What do you have for a starting battery?
I have a 2004 36MKII with a Universal 35.
My starter battery is a Lifeline AGM group 24 with 800CCA. Great battery, but probably way overkill. I don't believe I need a deep cycle, and I really don't want to spend that kind of money when I can get a lead acid battery non deep cycle for 1/2 that price.
Not really sure if there is much of a difference between batteries, but Interstate seems to have a pretty strong following.
Appreciate any and all constructive advice.
—
Blair White
2004 C36 MKII # 2169 "Dash"
Pacific Beach, CA
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore
Very little power is required to start your four-cylinder diesel engine, and you only need that power for 30 seconds max. BTW: having a $100 emergency starting battery, like a Weego, is cheap insurance. Deep Cycle (whatever that means) is unnecessary as you will never discharge that many amp-hours to start any engine. You need some cold-cranking-amps, but not many. Here's MaineSail's analysis of battery marketing: https://marinehowto.com/what-is-a-deep-cycle-battery/
If you have not already done so, I suggest looking through MaineSail's excellent site which explains much more about marine electronics, solar, mechanics, and other great stuff than I have ever thought to ask: https://marinehowto.com/
John Parsons
"Water Music" 1999 Catalina 36 Mk II - Hull 1771
Tall Rig, Fin Keel
Bay City, MI, USA
Thanks for the info. Wouldn't having a deep cycle starter batt be good as a back up if house batteries fail?
Can "too much" battery as your starter be bad for the electrical system?
"May The Four Winds Blow You Safely Home"
I have 2 Ds wet cells parallelled for house battery from interstate and one wet cell for starter in lazarette. My 100 watt solar panel keeps them topped off. I switch off or disconnect the starter battery when sailing. I have had no problem for the last 8 years, same batteries.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII, M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA
About Sail La Vie
Hi,
During the last 34 years, I have replaced the start battery several times. Finally I think I have founded the right one! Optima Blue Top 75ah. Not cheap, but it worth each ah it delivers.
We maintain the batteries charge with a solar panel, when not onboard.
Just a thought.
Eladio Vallina
C-36 TR EUREKA II
Hull 1122 (1991)
Home port Barcelona (Spain).