www.iFourWinns.com

Greetings -- I guess I will be shopping for a new battery soon and reading through some of the threads it looks like the Interstate Dual Purpose 27, is a good choice.

I do have one question though... How long does your battery last on the hook? When I get to where I am going and anchor up I have the frig turned down between 1 and 2 and I run the stereo for a couple of hours. The battery starts to run low around between 4 or 5 hours. At least I think it is running low because the CO2 detectors start to beep about every 5 minutes. When I turn the battery selector to Parallel, the CO2 detector stops beeping. But the last thing I want to do is run down the second battery and not be able to start my engine when I am ready to go.

Any thoughts,

Scott

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2004 268 Vista "Satisfy My Sol"

You learn something everyday, I didn't realize that is what the CO detector beeps meant.

To answer your question I have 2 cranking batteries on mine and the beeps start to come after about 5 hours running the fridge, stereo and occasional fresh water pump.

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Walter

2003 248 Vista - VP 5.0 GXi
2009 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7L 4x4

In doing a little research this web site http://www.marine-electronics.net/techa ... /b_faq.htm
states that a good battery should last about 7 hours. All I wanted to get was an idea of the battery life with "stuff" running. I guess I'll start to look for the Honda eu2000 generator, so I can run more "stuff" longer.

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2004 268 Vista "Satisfy My Sol"

The alternative would be to add a second 'ships systems' battery hooked up in parallel.
I installed 2 deep cycle 27's this year and I get 16 to 18 hours with both fridges running.

Pete

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

16 hours? That would be great for overnighting. I'll have to see if there is room for another battery.

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2004 268 Vista "Satisfy My Sol"

BTW Pete -- I love that photo of you boat in you sig line. It always makes me look twice.

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2004 268 Vista "Satisfy My Sol"

Thanks for the compliment.
Make sure you replace BOTH systems batteries at the same time and get deep cycle, not dual purpose for the best performance.
If you don't start with two new batteries, the older one will drag the new one down.

Pete

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

isn't the thinking to buy one new battery, so that both batteries won't go dead at the same time?

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2004 268 Vista "Satisfy My Sol"

Unfortunately not.
As batteries get older, their maximum storage limits are reduced.
Lets say your current battery has a max limit of 60% of what it was new. When you add the new battery, the old one will drag its max capacity down to 60% as well leaving you with 2 poorly performing batteries.
It's best to buy 2 new ones and while on the hook, just recharge them every morning with your EU2000.

BTW, I bought the KIPOR 2000 which is a direct knock off of the Honda for much less.
I've had it for 2 years and it performs great. Starts first pull every time.

Pete

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

Pete -- With the new batteries in, how long can you run your refig and stereo? Also, do you happen to know the db level of the KIPOR? If it is the same as the Honda, I will start to look for one. Thanks fort he info.

Scott

What's the water temp. up were you are?
We are at about 74 degree F.

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2004 268 Vista "Satisfy My Sol"

Not sure with only one fridge but I run both fridges plus stereo 50% of the time and various other items periodically like water pumps, cabin lights, etc and get 16 - 18 hours.

The noise level is 56 - 61db (zero to full load). They are identical units with all parts being fully interchangeable.

Our water temps are still in the low 60's. ... but the weather is finally starting to heat up here.

Pete

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.

I run a pair of interstate group 27 deep cycles and while I have not timed it, I run my fridge ( on 3 to 4 setting) lights, stereo, tv etc and one batter typically lasts from the time I anchor (usually 7PMish) till the next morning but won't start the engine.

As for the generators, you can get a genuine Honda EU2000i from http://www.mayberrys.com for $875 ish or you can get a stolen design Chineese clone. I know I would rather own the real deal.

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Brett DiMichele

I had to add batteries to our 348. I added two golf cart 6v batteries (wired in series to make 12v). This essentially eliminated absolutely any battery life issues for an entire weekend.

The fridge is your single biggest drain. If you're not going to add batteries then you have to get to know the on/off switch on the fridge. Most will keep things 'cold enough' for overnight when you're not opening it. That and make sure it's only set as cold as is necessary. Give up on expecting the freezer to actually do anything useful. If you set it a little warmer and just cram those 'blue ice' freeze blocks in the freezer you'll get a bit more duration on the batteries. The freeze blocks will help store additional cold from when you're on shore power.

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-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Oh ... Oh .....

I smell a fight ..........

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Gordon Arnold
New Hampshire

2003 268 Vista ..................................................................Prior: 97 245 Sundowner

Bottom line is that Kipor genny's are good, reliable units, same as Honda and for less money.
We live in a world of 'knock offs' and these days, quality doesn't seem to suffer.

Pete

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"ROCKHOUND"
2005 Vista 298
Georgian Bay, Ontario.