Joe straddling the engine to get at Caxton's batteries
Yesterday morning we moved Caxton along the Saltisford Arm with its large WELCOME sign (the meaning of the word 'welcome' is open to interpretation however...) in order to get as close to Warwick Batteries as possible; it was time to bite the bullet and replace Caxton's battery bank. We were getting increasingly less power from the batteries and checks revealed that of the five batteries only two were functioning.
The last two lead acid batteries are awaiting disposal and the new gel batteries are installed. All done within the hour...
That will be £735 please Sir....Ouch
14 comments:
Two years is not bad for a set of standard batteries. It will be interesting to see how long the gel ones last, and whether you think the extra cost is worth it.
That explains it then!!! Ouch indeed. xx
Hi Adam
Nb Matilda Rose has gel batteries and they are six years old so we are hopeful...
Lesley
We replaced our batteries in 2008 after 2 years - we feel your pain!
Sue, Indigo Dream
I managed to coax five seasons out of our two lead acid batteries - but I dont live on the boat!
OUCH is the word! Bread and water for the next few weeks then?
Hi Joe and Lesley, Congratulations on reaching 2 years on the cut already!!
Hope to catch up with you next year when we are back afloat, as we are in the process of having a boat built, can you tell us what size your inverter is and also do you have a travel pack, as we were interested to know after you have had to replace your batteries, although interesting from Adam's comment that 2 years for batteries is good? Hope you don't mind us asking, as your blog has been very helpful lately for us. Thanks again Doug
Ouch!
Managing that £0.50 worth of electricity on board is expensive!
s/v Eolian's standard flooded acid batteries are 10 years old and still performing pretty well (knock wood). I think the fancy 3-stage battery charger built into our inverter helps.
Hi Pip
Hopefully the switch to gel will prove more reliant. We looked at 6 volt options but we do not have the space in our current battery box.
Lesley
Hi Sue
It was a chunk of money but provided we can live aboard Caxton in the manner we want to, i.e. not too frugally, it will be worth it.
Lesley
Hi Amanda
That isn't a bad idea, the waistline would benefit!!!
Lesley
Hi Doug
See my later post re the information you wanted. Best wishes in your build.
Lesley
Hi Bob
I like the look of the amp hour meter - I have set Himself on a research mission!
Lesley
Hi Sue
It was a chunk of money but provided we can live aboard Caxton in the manner we want to, i.e. not too frugally, it will be worth it.
Lesley
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