Vlog: Bad Narrowboat Batteries!

[@neilmcgregor2943]

You probably won't believe it, but the three domestic batteries on my last boat were still in use after 17 years. I bought them new at Braunston bottom lock in October 2007. I put their longevity down to various factors. Apart from a couple of 150 watt portable inverters to charge phones etc, we used no 240v power on the boat, it was all 12v. I never let the batteries get discharged much, using a Lynx monitor to check them easily. We had an Adverc which maximised the alternator output. We had solar input from a very good Japanese panel, can´t remember the make, and one of those sophisticated controllers. And yes, with the agreement of anyone else moored nearby, we would run the engine at some point during the middle of the day if we were not on the move anyway. They were exceptionally good. Previous sets of batteries were not used under the same conditions and performed much more as you describe, maybe up to five years. You always know things are starting to deteriorate when they show as fully charged more and more rapidly. In my experience, all boaters end up talking about batteries. When they aren't talking about toilets, that is.

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

That's very good going. The best I have managed is about six years but they weren't very good for the last three years!

[@petesmith2234]

12.7V seems like a very low charge voltage even for a cloudy day, particularly as the batteries are low capacity. If 200mA is pulling down to 11V or so, I’d expect even just 200mA or so from the solar to pull it up to full voltage just as easily. That voltage should be at least 13.8V for a 24/7/365 float charge and nearer 14.8V for a bulk charge. If the charging system is only dragging it up to 12.8V, your new batteries will suffer from sulphation and become useless very quickly. It may be that your old battery bank had a shorted cell which was causing the voltage to be low, but otherwise I’d have a good look at the charging system.

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

They were just coming back up from 9 volts the night before.

[@Bonjour-World]

"Lead is dead". LiFePO4 are have more capacity, longer life, more reliable and weigh less.

[@anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204]

good see you got vlog out phil good see you got the done thanks for the vlog and keep it cranked on cut thanks lee

[@lesleym6952]

Glad you managed to get it all sorted Phil ☺️

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

Just one of many things to sort out currently unfortunately.

[@kevgray.]

There's an electrician who lives on a boat round here and apparently she's had her batteries for 12 years😮 they're the ones that you can add water to Instead of the maintenance free ones... I'm glad you managed to get some batteries sorted👍

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

Mine were sealed. Apparently lead acid batteries can be revived with more water, some special salts, and an arc welder!

[@kevgray.]

@@NarrowboatJourneys 👍

[@rogerr1296]

The life of a boater. I guess it's just a little different than living in a house...lol. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

You got that right.

[@Michael_Brown1964]

Very interesting and informative Phil 👍

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

Thank you ;-)

[@rayjaypaulsen]

Liked the Video Phil, Liked the tropical theme in your narrowboat! Have a good day my friend 👍

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

Thanks, you too!

[@shirleylynch7529]

Interesting little chat and video. Love your healthy plant in the background. Thank you Phil and take care.

[@rayjaypaulsen]

@@NarrowboatJourneys Thank you

[@ESMarker]

Thnx Phil 😊❤

[@ESMarker]

🤓❤

[@A423-f9o]

Thank you for this video - glad, the problem is solved already! With good batteries - what is the lower limit voltage for normal use? 12,0V before they suffer?

[@NarrowboatJourneys]

For lead acid batteries try not to let them go below 12 volts. Under 12 volts the voltage will drop more quickly.

[@A423-f9o]

@@NarrowboatJourneys Thank you for the answer :)