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There has been a lot of past discussion on which battery to use and how
cost effective each choice is.
The LOW end is to simply go down to your local auto parts store and by a
"marine battery" starting at $60.
The next step up seems to be the Trojan "traction" type lead acid battery
designed for golf carts at $145 each. They come in either 6 or 12 volt.
Increased life span and more power available.
Next up is the AGM batteries at about $245 each. Longer life, no spillage,
good power output.
This seems to be the most popular choice.
Gel batteries are about the same as AGM but cost a bit more.
A couple of new types based on Lithium-ion are available, but so far
there seems to still be overheating issues with heavy amp draw. The cost for
these types is considerably higher, ranging from $475 to $1200 each for an
equivalent size. The cycle life is reported as much improved over all the lead
acid types, and the weight is about 2/3 of comparable lead acid.
Each type has merit, depending on "how you use them "
I've often considered going the cheapest route for my first set just to get
all the bugs worked out. It's likely the boat will spend considerable time in
the shop fixing/modifying stuff after it's first series of wet tests.
An inexpensive set would give me the opportunity to learn how the boat
works, how it handles, and what it's limits are. Worst case, and the boat gets
flooded during testing.......not that much money lost.
I plan on conducting some pretty rugged tests, some manned and some on
remote. There's a good chance something's going to break.
Once all the systems are tested and working properly, and I've got some
hours and experience behind the wheel, the first set will be just about wearing
out. The charging system will be dialed in, and good test data collected during
operations can be analyzed, making the final choice for batteries more
informed.
A first set of 14 batteries at 12 volt comes to $840 plus tax. If they
lasted long enough to accomplish testing and learning, it seems like a
possible way to go.
Frank D.
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