Posts: 229
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Home Port: Long Island Sound
Vessel Info: 3100 Open, 2002 Model Year, 8.1L Crusaders
I was working in the engine compartment yesterday and took a look at the batteries. I have only had this boat for one season so I have no idea how long these batteries have been on the boat. I am going to load test but I figured "Lets see what is on here now". Currently installed are West Marine AGM 8A31DT. I looked them up and they are Dual Purpose. Seems like a waste, shouldn't they just be cranking batteries since everything else runs off the house? What are you running for batteries?
Thanks for any replies.
Posts: 486
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Home Port: Lake Michigan
Vessel Info: 52 Sovran, Cat 3406
Crank or dual purpose will work if rated at or above 650CCA. The type of battery (AGM, flooded, gel) depends on the charging system in your boat.
Posts: 38
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Home Port: Lake Michigan
Vessel Info: 2004 35 Open 8.2L
How do you determine the charging system configuration of your boat? How do you know if it is wired for gel, AGM or flooded?
Posts: 486
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Home Port: Lake Michigan
Vessel Info: 52 Sovran, Cat 3406
Probably the easiest way is to inspect the battery charger. Most newer chargers have a setting for battery type. Or you can use the Internet to get the specs for the charger if it isn't apparent. The same can be done for the regulator or alternator but most likely if it is OEM that will be matched to the charging system confoguration.
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Home Port: Newport Beach,CA
Vessel Info: I work for the Westcoast Tiara dealer Silver Seas Yachts. I'm one on the lucky few who gets to try all the models and engine combos.
These are great battery’s. The charger on the boat should have come with it’s own manual. If you open up the charge you can follow the manual to make sure that it’s setting was changed to AGM when these batteries were installed. This but would’ve come new with flooded cell batteries. Also a very good idea to load test them. If the some of the batteries are bad they can prematurely destroy your charger.
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Home Port: Kings Park, NY
Vessel Info: 2003 38' Open Cummin's 6CTA's (450 hp)
I've owned a 1997 31 Open w/454 FI Crusaders and currently own a 2003 38 Open w/Cummins diesels. Boath boats were delivered from Tiara w/GEL Batteries configured to charge based on GEL Battery requirements. The Crusaders had BALMAR alternators and the Cummins did as well.. If charged correctly they will out last any wet cell battery. My 2003 38 Open has 6 GELS, 3 for the house and 3 for main engines/generator.... These are the originals (2003 vintage) and I load test them each year before the season starts.. So far so good... Believe keeping them charged when dockside has helped keep them up to snuff... M2C.
