8-D batteries need changing. What's new/light weight?

[bvcllc]

My two 8-D batteries need changing on my 4207 carver, 1988. I plan to add four 100 watt solar panels, maybe more? Is there a newer, better battery style/type, and preferably lighter weight battery, I can replace them with?

[g36]

How about looking at 6v golf cart batteries they make a great house bank and are easier per item to move around. I have 6 in my 405 for my house bank .

[bvcllc]

I'll check it out. Thanks.

[Viper]

I agree with g. The 6 volt battery is the biggest bang for the footprint in a flooded lead acid battery. There is also AGM but you'll pay handsomely for them, and you should only go that route if you have a smart charger that has AGM charge capability. Having said that, even if you're spending that kind of money on 6 volt batteries, I recommend retrofitting to a smart charger if you don't already have one.

[bvcllc]

I don't have a smart charger. Never priced one or any research. If you've got experience/product reference, I'd sure like to hear it. Thanks for the suggestion.

[denders]

We put in a 40 amp ProMariner that worked fine. It had 3 banks and we also put the remote in so you didn't have to stick your head in awkward places to see how the charging was going. It could had profiles for 3 or 4 different battery types. Looking at their website they even support Lithium now. The only thing to keep in mind was the charger could only deal with 1 type of battery at a time. So if all banks were flooded lead / acid , great .... but there was no upgrading the house bank to AGM and leaving the starter battery as lead /acid. Had to call support during the install ( on a Saturday ) and they were quite helpful. Turns out I didn't fry the whole thing only the 50 amp fuse

[bvcllc]

Thanks. I'll certainly look into it and six volt seems the best given the weight of the D8's and slip placement. Thanks again. good suggestions.

[Viper]

I agree with denders, I've installed many ProMariners and have had very few fail. ProMariner ProNautic P series is the one I'm refering to. Before you purchase a charger, find out the output rating of the one you have and stick to that rating. If you want to charge the batteries faster, go with a higher output unit, but you'll have to replace the DC wiring to accommodate the higher amperage. Follow the directions closely as there will be additional hook-ups. I upgraded from the OEM unit to a 1260P so I had to change all the DC wiring, not that difficult. I also went with the remote display which is really handy.

[bvcllc]

Thanks again viper. Looks like I've got some research but you guys have made it much easier for me.

[bud37]

If you are going to get yourself a new battery bank and charger....consider looking into a battery monitor that has a shunt ( Victron has some nice choices ), that way you can monitor all your bank draws and keep track of battery life while away from the dock....the display from pro mariner only works when connected to 120 shore power or genny unless something has changed recently, but does allow some system control.....good luck with your upgrade, there are some good threads here concerning all of the ins and outs.