House battery suggestions???

[jpn]

Hi all,

    I need suggestions on house battery, for now I am using 2 automotive batteries as the house batts, but would soon want to upgrade.  Its hard to find deep cycle batts from where I am from, only one I found are Optima batteries, are they good enough for the task???  If not, then I may have to purchase from HK or the US, and what would be the best???

[Hamdog]

I also have a 342 and had new batteries installed this spring when I bought the boat. Definately go with Deep Cycle batteries. Can't speak to how good the optima batteries are. I up-sized mine to a group 31 which will fit in the existing battery boxes. I have been on the hook for two nights running everything and without running the genset, I have plenty of power.

Good Luck.

[mightys4]

Same for me, I went from a single 27 deep cycle to twin group 29 Interstate deep cycles, no lack of power at all now with the fridge keeping things cold.

The Blue Top Optima's are a marine rated deep cycle designed for repeated discharges.  They consider that one a "dual purpose" battery.  Give that one a look.

[Black_Diamond]

Just make sure if you switch from a deep-cycle lead-acid type to an AGM/gel type (Optima, etc.) that you have a charger that is compatible for it, otherwise you'll ruin the battery.

Optima has a great name, and they are sealed and can take abuse from boating/off-roading, etc.  They are sealed so no leaks even upside-down.  They are expensive though.

[Vuja De]

I have 2 blue top optima's for my starting batteries and 1 Deep Cycle Trojan for my house.

They are all AGM type so they don't leak.

So far I've loved them, but they are expensive.

[jpn]

Vuja De,

    There is a Trojan battery here in the boat store....how is it?  Does it have much more capacity than the Optimas in terms of accesories use (refs, lights etc...)????

    Another option is to use Golf Cart batts according to a battery store here, I just have to connect it to make 12V since they are 6V each but do have a lot of capacity and is capable of running until almost fully discharged....any thoughts on this???

[Dream 'Inn]

I've heard nothing but great reviews on using the golf cart batteries.  You just have to connect them right to get the 12V.  As others have said, optima seems to be a good battery as well. (although I have the walmart brand).

[themaniam1]

I've heard nothing but great reviews on using the golf cart batteries.  You just have to connect them right to get the 12V.  As others have said, optima seems to be a good battery as well. (although I have the walmart brand).

  I plan on going with two golf cart 6V batteries for my house and one 12v for my start.  I have used Optima batteries in my Jeeps and have never had a problem with them.  They can take a tremendous amount of vibrations, that is why I use them in the Jeeps ( we off road a lot).

[Vuja De]

Vuja De,

    There is a Trojan battery here in the boat store....how is it?  Does it have much more capacity than the Optimas in terms of accesories use (refs, lights etc...)????

    Another option is to use Golf Cart batts according to a battery store here, I just have to connect it to make 12V since they are 6V each but do have a lot of capacity and is capable of running until almost fully discharged....any thoughts on this???

.
JPN

My Trojan Battery is a true deep cycle and has more capacity than my Optima's.  But, my Optima's are dual purpose batterys.   Meaning they can provide enough cranking amps to start my engines.

If I have to ever replace my house battery again i will go with the 6V type.  They have more than twice the amp hour rating than a 12V battery. 

What every way you go, get the AGM.  No mess, mo maintenance.

[Adam W]

I use two 6V Crown golf cart batteries in series.   Very satisfied!!!!!