bstreet

A while back, this forum had a good discussion on the 4d to 4 6volt battery issues. Jack Stewart (who happens to be married to Martha Stewart) did a good explanation of the problem and solution. He is probably reading this and will be happy to offer some suggestions.

Start here [url]http://www.c36ia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65&highlight=jack+stewart&p...

I followed his lead and completed my upgrade to 4 AGM type 6 volt batteries.

Consider AGM type batteries because they will work in any position, even under water. But they cost a bundle! I took 2 years to spread the cost out.

Good luck.

Bill Matley

Sounds like you have a good plan.

Not to sound like a know it all, but remember the AGM starter battery and the wet acid house bank battery take different charging voltages and rates.

Make sure your battery charger can handle both.

My upgrade included cutting the fiberglass battery pan, it wasn't a big deal but I remember that the (2) SS bolts and nuts that hold the swinging chair at the nav station, interfered with the batteries. I think they presented a puncture possibility to one of the batteries in the case. I had to use a cut off wheel on a dremmel tool to cut the SS bolt. That was would have been a tough job without the cut off wheel.

Let us know how the job goes.

Bud, if you're going to use the Interstate batteries Jack used, you should consider thier model U2400 instead of the 2200's he installed. They are the same size, but have more amp/hours (251 vs.233, if I recall). They are listed in their industrial section, rather than the marine, but they are basically deep cycle with some more lead. About the same price. We installed four of the 2400's last year with very minor mods to the battery box, plus a few more cables, and we are delighted with the increase in capacity over the original 4D's since we are on the hook lots.

Bud, once again, we would like to call on your documentary skills if/when you undertake this project.

Specifically, to 'shoot, shoot, shoot' along the way so that a detailed article can be assembled afterwards. I just scanned our Upgrades and Maintenance libraries, and found nothing on a battery changeout project. And I know this topic arises frequently, so a well-documented, carefully written article would be an important asset.

I call the reader's attention to Bud's excellent article, [B]Removing the C36 Fuel Tank (MK II)[/B], presently located on the C36IA home page. Eventually his article will scroll down the home page(s), to be relocated to the Maintenance archive, under the Technical tab. At that point, of course, it will become accessible to C36IA Members (capital M) only, as is the remainder of our outstanding Upgrades and Maintenance library.

Others interested in contributing an article that would benefit C36 owners, please contact Steve Frost (Mk I) or me (Mk II) to initiate the process. We are very willing to help. Steve and I are like vultures, camped out on a nearby phone wire, salivating over whom to grab next for a technical contribution to our C36IA organization.

[QUOTE=bstreet;3478]The AGM battery I use has the same charging profile as lead acid deep cycles do, [/QUOTE]

Bud, good point.

For those interested, the manual for Balmar's regulators has a very neat comparison of the recommended charging parameters for many different battery types in a handy dandy little table. It shows the charging requirements of many different types, including flooded deep cycle and AGMs so once you understadn whatever mixture of types you have you maybe don't have to rush out and get a duo charge or some other multiple output chargers.

Try [url]www.balmar.net[/url], find the M-612 regulator manual, I think it's on page 9. See: [url]http://www.balmar.net/PDF/2005-mc-612-manual.pdf[/url]

[QUOTE=bstreet;3478]Another interesting upgrade, I just got the Navpod from Ocean Systems for later model boats that has the engine gauges angled upwards so you can actually see them while standing at the helm. Just finishing moving everything from the existing panel into the new one. Cleaned up a bunch of wiring while I was at it. They have them on clearance sale for $99, I thought it was a great deal and a great upgrade.[/QUOTE]

I picked one of these up and have it on the spring upgrade list. Did you run into any issues installing it? I was a little concerned that the stainless pipe that contains the wiring might not be a direct fit to the new panel:mad:. Did you replace switches, etc. in the process?

thanks..!

Imagine, Bud Street, and others...

I just initiated a new thread for Imagine's Ocean Systems Navpod topic, and duplicated the previous message there. The topic seemed important enough to warrant its own thread instead of riding on the subject of the 6 volt battery upgrade.

Thanks,