Batteries--switch from 8D to Group 31?

[thomaslong]

It's time to replace my two Lifeline 8D batteries in my CB 32+2. Some friends (including my service guy) have advised switching to four Group 31s. Issues:
1) Individually, they are just more than half the weight of an 8D, making them easier to maneuver
2) But four of them are heavier than two 8Ds
2) They would have to be wired together; is there space for that in the tiny compartment?
3) Four Group 31s cost more than two 8Ds

Any thoughts or experience from this forum?

[Nancy]

We had to replace our batteries out of the blue this past spring. Two 8Ds like you. We briefly considered switching to three Group 31s -- four seem unnecessary even after running the numbers -- but the geometry didn't work on the existing battery platform. It would have required a fair amount of re-engineering and re-cabling, and we weren't willing to sacrifice part of the season to the project.

It's definitely worth thinking about, though, and I would also educate myself about lithium before making a decision.

[thomaslong]

Nancy, thanks for the reply. I am probably in the same position. Are your main batteries located under the floor in a space between the main bilge and the forward bilge? My concern is that there is not enough space for four batteries there, considering the extra wiring that would be required. I assume the CB 35 has the same layout as my CB 32+2.

[Nancy]

It sounds like the location is similar. Our batteries are under the aft dinette seat and extend under the dinette table. Not much wiggle room.

These are photos of the old batteries. The new ones are almost identical.

batteries-1-04.20.24-2040.jpg

batteries-2-04.20.24-2040.jpg

batteries-3-04.20.24-2040.jpg

batteries-4-04.20.24-2040.jpg

[thomaslong]

Same layout as mine. How do you get them out/in?

[Nancy]

Unscrew the shower sump so it can be moved out of the way. Remove the port battery by sliding it toward the bow into the opening between the two settees. Slide the starboard battery to port and remove the same way. It took three people - one (me) to hold the shower sump to port and two strong people to maneuver the 169 lb. batteries.

[thomaslong]

So they came out/went in from the forward side where the shower pump box is located? Did you have to remove the forward fiddle that holds the batteries in place?
(Sorry for the delayed response; we just returned from a weekend cruise with 19 of our power boating friends.)

[Nancy]

>>So they came out/went in from the forward side where the shower pump box is located?<<
Yes.

>>Did you have to remove the forward fiddle that holds the batteries in place?<<
Yes, no big deal.

Group cruise sounds like fun!