Battery question

[paulrfrancisco]

I have a 30' Cruisers Inc with twin 454's. I believe that my starting batteries are "deep cycle" type batteries. Would it be safe to say that barring any other mechanical or electrical problems, that these types of batteries will not allow my starter to turn these motors over as "briskly" as .... say standard "starting" batteries (non-deep cycle) I have always thought that the motors (both of them) turned over kind of slowly... and am considering replacing the two batteries that are connected to the starters.. What do you think?<br /><br />Paul

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Battery question

It is true a starting battery can deliver more power quicker for a shorter time than a deep cycle battery, but there are many other things to contend with besides battery type. Are the battery connections clean & tight? Are the cables to the starter of sufficient size for the length & load? Are the negitive (ground) straps good, clean & tight? Are the starters drawing too much amperage? Is the Battery switch good & of sufficent capacity? And let's not over look battery size, engine condition & temperature, & timing! Check these things before throwing parts, (spelled M-O-N-E-Y) at a problem. If all this checks out, starting batteries could solve your problem. Good Luck, Joe

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery question

Starting batteries for a 454 should be the largest you can fit in the space allowed. You can only go too small on starting batteries -- but you can never go too big (electrically speaking).

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Battery question

Considering flooded type batteries, yes, the porous mesh plates in a starting battery have more surface area that will allow them to cough up more amps than the solid lead plates in a deep cycle battery. Neither of those batteries can compete with the newer AGM type batteries that have much less internal resistance, and thus, cough up the most amps as well as cycling the deepest. So for starting applications, you get the biggest bang from an AGM battery when comparing batteries in the same size packages.

 

[paulrfrancisco]

Re: Battery question

Thank you all for your input... I will definatley check over the items everyone has mentioned, although, I believe that the connections are all good, and the cable size and lengths seem appropriate and timing seems right, (no pinging, and I recognize the type of cranking problems that advanced timing presents) and the other fact that I did not mention, is it is a 3 battery system. All 3 batteries appear to be the same. The 3rd battery serves the house and I'm fairly certain it would be a deep cycle... So I'm inclined to believe all 3 are...Unfortunately the batteries have no MFG labeling to indicate one way or the other... I'm thinking I need to change out the batteries dedicated to the engines with "Starting Batteries"...<br /><br />Thanks again

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Battery question

The electrical system is part of the life-blood of a boat. If in doubt about its characteristics or capabilities, make it right and if that means new batteries, by all means make the swap. You then know that part of the system is as it should be. As I said, you can't go too big -- but you can go too small.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Battery question

I would go with dual purpose batteries as they are the best of both worlds.