[a/s] RE:Batteries

["William V. Miller MD" <WVMILLER@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I know we had a discussion some months ago about batteries, but I'd like to
revisit it. I have a 78 Excella '32 with a factory setup on the hole system.
The "charger/inverter" is pretty primitive, by today's standards, but I'd
like to leave it original if I can.

When I bought it a year ago it had automobile batteries, and, needless to
say they are toast after one season. My questions are these:

1). Has anyone had experience with the Surrette/Rolls deep discharge
batteries? If so, what size will fit my a/s? How many amp hours should I
shoot for?

2). The Optima yellow top is nice, but is pretty low on its amp hour
capacity. I'm also lukewarm on its construction. Thoughts?

3). Should I try to keep the existing charger/inverter or replace it with
something newer? Brands?

I have a 40 foot sailboat and use the Rolls batteries on it, along with the
Heart 1000 charger/inverter and the Heart Link 2000. The latter is probably
overkill for the a/s application, but I'd like some thoughts from any of you
12V experts out there.
Dr. Bill Miller, Milwaukee