Jeff,

That is a very good decision. Amel switched to AGMs in the 55...well, they made a lot of changes with the 55 including the location of the batteries.

I believe that none of us are 100% qualified to change an Amel design on boats made by Amel before the 55.

Bill

BeBe 387

On Sat, Oct 29, 2016 at 8:40 AM, JEFFREY KRAUS jmkraus@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@...> wrote:

 

Good Morning Barry,

Thank you for your response.

The mantra with Amel has always been not to change anything. That said, there are always exceptions. Not being a historian on battery development, I didn't have a clue as to where AMG batteries fit into the time frame of the design of the Amel electrical system in regards to the 54, and whether they could be integrated into use.

Considering your hull number, I'd be shocked if there were many differences between your boat and mine, especially something as basic as the chargers. I'm coming to the conclusion that , though it may be feasible to incorporate the AMG batteries into use (key is "may be"), why bother. If someone as knowledgeable as Olivier recommended staying with FWCs to avoid issues with many other things, that's ultimately good enough for me.

I look forward to seeing your photos.

Regards,

Jeff

Spirit Amel 54 #14 


On Sat, Oct 29, 2016 at 07:46 AM, Barry Connor connor_barry@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:

 

Hello Jeff,

I kept with the regular flooded lead acid batteries after Olivier told me not to change anything as one change affected many other things.

I probably have the same Dolphin chargers 30 amp and 100 amp and extra motor charger as you. They are both set to recharge regular lead acid batteries. I bought 13 lead acid batteries 15 months ago from the Internet store "Megabatteries" they are in UK and France, 115 amp hour for about $80 to $90 each. I will be happy if they last 4 years. I thought that I could let them drop to 60% before recharging but AMEL Hyeres told me to not let them go below 70%. When sailing I run my generator for up to 2 hours in the morning to get them above 85% and then rely on my solar panels to keep topping them up during the day.

My solar panels can produce up to 14 amps, my usage when sailing with all instruments, autopilot and 3 fridges can be up to about 7 to 8 amps. In good sunlight I am still adding charge of about 5 amp.

I will post shortly photos and description of my solar panel set up. 2 on the rear arch and 4 on the new Bimini. I have just completed and tested this. I thank others who have posted photos of their solar panel set ups, it helped me in my design.

Back to batteries. I had Gel on a previous boat and they lasted about 8 years, so it took some thought when Olivier told me not to change things. I am glad I listened to him, everything is working fine on our boat.

Hope this helps you.

Best Regards

Barry and Penelope

"Lady Penelope II"

Amel 54 # 17

Marina di Ragusa

Sicily
Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 28, 2016, at 4:48 PM, Richard03801 richard03801@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Hi keep in mind that as Bill and Alex noted you also have to check on the engine mounted alternator and/or voltage regulator to be sure you can successfully charge the AGMs  

    There is normally a small dip switch on your Dulphin charger to adjust it. But as stated earlier are AGM or Gells worth their high cost. 

Fair Winds Smooth Sailing 

Capt Richard Piller

Newport RI 

Cell 603 767 5330

On Oct 28, 2016, at 09:06, JEFFREY KRAUS jmkraus@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

Richard,

Yes, I was aware of that. In checking on the dolphin chargers aboard the only literature provided was an installation manual, and it's in French (very helpful....not). I took a look at the units themselves, and there appears to be no visible means to make any adjustments to the unit to account for any different means of operation. That being the case, I sent a message to dolphin requesting a manual for use, and some information regarding anything needed to change on the charger (if it's possible at all) to be compatible with the charging of the AGM batteries.

The AGM batteries I'm considering have a significantly higher capacity to produce energy then the flooded wet cell batteries.

FWC 195 RC

AGM 190 + 400 RRC, so in effect, the 400RRC capacity gives me quite a bit more ability to produce current to my systems w/o need of charging.

Jeff

Spirit Amel 54 #14  


On Fri, Oct 28, 2016 at 08:17 AM, Richard03801 richard03801@... [amelyachtowners] wrote:

 

Keep in mind that the AGM batteries have a different charge requirement then flooded ones. Second when out in the world you most likely will not find AGM replacement units. 

Just a thought but if flooded batteries last 5-6 years how much long do AGM ones last and are they worth trice the price. ??

Fair Winds Smooth Sailing 

Capt Richard Piller

Newport RI 

Cell 603 767 5330

On Oct 27, 2016, at 19:12, jmkraus@... [amelyachtowners] <amelyachtowners@yahoogroups.com> wrote:

 

My battery bank needs replacement. Trust me. Forgive me if this information has been discussed before, and is redundant.

Anyone have issues with AGM batteries outside of possible replacement in remote areas?

I can  get 31M-AGM7 batteries with a RC (reserve capacity) of 190 + 400 RRC (repetitive reserve capacity-basically adding 400 minutes to the RC for $250, with 36 mo warranty.

Compare to $115 for a flooded wet cell with a RC of 195, and 18 mo.

RC (for those wondering) is the amount in minutes the battery can have a 25 amp draw before going dead.

Unless I can be convinced otherwise for good reason, I'll spend the extra $. Thoughts?

My good friend Eric (Kimberlite) brought up the possibility of using Velox(spelling) paint on the prop.

The issue of keeping the auto prop clean and growth free has been discussed ad nauseum on the site.

With that said, I question the value of a painted on product. Obviously the ultimate answer is regular cleaning .

Unless that is possible, the spray on pettit prop coat seems like it would offer a smoother result (aerosol application) and give some protection.

Eric commented to me he got 6 months out of an application.

Anyone have any experience with it or insight?

Thanks,

BTW...thanks for the furler responses

Jeff

Spirit Amel 54 #14