new batteries

[erice]

my boat has 5 batteries; 1 series 24 for the gen set & 4 8d flooded batteries, all about 8-9 years old, 2 for the house, 1 each for the engines. engines crank over fine, but after 30 hours on the hook, the house batteries are toast. i've just invested in a new charger that will adapt to various states of charge in the batteries. can i replace just the 2 house batteries for now? what about 6 volt golf cart batteries? how do you wire up the golf cart batteries?

[jleonard]

http://albinowners.net/aog/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=4308

Tells how to hook up batteries.
Personally I find that 5 years is good battery life. After that you are on your own.
I would replace with 6V golf carts. They should last longer, put out more, and I am through hefting 8D batteries.