263. Narrowboat Battery Fail Replacement

[@jennybailey6842]

Hi Alan, that was a job for you pulling that battery out, due to it being swollen! Well done for sorting it all out, and filming it for us too. Cables, not terminals 🤣🤣 xx

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Jenny, someone did mention that the cables are terminals, so perhaps I wasn’t wrong after all 😀xx

[@hughcarson6837]

I keep saying it Alan, I could watch you work all day. Good job well done. Stay safe and well.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Hugh. All the best, take care.

[@keithweybury5212]

Howdy Alan snd great job fitting the new battery. Cheers Keith.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks Keith. Cheers

[@richcolgate8929]

Well spotted bud,, Not a cheap replacement eh,, yet needs be,, 👍👍 Take care Rich

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Rich, all the best, keep safe.

[@murraysmith6315]

Thanks for sharing Alan. I found this vlog interesting, with many positives and the odd negative...

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Murray, you’re a live wire!

[@castingshadows282]

Hey Alan, you know what they say? Some things in life are bad They can really make you mad Other things just make you swear and curse When you're chewing on life's gristle Don't grumble, give a whistle And this'll help things turn out for the best And . Always look on the bright side of life. Sorry but this tune was playing in my head as I watched you at work. Have a great day. 👍

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

A Monty Python addict eh, nowt wrong in that. Thanks for your comment, all the best, take care.

[@castingshadows282]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture Ha, ha. Cheers Alan. 😎

[@johnedwards1685]

Sir, thank you very much for all your time and effort preparing these videos for us. Your gentle and always affable commentary is relaxing, informative and your videos a welcome ray of sunshine. Tales of the days afloat.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

You are most welcome John, thank you for your very kind words.

[@robinl.a.matheson1838]

Your maintenance skills are admirable, Alan. No explosions is a GOOD thing! So glad everything has worked out🙂

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Robin. I'd say it's a very GOOD thing, cheers.

[@silashouse7541]

Got your message Alan good to see you are OK. April is snow weather some times. I am watching you fitting your battery. catch you on you next vlog. cheers for now John... Kaiora mi

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks for your comment John, all the best.

[@RedfoxCGLM]

Good job…I like the maintainence aspect of your episodes…keep it up!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Greg, I like to cover quite a range of topics. Cheers

[@geoffballe8766]

Good one Al 👍🏼

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you👍

[@wakaafloat3487]

Well done Alan. Everything on a boat is learning experience.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

It certainly is, many thanks.

[@catherine3902]

Admirable how you ( and, no doubt, other boaters) manage to complete ongoing maintenance and replacement tasks in such confined spaces. Entirely different working on maintenance on your floating home as opposed to us landlubbers in our houses 😊

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

It is a bit awkward, I was lucky in the sense that it was an end battery with few connections.

[@sandyprosser805]

Hi Alan another packed vlog you are always smiling and cheerful. Love watching you antics very amusing. Have great week.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Glad you enjoyed it Sandy, thanks for commenting, you too have a good week ahead.

[@eyeswideopen627]

Good vlog. Thank you. And good luck hope you have years trouble free. Say hello to Jasmine for us.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Martin, will do, I'll be seeing her tomorrow.

[@Rovinman]

Well done, Alan ! The thought occurred to me that in such a constricted space, an LED strip at the back of the space/ceiling, would illuminate the space admirably ! Your next job ? Stay safe ! Stu xx.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Stu, I've got various lamps I can use to light the work area. I'm not looking for any jobs presently. Cheers

[@brodie2711]

What a worrying situation for you, I hope it all works out. Strangely enough, your batteries look the same as the ones in my scooters, and if you remember I had a problem with a brand new battery which failed and had to be replaced, so I know how concerning it all can be. All the best my friend. Bye for now.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Stephen, yes I do recall. Let's hope just replacing the one battery works out ok, as it is said all should be replaced together. All the best, take care.

[@johnallen148]

Hi Alan ,I just love the smell of faulty Battery not lol 😆 not ,I hope the three remaining batteries don’t pull the new one down to much was there no guarantee on the batteries because I think two years is a bit quick for a battery to go faulty,well it’s in now you done a good job all round now it’s time to see how all the batteries take and hold there change,till next time take care keep yourself safe,john 👏👍🙌🙏🐣

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi John there was only a one year guarantee with the batteries and warranty terms that a boater wouldn’t be able to meet. Just have to see how I get on with the new set up. Cheers, take care.

[@stevehoare6378]

Evening Alan, a job well done sir! It's amazing isn't it, how every job on a narrowboat involves a very awkward and cramped space. Hope the new battery bank is all working well... Many thanks 🍷🍷

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Steve, I've only replaced one battery and it is recommended they all be replaced at the same time but I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well. Everything is awkward on a narrowboat, as you know. All the best.

[@stevesrepairs5778]

Thanks Alan for a very interesting vlog and glad it's all turned out well in the end. Take care and all the best. Stevie

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you Stevie, I hope the battery bank will be ok now, time will tell. Cheers

[@bobt3374]

Hi Alan Bit tight on the removal but when they expand it does give a problem but new one went in well so all sorted out. have a good relax & chill till Jasmine gets back. Take care 🍺🍺

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Bob, it actually made it easier being at the end of the row, fewer connections to undo and redo. All the best, cheers.

[@dennisharvey4499]

Alan, you showed one insulated spanner and then we saw you using several metal tools which were not insulated. I used to train engineers on large lead acid battery systems. The danger is not due to voltage but due to molten metal exploding, so if there is a chance of accidentally creating a short circuit, you need full face protection, and ideally everything else covered as well. A safer procedure is to disconnect the end of the battery which is connected to the metalwork of the craft: this used to be the positive terminal but now is normally the negative (black) terminal. Then, if you short the positive terminal to the chassis it will not matter. The biggest danger here, however, is that you should not lift 23 kg into that position.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Dennis thanks for the advice. I now realise the negative should have been disconnected first. I’m not sure how else the battery can be put in position without it being lifted in to place. Cheers

[@dennisharvey4499]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture When people design things, they do not always know about all the risks involved. The recommended maximum weight to be lifted is surprisingly low: just because you can lift it, does not mean you should lift it. For example, if you can not keep your elbow in contact with your side, and you are picking something off the floor, the maximum weight is 5 kg! A 25kg battery would have to be placed between knee and shoulder height by bending the knees, so it would not be possible to stow them as low as possible, or in an inaccessible place. Keep cruising and volunteering on our canals. Waiting for the next 4 go narrow-boating.

[@geoffreynolds8835]

Good to see that you have sorted out the issue with the duff battery (the bad smell).

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I just hope it works, many thanks.

[@hellomynameisdom]

Thank you for another fantastic video

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you so much Dom.

[@ralphwood5875]

I can empathise with you on the battery situation Alan .I take the battery out of my tractor every autumn and bring it in the House as we usually get a spell of really cold weather with temperatures in the -25 to -30c disconnecting it and reconnecting it is extremely awkward purely due to the place where it sits, I hate and loathe doing it as I always end up with barked knuckles. Hate to tell you "Spring" is all over its snowing again ,not a lot just 2 inches .....still can't control it just have to live with it . I hope you've dealt with your smelly problem ok . Take care Cheers from Canada

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Ralph. I'm surprised your battery isn't better positioned but I understand your frustration. We had an odd day on Thursday, sun, snow, sun, snow lost count of how many times it changed. I hope the replacement battery will solve the problem. All the best, take care.

[@Kat69nh]

Hi Alan thanks for the information. Hi jasmine

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Kat from Alan and Jasmine.

[@danielcameron8085]

Hi alan I bought 5 leoch 100ah adventure battery about the same time as you oct 2020 ( only 85ah at c20) I cant say I'm impressed with them as they dont seem to hold charge very well thinking of going lithium very soon .all the best

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That's interesting to know Daniel. Although great claims are made for lithium batteries, are they yet proven in a narrowboat. I understand lithium batteries don't like temperatures below freezing, so the positioning of your battery bank might be all important. Mine is in the engine bay and although the batteries are set on thick insulation, they are at the water line. I hope whatever you decide works for you. Cheers

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good vid on put your new battrey in alan good job thanks lee

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks Lee, all the best 👍

[@jamesfoley6555]

Well done

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thank you 👍

[@scottt1885]

There are terminals at the ends of the cables so you were correct .

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

It was after I said it and reflected, that I thought it was wrong, but going with the flow when speaking, terminals was probably right, as you say. Thanks for that.

[@andrewriley1664]

Always connect the positive first..then if you touch anything with a spanner it doesn't short out.. General rule is disconnect the negative first, connect it last

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks for that advice Andrew, others have said the same. Cheers

[@metalsnapper6728]

Hi Alan, I’d think some folk may have already mentioned it. But it’s never a good idea to replace one bad battery with a good battery when it’s part of a battery bank as the older batteries will pull the new battery down to their not so super new healthy state…..this does depend on the age of the battery bank as well. Anything more than 3 months of use really, then the entire bank should be replaced.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I am aware it’s not recommended to have batteries of different ages and did mention it, but as they weren’t too old, I’m hoping for the best. I wasn’t keen on spending out £400 plus for a whole new set.

[@michaelhiggins7365]

Wow! That battery definitely failed prematurely at less than two years of age. I'm under the impression that, most leisure batteries typically last five to six years and yours appears to have shorted internally. I'm curious to know if you had any warranty on the failed battery? Good job replacing it Alan and I wish you better luck with this one.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I believe it only had a one year warranty, the fitter would have had the original invoice. If you look at Leoch's warranty terms, I would say it's almost impossible for a boater to comply with them. A bank of leisure batteries on a boat are quite different to say a couple in a camper/RV. Cheers

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Nice too see you coped with the battery change/swap was the bad one still under guarantee?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Mike, it was out of guarantee but it's impossible to comply with the warranty terms any way.

[@sandihandi7831]

Very interesting and what a tight area to work in for you. Late hubby always took care of our boat and camper batteries (thank goodness) as they make me a little nervous toughing them. I just call son to do stuff like that. Just curious: what will you do with your old battery? We exchange ours and get a "credit" off the new one. Please be careful out there and be sure to wear your mask around large groups to be safe from this returning Covid.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Sandy. Access is not easy as the batteries are under the steel deck. I have left the marina to dispose of the old battery. The new battery came from a company in Wales. All the best, take care.

[@larrycounce4509]

Do yall still ground with the positive? I had a 1968 MG midget that was positive ground seems odd for folk on yonder side of the pond. Well done sir proper job!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

As I recall, different makes of car grounded either way but the boat has a negative earth. Cheers

[@davidm9643]

Best to connect positive cable first then negative, Less chance of a spark

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Thanks for the advice David, cheers.

[@tmtcschannel]

was that a warranty replacement as it's so new? less than 3 years old!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I believe it only had a one year warranty, the fitter would have had the original invoice. If you look at Leoch's warranty terms, I would say it's almost impossible for a boater to comply with them.

[@tmtcschannel]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture I think I would still have reached out to the manufacture and see what they could do for you. If not I would have avoided them. But of course as is all your bank then match

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@tmtcschannel Batteries on a narrowboat in a bank can be connected in many different ways and are subject to extreme temperature differences, I wouldn't expect to get anywhere, there would be all sorts of queries. How can a narrowboater comply with this - "Registration, installation, and periodic inspection reports are to be maintained by the User and made available to Leoch on request as required to support any warranty claim. At least once every six months, the User shall complete an inspection report recording readings and record information like surface temperatures, and float voltages (Open Circuit Voltage). These records must be maintained for warranty claim purposes." That's just one of many difficult warranty terms!

[@rdyfhi]

Nice 1 Alan, just a quickie if i may. Greasing the point of battery terminals to protect from corrosion and moisture as well as protects from electric shock...I am wondering if you did it or was that bit not filmed?.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks. I didn't grease the terminals, as I didn't consider it necessary, there has never been any corrosion and the batteries are always covered over.

[@garyheap3780]

Must be worth giving the battery manufacturer a call. Less than 18 months on a new battery is pretty poor.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Gary. I believe it only had a one year warranty, the fitter would have had the original invoice. If you look at Leoch's warranty terms, I would say it's almost impossible for a boater to comply with them.

[@garyheap3780]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture Gosh, that's tough on boaters and seems pretty unfair.

[@allanmarshall4582]

Yes Alan it has to be fit for purpose though. Also last a resopanble amount of time. Your consumer rights protect you on this. Worth contacting them, I would say.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@garyheap3780 Hi Gary, this is a reply I gave to another commenter. Batteries on a narrowboat in a bank can be connected in many different ways and are subject to extreme temperature differences, I wouldn't expect to get anywhere, there would be all sorts of queries. How can a narrowboater comply with this - "Registration, installation, and periodic inspection reports are to be maintained by the User and made available to Leoch on request as required to support any warranty claim. At least once every six months, the User shall complete an inspection report recording readings and record information like surface temperatures, and float voltages (Open Circuit Voltage). These records must be maintained for warranty claim purposes." That's just one of many difficult warranty terms!

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@allanmarshall4582 Hi Allan, leisure batteries and narrowboats is not a straightforward topic. This battery was out of warranty and 18 months old. Please see my other replies on this subject. Cheers

[@diamondhandsdarrell59]

Your weather is as unpredictable as my weather in Ohio USA

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That particular day was one of the oddest, snow blizzard and a few minutes later sun and blue skies, it was like that on and off.

[@diamondhandsdarrell59]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture Yep, that's Ohio too.

[@johnbarnes8688]

hi alan just a thought is all your batteries the same amps if yes i would change the new one with the starter battery . best of luck john boy .nb malibu sunset

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi John thanks for your comment but the leisure and starter batteries are very different and not interchangeable. Cheers

[@theoldshooter5631]

How do you keep your batteries charged? I run a 22 foot tritoon pontoon boat and use the Blue Seas Add A Battery kit that has an automatic charging relay (ACR) that senses when my house battery (oar start battery too) needs charging and automatically puts power to the weaker battery.....no switch flipping for me.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

When I’m on the shoreline, the batteries are kept topped up by a built in battery charger. When cruising, the starter and leisure batteries get charged by two alternators and the solar power also charges the leisure batteries.

[@davidcharleston1314]

Hi Alan does these batteries not come with a warranty 2 years doesn't seem long for it to last your getting 3 and 5yr warranties on batteries just wondering?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi David. I believe it only had a one year warranty, the fitter would have had the original invoice. If you look at Leoch's warranty terms, I would say it's almost impossible for a boater to comply with them.

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

Well done u. Shouldn’t batteries last longer than that though ? Are they not guaranteed ? Great vlog. I’d of got cramp half way thru 😂

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Many thanks Trevor. The battery was out of warranty and even if it wasn’t, it would be a battle, as the warranty had many restrictions and requirements, which a boater would find difficult to comply with.

[@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture that’s quite scarey because they’re not cheap either. You made it all look so easy. Well done. Best wishes

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

@@trevorsbarkingmadchannel4501 That’s kind of you to say, cheers.

[@martinworrall5888]

Will the duff battery be under warranty?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Martin. I believe it only had a one year warranty, the fitter would have had the original invoice. If you look at Leoch's warranty terms, I would say it's almost impossible for a boater to comply with them.

[@martinworrall5888]

@@MyNarrowboatVenture ok I understand Alan thanks 🙏

[@philippw1971]

It´s not recommended to put batteries of different age in the same bank, as this will reduce lifespan of the new battery

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I am aware, I did mention that Philipp, I'm hoping as the batteries are not 'aged' that all will be well.

[@lewisgardner1660]

Did you ask for a free replacement as it was not very old? How much of a guarantee did it have with it when you got it?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I believe it only had a one year warranty, the fitter would have had the original invoice. If you look at Leoch's warranty terms, I would say it's almost impossible for a boater to comply with them.

[@martinworrall5888]

Of course it had to be the most difficult one to get to.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Not so Martin, being at the end there were less connections to undo and access was actually easier.

[@alanglass8161]

No harm to put silicone paste on the terminals.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

I didn't regard that as essential Alan. The terminals have always been clean.

[@getubelogin]

I didn't think you were supposed to mix batteries of different ages?

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Geoff. I am aware it’s not recommended to have batteries of different ages and did mention it, but as they weren’t too old, I’m hoping for the best. I wasn’t keen on spending out £400 plus for a whole new set.

[@NarrowboatWill]

Only 2 years old. Don't make them like they used to.

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

That's life Will, all the best.

[@frankiepitt9135]

Only 18 months

[@malcolmstagg3950]

The quality and lifespan of these batteries are very poor you really should use lithium which have a 10y warranty and you can use all of the rated output

[@MyNarrowboatVenture]

Hi Malcolm. I was not wanting to spend thousands of pounds on batteries, as I like budgeted expenditure over a period. Lithium batteries don't like extreme cold, so could be problemmatical on a narrowboat. But who knows where I'll be in 10 years time! Cheers