AGM Batteries vs. Cheap 'Leisure' Batteries

[Bargebuilder]

The manufacturer lists nothing under cold cranking amps, so presumably they couldn't be used to start the engine, or could they?

[nicknorman]

3 minutes ago, Bargebuilder said:

The manufacturer lists nothing under cold cranking amps, so presumably they couldn't be used to start the engine, or could they?

No, definitely not suitable as starter batteries. But that is a good thing - the design criteria for engine starting batteries are completely different from those for domestic batteries. Any battery quoting a CCA is in my opinion not really suitable for domestic purposes.

Edited August 29, 2017 by nicknorman

[Iain_S]

53 minutes ago, nicknorman said:

I can only imagine that folk with cheapo leisure batteries are overburdened with capacity and have minimal demands and so don't notice when their batteries' capacity is down to 50% or less.

I agree.

Kelpie got new batteries (relatively cheap ones) last year, but they have had a bit of ill treatment, being left partially discharged for a few months and on one occasion run completely flat, due to the boatyard leaving the master switch on after moving the boat. They are down to about 30% of their nominal capacity, judged by Smartgauge combined with Ah counter,  but that is still sufficient for our normal cruising pattern, and they seem to be stable in their current state. Without the instrumentation, we would be blissfully unaware of the lack of capacity, and would probably be accelerating their demise by discharging to lower and lower levels.

[mrsmelly]

10 hours ago, nicknorman said:

Trojan T105 4 x 6v batteries at 225AH each. Half as many cells to check/top up as 4 x 12v batteries, and fewer interconnect wires.

Yes. Well 3mph on the Oxford is kind of slow! Anyway, good to meet you in person even if your recommendation for a fuel stop was pants! Moored at Somerton, picked up a friend here for dinner (who now lives in Scotland, used to live in - and visiting - Chesterton (Bicester))

Coool. Yes the shop was unmanned yesterday so it seems  Somerton meadow is a good spot the main drawback being no pub for a couple of miles  pleased to see you and noticed the butler had polished your " Traditional " FIRE ENGINE lamp very nicely.