me.
Chris

Did you mean "stop" instead of "start", I'm guessing yes.

I leave the charger plugged in 24/7 and have for 3 years on the NOCO and 2 years before that on some smart battery tender brand (switched to NOCO because everyone in my fishing group used that but so far as I know the other one is fine as well). 5 year old batteries seem to be doing fine, engines both starts quickly.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

Did you mean "stop" instead of "start", I'm guessing yes.

Nope, i mean start trickle charging when battery is full.
Maybe i am wrong but i don't think that charger stop any charging action, my NOCO Genius 5 chargers start to blink when battery is full.

Trickle charging means charging a fully charged battery at a rate equal to its self-discharge rate, thus enabling the battery to remain at its fully charged level; this state occurs almost exclusively when the battery is not loaded, as trickle charging will not keep a battery charged if current is being drawn by a load. A battery under continuous float voltage charging is said to be float-charging.[3]

NOCO calls that Maintenance what i believe it's the same as Trickle charge, but i may be wrong.


Chris

 

[luckydude]

Nope, i mean start trickle charging when battery is full.
Maybe i am wrong but i don't think that charger stop any charging action, my NOCO Genius 5 chargers start to blink when battery is full.

NOCO calls that Maintenance what i believe it's the same as Trickle charge, but i may be wrong.
View attachment 34890

Chris

Well, I don't see any harm in putting it on a timer but it seems like overkill to me. I get the solid green when the battery is charged and the NOCO just sits there, waiting for it to go down. As it says in the docs you posted "The charger can be left connected to the battery indefinitely". I think for most people, that's what you want to do.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I am aware that i could leave the charger indefinitely attached, thats the sense of trickle charging.
But the charger will pull microscopic currents even when not charging and honestly i see no reason for that, it's not necessary and the timer was in the electronics shack so i dont see that not really as a overkill.

I agree: I think for most people, that's what they want to do, leave it always attached, same as if boat is on a lift/slip/trailer and they have 110/220V for a charger nearby.

Chris

 

[Hookup1]

Nope, i mean start trickle charging when battery is full.
Maybe i am wrong but i don't think that charger stop any charging action, my NOCO Genius 5 chargers start to blink when battery is full.

NOCO calls that Maintenance what i believe it's the same as Trickle charge, but i may be wrong.
View attachment 34890

Chris

It says "After the battery is fully charged, the charger will continue monitoring the battery, and provide ongoing maintenance and optimization". They monitor battery voltage and if it fall below a certain point they go into charging mode.

I leave my chargers connected and "on" all the time. I would not try this with an older style charger. You will cook the water out of the battery. No harm using a timer - personal preference. I like keeping it simple - less for me to screw up - so no timer.

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

No harm using a timer - personal preference. I like keeping it simple - less for me to screw up - so no timer.

Yep, it's my personal preference and i just wrote how i do it what was not a critique on anybody nor a suggestion that someone has to do the same. As soon i have replaced the few flooded cell batteries i still have i don't even need to attach a charger for the max 6 months i am away, they will selfdischarge about 15% in six months.
Chris

 

[Legend]

I get 5 years with AGM - as stated above wire those each terminal group of wires and the job is much easier. if you don't one wire is always sure to slide down in back and then when you find something not working it a not so fun project figuring out where the missing wire is hiding!