Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[Ken Heaton via CnC-List]

We added the Balmar SG200 Battery Monitor to our boat a couple of years
ago. We have three battery banks, one engine start battery, and two house
banks of 300 amp/hour each (700 amp/hour total).  It seems to be a very
accurate system, giving lots of useful info on your Smartphone or iPad.

This is the version with no display, and a Bluetooth gateway: Balmar SG205
Smartgauge Battery Monitor with SmartShunt & Bluetooth® Gateway

https://ca.binnacle.com/pdf/Balmar%20SG205%20Brochure.pdf

More info here:  https://balmar.net/application/marine/battery-monitors/

Panbo review here:
https://panbo.com/balmar-sg200-a-good-battery-monitor-gets-better/

On Thu, 22 Feb 2024 at 16:40, CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List <
cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote:

> Just reporting back that I changed my two AGM group 31s yesterday with two
> new AGM group 31s.  I thought 31's were a little bit bigger than 27's.
> Either size fits in my OEM battery boxes.  I still have the original
> battery switch, "off, one, both, two" so either battery can start or power
> the house loads.  It's not state of the art, but works.  I can't justify
> the cost to upgrade to lithium.  The batteries are very close to AGMs now,
> but the extra controllers needed to do a proper install push this upgrade
> to $2500 to $3000.  I'll probably sell my boat in a few years, so I won't
> give in to the lithium temptation.
>
> I added a $120 Victron "smart shunt" which I recommend to others when
> replacing batteries.  This device reads the amps going through the negative
> back to the battery, which wirelessly sends battery info to any smart
> phone, no display needed.
>
> Just for fun, I recorded all the loads in my boat, so I can better plan.
> It verified that my fridge only uses 48 watts when it runs and the LED
> lights and Canframo fans are super efficient.  I still need to change a
> couple of flourescent light fixtures that draw the highest amps, to LEDs.
>
> Summary:  If I lived on my boat, or planned to keep her for more than five
> years, I'd upgrade to a Lithium system and add solar.  Otherwise, I will
> use my AGM batteries and might add a third AGM for more amphours when
> cruising.  The new batteries were 72# each, ugh.
>
> Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R, Annapolis
> Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and
> help me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
> https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
> Thanks for your help.
> Stu
Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List]

Just reporting back that I changed my two AGM group 31s yesterday with two new 
AGM group 31s.  I thought 31's were a little bit bigger than 27's.  Either size 
fits in my OEM battery boxes.  I still have the original battery switch, "off, 
one, both, two" so either battery can start or power the house loads.  It's not 
state of the art, but works.  I can't justify the cost to upgrade to lithium.  
The batteries are very close to AGMs now, but the extra controllers needed to 
do a proper install push this upgrade to $2500 to $3000.  I'll probably sell my 
boat in a few years, so I won't give in to the lithium temptation.
 
I added a $120 Victron "smart shunt" which I recommend to others when replacing 
batteries.  This device reads the amps going through the negative back to the 
battery, which wirelessly sends battery info to any smart phone, no display 
needed. 
 
Just for fun, I recorded all the loads in my boat, so I can better plan.  It 
verified that my fridge only uses 48 watts when it runs and the LED lights and 
Canframo fans are super efficient.  I still need to change a couple of 
flourescent light fixtures that draw the highest amps, to LEDs.
 
Summary:  If I lived on my boat, or planned to keep her for more than five 
years, I'd upgrade to a Lithium system and add solar.  Otherwise, I will use my 
AGM batteries and might add a third AGM for more amphours when cruising.  The 
new batteries were 72# each, ugh.
 
Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R, AnnapolisPlease show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[Matthew Wolford via CnC-List]

Stu:

 

It occurred to me the bounce back issue earlier today may have 
been my failure to trim.  Sorry.

 

Matt

 

From: Matthew Wolford via CnC-List  
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 7:26 PM
To: 'Richard Bush' ; 'Stus-List' 
Cc: Matthew Wolford 
Subject: Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

 

Richard:

 

At first I thought the same thing.  The charger is a NewMar three stage smart 
charger, and I thought perhaps the setting was wrong for the new batteries.  I 
contacted NewMar and described the problem.  The technician quickly diagnosed 
the likely issue based on my description and the age of the unit.  He also 
explained that repair/refurbishment would cost about half the price of a new 
unit if I was interested, so I sent it in.  NewMar later confirmed what failed 
(I forget now what it was), which caused it to stop charging.  NewMar 
refurbished it like new, and sent it back in a reasonable amount of time.  That 
was in 2022, and I’ve had no issues since.

 

Matt

 

P.S.  I sent the above note this afternoon, and it was bounced back for being 
too large – even after Stu’s review.  Trying again.

 

Please show your appreciation for this list and the Photo Album site and help 
me pay the associated bills.  Make a contribution at:
https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
Thanks for your help.
Stu

Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[Matthew Wolford via CnC-List]

Richard:

 

At first I thought the same thing.  The charger is a NewMar three stage smart 
charger, and I thought perhaps the setting was wrong for the new batteries.  I 
contacted NewMar and described the problem.  The technician quickly diagnosed 
the likely issue based on my description and the age of the unit.  He also 
explained that repair/refurbishment would cost about half the price of a new 
unit if I was interested, so I sent it in.  NewMar later confirmed what failed 
(I forget now what it was), which caused it to stop charging.  NewMar 
refurbished it like new, and sent it back in a reasonable amount of time.  That 
was in 2022, and I’ve had no issues since.

 

Matt

 

P.S.  I sent the above note this afternoon, and it was bounced back for being 
too large – even after Stu’s review.  Trying again.

 

 

From: Richard Bush  
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 2:29 PM
To: 'Stus-List' 
Cc: Matthew Wolford 
Subject: Re: Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

 

Matt, that sure sounds suspicious, are you sure it was only coincidence?

 

Richard

1985 C&C 37 Ohio River, Mile 596

 

 

 

Richard N. Bush Law Offices

2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite Nine

Louisville, Kentucky 40220

(502) 584-7255

 

 

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 02:15:53 PM EST, Matthew Wolford via CnC-List 
mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: 

 

 

I replaced my lead acid batteries with AGM about two years ago.  Shortly after 
I installed them, my battery charger coincidentally went bad, and I was not 
charging at the dock (despite thinking I was).  I discovered the problem as I 
was preparing for a 15-hour delivery, and initially believed the problem must 
be the new batteries.  It took my 10-amp car battery charger over 12 hours to 
fully charge my two house batteries before we took off.

 

Matt

C&C 42 Custom

 

From: Dave S via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> 
> 
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 12:57 PM
To: Stus-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> >
Cc: Dave S mailto:syerd...@gmail.com> >
Subject: Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

 

I’ll add (from experience) that  if you are daysailing and otherwise plugged in 
at the dock, you can (unwittingly) do without an alternator for quite some time 
as well….

 

Dave 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

On Feb 20, 2024, at 11:06 AM, Richard Bush via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote:



Joe, thanks for the reassurance on the group 27's! That's what I have and I 
have been worried that I am missing out on something with my old batteries, but 
we are always tied to a dock as you describe, so I am good ---(for now)!

 

Richard

1985 C&C 37 CB: Ohio River, Mile 596; 

 

Richard N. Bush Law Offices

2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite Nine

Louisville, Kentucky 40220

(502) 584-7255

 

 

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:57:31 AM EST, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List 
mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: 

 

 

If you are primarily going dock to dock and don’t care about being anchored out 
or underway for days, the old standard two group 27 batteries will do just 
fine, you are only dealing with hours of no engine, not days.

I would still go AGM just because I hate wet batteries. We had one crack open 
in a hurricane and the extra-special smell was not appreciated.

 

 

Joe Della Barba

Coquina

 

 

From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > 
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2024 1:58 PM
To: Stus-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> >
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER mailto:cscheaf...@comcast.net> >
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: Lithium vs AGM

 

Hi Brian, 

I watched hundreds of videos installing lithium battery systems in sailboats 
and also in RVs.  I found MarineHowTo.com had a link to Victron diagrams and 
there are many many videos describing each Victron module on YouTube. 

  

I didn't go very deep into solar panels, which is probably where I'd start if 
our boat was on a mooring.   

  

My situation is different.  

Our boat is in a slip with 30amp power available and we enjoy air conditioning, 
no extra charge.  I couldn't build a lithium/solar system large enough to 
support air conditioning so it lost a lot of attraction.  We mostly daysail and 
return to the slip.  When we cruise, my wife prefers a marina over anchoring 
out, where they have a pool, so we take a slip at a marina and plug in.   We 
enjoy walking strange towns and learning the history and finding good 
restaurants and live music and meeting new people.  It's all part of the 
adventure of cruising. 

  

  

Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R Annapolis 

On 02/16/2024 6:03 AM EST nausetbeach--- via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: 

  

  

Chuck, Bill and any others:

 

I am in a similar position; my batteries are on their last legs.  Was hoping to 
make another season with them but need to dive in

Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[Richard Bush via CnC-List]

Matt, that sure sounds suspicious, are you sure it was only coincidence?

Richard
1985 C&C 37 Ohio River, Mile 596



Richard N. Bush Law Offices2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite NineLouisville, 
Kentucky 40220(502) 584-7255
 

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 02:15:53 PM EST, Matthew Wolford via 
CnC-List  wrote:  
 
 
I replaced my lead acid batteries with AGM about two years ago.  Shortly after 
I installed them, my battery charger coincidentally went bad, and I was not 
charging at the dock (despite thinking I was).  I discovered the problem as I 
was preparing for a 15-hour delivery, and initially believed the problem must 
be the new batteries.  It took my 10-amp car battery charger over 12 hours to 
fully charge my two house batteries before we took off.

  

Matt

C&C 42 Custom

  

From: Dave S via CnC-List  
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 12:57 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: Dave S 
Subject: Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

  

I’ll add (from experience) that  if you are daysailing and otherwise plugged in 
at the dock, you can (unwittingly) do without an alternator for quite some time 
as well….    

  

Dave 

  

  

Sent from my iPhone






On Feb 20, 2024, at 11:06 AM, Richard Bush via CnC-List  
wrote:





Joe, thanks for the reassurance on the group 27's! That's what I have and I 
have been worried that I am missing out on something with my old batteries, but 
we are always tied to a dock as you describe, so I am good ---(for now)!

  

Richard

1985 C&C 37 CB: Ohio River, Mile 596; 

  

Richard N. Bush Law Offices

2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite Nine

Louisville, Kentucky 40220

(502) 584-7255

  

  

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:57:31 AM EST, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List 
 wrote: 

  

  

If you are primarily going dock to dock and don’t care about being anchored out 
or underway for days, the old standard two group 27 batteries will do just 
fine, you are only dealing with hours of no engine, not days.

I would still go AGM just because I hate wet batteries. We had one crack open 
in a hurricane and the extra-special smell was not appreciated.

 

 

Joe Della Barba

Coquina

 

 

From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List  
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2024 1:58 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER 
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: Lithium vs AGM

 

Hi Brian, 

I watched hundreds of videos installing lithium battery systems in sailboats 
and also in RVs.  I found MarineHowTo.com had a link to Victron diagrams and 
there are many many videos describing each Victron module on YouTube. 

  

I didn't go very deep into solar panels, which is probably where I'd start if 
our boat was on a mooring.   

  

My situation is different.  

Our boat is in a slip with 30amp power available and we enjoy air conditioning, 
no extra charge.  I couldn't build a lithium/solar system large enough to 
support air conditioning so it lost a lot of attraction.  We mostly daysail and 
return to the slip.  When we cruise, my wife prefers a marina over anchoring 
out, where they have a pool, so we take a slip at a marina and plug in.   We 
enjoy walking strange towns and learning the history and finding good 
restaurants and live music and meeting new people.  It's all part of the 
adventure of cruising. 

  

  

Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R Annapolis 


On 02/16/2024 6:03 AM EST nausetbeach--- via CnC-List  
wrote: 

  

  

Chuck, Bill and any others:

 

I am in a similar position; my batteries are on their last legs.  Was hoping to 
make another season with them but need to dive into LFP batteries as a 
potential replacement.  Some people really like AGM, but my understanding is 
they need to be brought back to 100% SOC and I am on a mooring so cannot just 
plug in at the end of the day. 

 

Where / what sites have you been using to learn about LFP batteries?  So far I 
have looked [but need to spend more time at] Rod Collins “Marine How To” site, 
and Ocean Planet. 

 

I also need to get up to speed as best as I can on solar – so any suggestions 
there as well.  Have spent some time on the “alltestore . com” site. 

 

Thanks,

Brian

 

From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List  
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2024 6:15 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER 
Subject: Stus-List Lithium vs AGM

 

Hey Bill, 

  

I am replacing my 12 and 13 year old AGM batteries with AGMs.  I spent at least 
40 hours this winter learning about Lithium, because decent lithium batteries 
can be found for a few dollars more than AGMs.  But I don't have room on my 
boat for the inverter/charger and all the costs of that and all the modules and 
cables, required to complete a system like that, pushes a lithium project way 
over my budget.   I am installing a Victron shunt to read my power useage and 
monitor various loads, and I'm adding some fuses at each battery, so I can 
always upgrade the system later, if it's warranted.

  

I'

Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[Matthew Wolford via CnC-List]

I replaced my lead acid batteries with AGM about two years ago.  Shortly after 
I installed them, my battery charger coincidentally went bad, and I was not 
charging at the dock (despite thinking I was).  I discovered the problem as I 
was preparing for a 15-hour delivery, and initially believed the problem must 
be the new batteries.  It took my 10-amp car battery charger over 12 hours to 
fully charge my two house batteries before we took off.

 

Matt

C&C 42 Custom

 

From: Dave S via CnC-List  
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 12:57 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: Dave S 
Subject: Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

 

I’ll add (from experience) that  if you are daysailing and otherwise plugged in 
at the dock, you can (unwittingly) do without an alternator for quite some time 
as well….

 

Dave 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone





On Feb 20, 2024, at 11:06 AM, Richard Bush via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote:



Joe, thanks for the reassurance on the group 27's! That's what I have and I 
have been worried that I am missing out on something with my old batteries, but 
we are always tied to a dock as you describe, so I am good ---(for now)!

 

Richard

1985 C&C 37 CB: Ohio River, Mile 596; 

 

Richard N. Bush Law Offices

2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite Nine

Louisville, Kentucky 40220

(502) 584-7255

 

 

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:57:31 AM EST, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List 
mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: 

 

 

If you are primarily going dock to dock and don’t care about being anchored out 
or underway for days, the old standard two group 27 batteries will do just 
fine, you are only dealing with hours of no engine, not days.

I would still go AGM just because I hate wet batteries. We had one crack open 
in a hurricane and the extra-special smell was not appreciated.

 

 

Joe Della Barba

Coquina

 

 

From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > 
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2024 1:58 PM
To: Stus-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> >
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER mailto:cscheaf...@comcast.net> >
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: Lithium vs AGM

 

Hi Brian, 

I watched hundreds of videos installing lithium battery systems in sailboats 
and also in RVs.  I found MarineHowTo.com had a link to Victron diagrams and 
there are many many videos describing each Victron module on YouTube. 

  

I didn't go very deep into solar panels, which is probably where I'd start if 
our boat was on a mooring.   

  

My situation is different.  

Our boat is in a slip with 30amp power available and we enjoy air conditioning, 
no extra charge.  I couldn't build a lithium/solar system large enough to 
support air conditioning so it lost a lot of attraction.  We mostly daysail and 
return to the slip.  When we cruise, my wife prefers a marina over anchoring 
out, where they have a pool, so we take a slip at a marina and plug in.   We 
enjoy walking strange towns and learning the history and finding good 
restaurants and live music and meeting new people.  It's all part of the 
adventure of cruising. 

  

  

Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R Annapolis 

On 02/16/2024 6:03 AM EST nausetbeach--- via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > wrote: 

  

  

Chuck, Bill and any others:

 

I am in a similar position; my batteries are on their last legs.  Was hoping to 
make another season with them but need to dive into LFP batteries as a 
potential replacement.  Some people really like AGM, but my understanding is 
they need to be brought back to 100% SOC and I am on a mooring so cannot just 
plug in at the end of the day. 

 

Where / what sites have you been using to learn about LFP batteries?  So far I 
have looked [but need to spend more time at] Rod Collins “Marine How To” site, 
and Ocean Planet. 

 

I also need to get up to speed as best as I can on solar – so any suggestions 
there as well.  Have spent some time on the “alltestore . com” site. 

 

Thanks,

Brian

 

From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> > 
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2024 6:15 PM
To: Stus-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com> >
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER mailto:cscheaf...@comcast.net> >
Subject: Stus-List Lithium vs AGM

 

Hey Bill, 

  

I am replacing my 12 and 13 year old AGM batteries with AGMs.  I spent at least 
40 hours this winter learning about Lithium, because decent lithium batteries 
can be found for a few dollars more than AGMs.  But I don't have room on my 
boat for the inverter/charger and all the costs of that and all the modules and 
cables, required to complete a system like that, pushes a lithium project way 
over my budget.   I am installing a Victron shunt to read my power useage and 
monitor various loads, and I'm adding some fuses at each battery, so I can 
always upgrade the system later, if it's warranted.

  

I'll be ad

Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[Dave S via CnC-List]

I’ll add (from experience) that  if you are daysailing and otherwise plugged in at the dock, you can (unwittingly) do without an alternator for quite some time as well….    Dave Sent from my iPhoneOn Feb 20, 2024, at 11:06 AM, Richard Bush via CnC-List  wrote:Joe, thanks for the reassurance on the group 27's! That's what I have and I have been worried that I am missing out on something with my old batteries, but we are always tied to a dock as you describe, so I am good ---(for now)!Richard1985 C&C 37 CB: Ohio River, Mile 596; Richard N. Bush Law Offices2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite NineLouisville, Kentucky 40220(502) 584-7255






On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:57:31 AM EST, Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List  wrote:





If you are primarily going dock to dock and don’t care about being anchored out or underway for days, the old standard two group 27 batteries will do just fine, you are only dealing with hours of no engine, not days. 
I would still go AGM just because I hate wet batteries. We had one crack open in a hurricane and the extra-special smell was not appreciated. 
   
   
Joe Della Barba 
Coquina 
   
   


From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 

Sent: Friday, February 16, 2024 1:58 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER 
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: Lithium vs AGM 


   

Hi Brian,
 


I watched hundreds of videos installing lithium battery systems in sailboats and also in RVs.  I found MarineHowTo.com had a link to Victron diagrams and there
 are many many videos describing each Victron module on YouTube.  


 
 


I didn't go very deep into solar panels, which is probably where I'd start if our boat was on a mooring.  
 


 
 


My situation is different. 
 


Our boat is in a slip with 30amp power available and we enjoy air conditioning, no extra charge.  I couldn't build a lithium/solar system large enough to support
 air conditioning so it lost a lot of attraction.  We mostly daysail and return to the slip.  When we cruise, my wife prefers a marina over anchoring out, where they have a pool, so we take a slip at a marina and plug in.   We enjoy walking strange towns and
 learning the history and finding good restaurants and live music and meeting new people.  It's all part of the adventure of cruising.
 


 
 


 
 


Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R Annapolis
 



On 02/16/2024 6:03 AM EST nausetbeach--- via CnC-List  wrote:
 


   


   


Chuck, Bill and any others: 
  
I am in a similar position; my batteries are on their last legs.  Was hoping to make another season with them but need to dive into LFP batteries as a potential replacement.  Some
 people really like AGM, but my understanding is they need to be brought back to 100% SOC and I am on a mooring so cannot just plug in at the end of the day.  
  
Where / what sites have you been using to learn about LFP batteries?  So far I have looked [but need to spend more time at] Rod Collins “Marine How To” site, and Ocean Planet.  
  
I also need to get up to speed as best as I can on solar – so any suggestions there as well.  Have spent some time on the “alltestore . com” site.  
  
Thanks, 
Brian 
  


From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 

Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2024 6:15 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER 
Subject: Stus-List Lithium vs AGM 


  

Hey Bill,
 


 
 


I am replacing my 12 and 13 year old AGM batteries with AGMs.  I spent at least 40 hours this winter
 learning about Lithium, because decent lithium batteries can be found for a few dollars more than AGMs.  But I don't have room on my boat for the inverter/charger and all the costs of that and all the modules and cables, required to complete a system like
 that, pushes a lithium project way over my budget.   I am installing a Victron shunt to read my power useage and monitor various loads, and I'm adding some fuses at each battery, so I can always upgrade the system later, if it's warranted. 


 
 


I'll be adding a cheap 1000watt pure sine wave inverter to power my TV, DVD, chargers and coffee maker.
    


 
 


Curious about your project.
 


 
 


Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R, Annapolis
 


 
 


   
 



On 02/15/2024 4:27 PM EST Bill Coleman via CnC-List  wrote: 


  


  



I'm a little surprised, I would have expected a progressive fellow such as yourself to be jumping into lithium. I am wasting an inordinate amount of time researching charger inverters,
 and I think although the lithium batteries may come down more in the future, I think because I need new batteries the time is now. 


  


Bill Coleman 


  


On Thu, Feb 15, 2024, 12:34 Joe Della Barba via CnC-List  wrote: 






I recently got a big AGM battery that needs a big charg

Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[Richard Bush via CnC-List]

Joe, thanks for the reassurance on the group 27's! That's what I have and I 
have been worried that I am missing out on something with my old batteries, but 
we are always tied to a dock as you describe, so I am good ---(for now)!

Richard
1985 C&C 37 CB: Ohio River, Mile 596; 

Richard N. Bush Law Offices2950 Breckenridge Lane, Suite NineLouisville, 
Kentucky 40220(502) 584-7255
 

On Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 10:57:31 AM EST, Della Barba, Joe via 
CnC-List  wrote:  
 
 
If you are primarily going dock to dock and don’t care about being anchored out 
or underway for days, the old standard two group 27 batteries will do just 
fine, you are only dealing with hours of no engine, not days.
 
I would still go AGM just because I hate wet batteries. We had one crack open 
in a hurricane and the extra-special smell was not appreciated.
 
  
 
  
 
Joe Della Barba
 
Coquina
 
  
 
  
 
From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2024 1:58 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER 
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: Lithium vs AGM
 
  
 
Hi Brian,
 
I watched hundreds of videos installing lithium battery systems in sailboats 
and also in RVs.  I found MarineHowTo.com had a link to Victron diagrams and 
there are many many videos describing each Victron module on YouTube. 
 
 
 
I didn't go very deep into solar panels, which is probably where I'd start if 
our boat was on a mooring.  
 
 
 
My situation is different. 
 
Our boat is in a slip with 30amp power available and we enjoy air conditioning, 
no extra charge.  I couldn't build a lithium/solar system large enough to 
support air conditioning so it lost a lot of attraction.  We mostly daysail and 
return to the slip.  When we cruise, my wife prefers a marina over anchoring 
out, where they have a pool, so we take a slip at a marina and plug in.   We 
enjoy walking strange towns and learning the history and finding good 
restaurants and live music and meeting new people.  It's all part of the 
adventure of cruising.
 
 
 
 
 
Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R Annapolis
 

On 02/16/2024 6:03 AM EST nausetbeach--- via CnC-List  
wrote:
 
  
 
  
 
Chuck, Bill and any others:
 
 
 
I am in a similar position; my batteries are on their last legs.  Was hoping to 
make another season with them but need to dive into LFP batteries as a 
potential replacement.  Some people really like AGM, but my understanding is 
they need to be brought back to 100% SOC and I am on a mooring so cannot just 
plug in at the end of the day. 
 
 
 
Where / what sites have you been using to learn about LFP batteries?  So far I 
have looked [but need to spend more time at] Rod Collins “Marine How To” site, 
and Ocean Planet. 
 
 
 
I also need to get up to speed as best as I can on solar – so any suggestions 
there as well.  Have spent some time on the “alltestore . com” site. 
 
 
 
Thanks,
 
Brian
 
 
 
From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2024 6:15 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER 
Subject: Stus-List Lithium vs AGM
 
 
 
Hey Bill,
 
 
 
I am replacing my 12 and 13 year old AGM batteries with AGMs.  I spent at least 
40 hours this winter learning about Lithium, because decent lithium batteries 
can be found for a few dollars more than AGMs.  But I don't have room on my 
boat for the inverter/charger and all the costs of that and all the modules and 
cables, required to complete a system like that, pushes a lithium project way 
over my budget.   I am installing a Victron shunt to read my power useage and 
monitor various loads, and I'm adding some fuses at each battery, so I can 
always upgrade the system later, if it's warranted.
 
 
 
I'll be adding a cheap 1000watt pure sine wave inverter to power my TV, DVD, 
chargers and coffee maker.   
 
 
 
Curious about your project.
 
 
 
Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R, Annapolis
 
 
 
   
 

On 02/15/2024 4:27 PM EST Bill Coleman via CnC-List  
wrote:
 
 
 
 
 
I'm a little surprised, I would have expected a progressive fellow such as 
yourself to be jumping into lithium. I am wasting an inordinate amount of time 
researching charger inverters, and I think although the lithium batteries may 
come down more in the future, I think because I need new batteries the time is 
now.
 
 
 
Bill Coleman
 
 
 
On Thu, Feb 15, 2024, 12:34 Joe Della Barba via CnC-List 
 wrote:
 


I recently got a big AGM battery that needs a big charger. I have a ProNautic 
15 amp charger with a battery temperature probe that is necessary for correct 
charging of any lead-acid battery. It can charge 1, 2, or 3 batteries and has a 
lot of settings for various charge profiles.
 
It works fine, it is only being removed because I got a bigger charger. They 
sell for $350-$400 new, I will send this one to any USA address for $150 
shipped. Canada might be more, I would have to check.
 
(Odyssey battery company told me they want their battery charged with at least 
a 30 amp charger and ideally a lot mor

Stus-List Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Lithium vs AGM

[Della Barba, Joe via CnC-List]

If you are primarily going dock to dock and don’t care about being anchored out 
or underway for days, the old standard two group 27 batteries will do just 
fine, you are only dealing with hours of no engine, not days.
I would still go AGM just because I hate wet batteries. We had one crack open 
in a hurricane and the extra-special smell was not appreciated.


Joe Della Barba
Coquina


From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2024 1:58 PM
To: Stus-List 
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER 
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Stus-List Re: Lithium vs AGM

Hi Brian,
I watched hundreds of videos installing lithium battery systems in sailboats 
and also in RVs.  I found MarineHowTo.com had a link to Victron diagrams and 
there are many many videos describing each Victron module on YouTube.

I didn't go very deep into solar panels, which is probably where I'd start if 
our boat was on a mooring.

My situation is different.
Our boat is in a slip with 30amp power available and we enjoy air conditioning, 
no extra charge.  I couldn't build a lithium/solar system large enough to 
support air conditioning so it lost a lot of attraction.  We mostly daysail and 
return to the slip.  When we cruise, my wife prefers a marina over anchoring 
out, where they have a pool, so we take a slip at a marina and plug in.   We 
enjoy walking strange towns and learning the history and finding good 
restaurants and live music and meeting new people.  It's all part of the 
adventure of cruising.


Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R Annapolis
On 02/16/2024 6:03 AM EST nausetbeach--- via CnC-List 
mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:


Chuck, Bill and any others:

I am in a similar position; my batteries are on their last legs.  Was hoping to 
make another season with them but need to dive into LFP batteries as a 
potential replacement.  Some people really like AGM, but my understanding is 
they need to be brought back to 100% SOC and I am on a mooring so cannot just 
plug in at the end of the day.

Where / what sites have you been using to learn about LFP batteries?  So far I 
have looked [but need to spend more time at] Rod Collins “Marine How To” site, 
and Ocean Planet.

I also need to get up to speed as best as I can on solar – so any suggestions 
there as well.  Have spent some time on the “alltestore . com” site.

Thanks,
Brian

From: CHARLES SCHEAFFER via CnC-List 
mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>>
Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2024 6:15 PM
To: Stus-List mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>>
Cc: CHARLES SCHEAFFER mailto:cscheaf...@comcast.net>>
Subject: Stus-List Lithium vs AGM

Hey Bill,

I am replacing my 12 and 13 year old AGM batteries with AGMs.  I spent at least 
40 hours this winter learning about Lithium, because decent lithium batteries 
can be found for a few dollars more than AGMs.  But I don't have room on my 
boat for the inverter/charger and all the costs of that and all the modules and 
cables, required to complete a system like that, pushes a lithium project way 
over my budget.   I am installing a Victron shunt to read my power useage and 
monitor various loads, and I'm adding some fuses at each battery, so I can 
always upgrade the system later, if it's warranted.

I'll be adding a cheap 1000watt pure sine wave inverter to power my TV, DVD, 
chargers and coffee maker.

Curious about your project.

Chuck Scheaffer, Resolute 1989 C&C 34R, Annapolis


On 02/15/2024 4:27 PM EST Bill Coleman via CnC-List 
mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:


I'm a little surprised, I would have expected a progressive fellow such as 
yourself to be jumping into lithium. I am wasting an inordinate amount of time 
researching charger inverters, and I think although the lithium batteries may 
come down more in the future, I think because I need new batteries the time is 
now.

Bill Coleman

On Thu, Feb 15, 2024, 12:34 Joe Della Barba via CnC-List 
mailto:cnc-list@cnc-list.com>> wrote:
I recently got a big AGM battery that needs a big charger. I have a ProNautic 
15 amp charger with a battery temperature probe that is necessary for correct 
charging of any lead-acid battery. It can charge 1, 2, or 3 batteries and has a 
lot of settings for various charge profiles.
It works fine, it is only being removed because I got a bigger charger. They 
sell for $350-$400 new, I will send this one to any USA address for $150 
shipped. Canada might be more, I would have to check.
(Odyssey battery company told me they want their battery charged with at least 
a 30 amp charger and ideally a lot more, apparently they need to be hit hard to 
stay good)

Joe Della Barba
Coquina C&C 35 MK I
Kent Island MD USA


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