what is better?

[hoytheld]

what is the best way to run house batteries? i have a 39' gulfstar trawler. it has a battery to start the engine, a battery to start the genny, but what is the best configuration for house set-up......run two big 12vdc in parallel.....or four 6vdc in series/parallel.....or is it simply a personal preference?

 

[Bondo]

Re: what is better?

or is it simply a personal preference?

Ayuh,.... A bank of 6s will have a much higher amp/hr reserve than the 12s...
But, they'll also have the weight to provide those amp/hrs...

 

[Don S]

Re: what is better?

Personally, I would go with the four 6V golf cart batteries. I sure is easier to install those smaller batteries than trying to horse a large 8D battery around in an engine compartment and up and down the docks. You will also get more AH's out of the golf cart batteries.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: what is better?

You also do not parallel four six volt batteries. You series wire two of them (twice) to create two 12 volt sets. You then parallel those two sets. Paralleling four six volt batteries leaves you with gobs of amperage but still only six volts.