Advice on Choosing a Battery?

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,

I have a 1977 Mercury 85HP (4 cyl). This coming season will be my third with this boat.

When I first got it; it had been sitting un-used for over 20 years. It needed a battery, and since I didn't know how well it would run, I didn't want to spend much money to find out. I bought a size 24 battery at Costco; in the same configuration that my Mustang GT uses; figuring that I could always use it in the Mustang if the boat crapped out.

This winter, the Mustang needed a new battery...so the battery that's been in the boat the last two years went in the Mustang; sort of as planned.

Now; I need to get a new battery for the boat (which continues to run great!)

I've read cautions here not to buy a "cheap" battery; reason being that they are hard on the Thunderbolt ignition components; which are very expensive.

Of course; I've been using a cheap battery for the last two years with nary a problem.

How true is it that a Costco style car battery should not be used?

Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: Advice on Choosing a Battery?

Hi there SeaKaye12, I have been useing a Interstate , havent had a problem with it !! john

 

[j_martin]

Re: Advice on Choosing a Battery?

A low cost group 24 should be fine on that motor. The motor has a primitive charging system that is hard on whatever battery you put in it, eventually causing it to go way over voltage. That's what's hard on the ignition stuff.

It's a waste to put an expensive battery in that setup. Just keep it well serviced, and run a voltage check on it a couple of times a year.

Now a late model EFI V6 needs a serious battery.

Hope it helps
John

 

[StarznBarrz]

Re: Advice on Choosing a Battery?

id stick with the same battery you had before (the one you put in the mustang) like j martin said its a waste, just keep a check on it and it should do just fine!

 

[jcsercsa]

Re: Advice on Choosing a Battery?

It's a waste to put an expensive battery in that setup. Just keep it well serviced, and run a voltage check on it a couple of times a year.

Now a late model EFI V6 needs a serious battery.

Hope it helps
John[/QUOTE]

Now I agree and I disagree, you get what you pay for !!! My Interstate deep cycle marine, wasnt that bad 63 dallors , now this is my frist Interstate , but I have heard nothing bad about them ,
Now for that motor I dont think you need the huge one , but i would get a good name brand. I would hate to get stuck out some where when you really need it !!!! John