Battery

[malvizzu]

After 7 years of usage, it's high time that I change the battery on my boat. I have been using an AC Delco 70amp which so far never gave me any trouble. Any suggestions as regards to a good, hassle free battery on the market? I was considering to buy another Delco but my car electrician told me that the new Delco batteries (now renamed Delfi I think) are not as half as good as the old Delcos. He suggested a Varta!

[The_Gaffer]

Varta are very good, as well as the new Gel Batteries too. I personally use Exide on both boats, but that's just a matter of opinion.   However, Silv, for God's sake, getting 7 years service out of a battery for marine use is extraordinary to say the least. The normal service one gets from a battery used for marine purposes is between 4 and 5 years. 

[malvizzu]

Thanks Joe for your opinion. It's true that my battery has been in use for 7 years and is still starting quite well, but to be honest I don't use the boat as much as some forum members here, including yourself. So that's why it might have given me more years 

Are your Exide batteries marine grade or just normal ones? My Delco is only a normal one!

[baghira]

I use optima....
I like them

[Destination Sea]

Delfi, AC Delco etc are all derived from the old Lucas ,  remember them.. However I used VFM from Schembri no hassle what so ever after 5 years and changed it for the sole reason of age. Since they hadn't my requirement in stock I went for a varta. On the smaller boat I use Exide.

[malvizzu]

Thanks guys.

[baghira]

Exide orbital agm??

search online exide vs optima and you find various articles....

[skip]

Varta AGM is what I run and very happy with them.

Moved away from Delco since they became Delphi.

Optima are good but expensive to buy. The key to keeping a battery healthy is investing in a good computer controlled multi-stage charger like a CTEK

[malvizzu]

Is Varta's agent Strand Marine?

Skip which CTEK are you referring to as there is quite a lot according to this link http://www.ctek.com/mt/en/chargers/12v ? The M45, M100, M200, M300 or any of the others?

[baghira]

Lidl  ctek :-)
they do the job

[malvizzu]

Pulling a leg Silv 

[baghira]

nope

[msell]

how much are optima?

[Destination Sea]

Jien nahdem hekk. kif ntella nicchargja il battery full. kull xharejn ntija 4 siegha charge (xejn izjed) w qabel ma nnizzel wahda full. Qatt ma kellhi problemi.

[malvizzu]

Jien normali nistartja l-mutur kull xahar izda anke gieli kull xahrejn ghax inkun instejt. Qabel ma nnizzel inqabba spotlight u nwaqqa' c-charge kollu u nerga' niccargja mill-gdid ghal 24 siegha. Qatt ma kelli problemi izda issa bdiet tghejja wara 7 snin.