
Posted: Fri Sep 07, 2012 7:17pm
Post Subject: BatteriesDear Sir, Can you advise me on batteries I have had replaced recently? I have a 52ft Narrowboat fitted with a Mastervolt Dakar Combi model Dakar 12 / 1500-65 / 230V / 50Hz. The 4 old 110ah domestic lead acid "wet" cell type have been replaced with 4 deep cycle gel type batteries of the same rating. The existing "wet" type lead acid starter battery remains, as it still has life in it. I had this work done about 5 months ago. Initially the system showed 100% charged when maintained on a land line. We went out for a short cruise and used the inverter to watch TV etc. as usual. The indicated charge has never returned to 100% since, despite the engine running all day when cruising and being connected to a land line in the marina. I checked the manual and I note that mixing the two types of battery should be avoided, but it does not say why. recently I have run the batteries flat. I noted that despite the charge indicator registering 0. All systems continued to run for a whole weekend and the best part of the next! I thought this would re-calibrate the system. Re-connecting to the landline resulted in the batteries charging to an indicated 60% over the week. the system will go from Bulk to float fairly quickly if i turn the system off then on again at this indicated charge level. Is this a calibration issue or a battery type mix issue? will the batteries be fully charged even though the system only shows at best 75%? Thanks in advance for your help. Regards Peter Owen.