Best location for 4 golf cart batteries???

[jaj63207]

I am wanting to install 4 golf cart batteries in my 1986 3607.By moving the forward and aft bilge pumps that currently reside in the battery area about 2 inches, I barely have enough length for 4 GC batts and one starting battery(plan to use only on starting battery. Now, if I can fit them in, there is not enough room for battery boxes. Would a hold down system made of a wood frame be safe and practical? Thanks in advance.
Jimmy

 

[jaj63207]

I found a Trojan deep cycle industrial battery(model J185H) 12 volt,215 A.H., which other than being a little bit tall(14 5/8 inches) I think will work. I can put a pair of them(tolal length is 30") in my battery area with the only modification being the hold-downs which I can fabricate. After the holidays, I'll check local availabilty. Am also waiting for a reply from Xantrex about Freedom 20 and Marine 20 differences. e-Bay has a lot of refurb Freedom 20's. I want to do this right but I want to do as inexpensively as possible.

 

[jaj63207]

Now we're spending money! I have ordered 2 DEKA 9C12 batteries. They are 12 volt, 228 AH each, 15"long by 7" wide x 14 1/2" tall. Only mod I will have to make is raising the battery covers about 3" and that will not interfere with access to bilge pumps or engines. Price locally was $190.57 each. Ordered refurbed Xantrex Marine 2000 with warranty for $599,Ordering from BoatFix-AC rotary switch,Class T 300 amp fuse and holder, an AC breaker and panel for 226.57. With shipping totals about $1250.Will probably spend another $250 on cables and incidentals. I am hoping for $1500 I have a system that fits our needs. Since we will only be anchoring out one night at a time, I will not worry about upgrading the alternator at this time.
Next wek the real work begins.Will keep you posted.
Jimmy

 

[VegasCop]

I replaced mine with deep cycle Optima D31M's...Im very happy with all 5 of them, specially no acid gases! I think they give ya like 1125 amps

Ski

 

[jaj63207]

Thanks to everyone for the good feedback. Inverter installation is complete and IT WORKS! No feedback, no breakers tripping, no smoke and I think it would pass survey. Wll find out later this week how long the batteries will run everything. Thanks again for the help.
Jimmy

 

[PascalG]

c370... golf cart batteries are excellent as house/inverter banks. dont' know where you get the idea that they don't last, maybe of you use the wrong charger and neglect them, otherwise they last. I use 4 8v GC bat. for main banks (2) and the last set lasted 4 to5 years (pretty good in So FL)

2 pairs of 6v batteries will give a 440 amp/hr bank, that's much more than you can get out of standard batteries.

the original post mention installing batteries near bilge pumps... that means low in the bilge which i dont' think is ideal. i addtion to be secured, batteries need terminal covers to eliminate the risk of accidental shorts.

Jimmy, the Freedom series inverters work completely automatically, they dont' care whether AC is coming in from shore or genny. they automatically switch to inverter when A/C is disconnected and switch back to charge mode when it comes back in. the echo charge is only used to keep another bank charged but it only charge when you're charging the main bank.

JA... depedning on your fridge/freezer size, 400 amp/hr shoudl get you thru the night and into themorning, also depending on what else you are using. i have an 800 AH bank for my freedom 30 and get just about 24 hours for the full size fridge/freezer, a few lights, coffee maker, etc...