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Post by sailorboy53 on Dec 17, 2009 19:14:36 GMT -5
I am replacing my batteries this winter and currently have 8-6 volt batteries in 2 banks plus 1-12 volt for starting and was wondering if i should stay that way or just go with 4-12 volts for house batteries and 1-12 volt for starting or go with 8-12 volts plus the starting battery.What is the advantage of going 6 volt versus 12 volt?
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Post by Dan Paluzzi on Dec 18, 2009 13:24:32 GMT -5
Sailorboy,
The advantage of going 6v is the reserve capacity.
Lets start by using Interstate batteries for a comparison. A typical Group 27M 12v deep cycle battery, will have about 160 minutes of reserve at 25A. A 6v Golf Cart battery of the same weight (they use different measurements for 6v batteries, so weight is the best comparison, since it amounts to how much lead is in the battery) will have 392 minutes of reserve at 25A.
Essentially, for every 2 6v batteries you connect in series to get the 12v, you will need more than 2 12v batteries to get the same reserve. For your particular setup, you would require 20 12v batteries to replace that reserve. Essentally, you could run 25A for 52 hours from full batteries before you need to recharge.
Also, the expense of replacing 8 golf cart batteries would run you upwards of $1600.
That's a hell of alot of power. Your best bet is to give us more inormation on what type of boat, what kind of sailing you do, ad what kind of electronics you have on board, and go from there.
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Post by ricardomarine on Apr 26, 2011 10:56:22 GMT -5
Dan, I realize that this is an old thread. Also, I'm new to this forum, however, I'm certainly not new to boating forums nor 12 vdc electrical. I was reading through this, and noticed what may be a caveat to the 52 hours run time. The caveat would be the recommendation of not drawing our battery banks down below 50% SOC. This would reduce the 52 hours, but your comparison is very valid. Other than that, I would agree with the recommendation to stay with the 6 v GC Batteries for any House Load Battery Bank.
BTW, I'm trying to get in touch with member "Maine Sail" for a question or two. If any of you are in contact with him, will you please mention this for me? Thank you, Rick
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