Batteries question?

[Godfirst]

Hi another same question but want new info..... have to replace two old batteries and want to know what people think of certain manufactures that have worked for them ,what are the perspectives on deepcycle, dual purpose, and starting batteries and info would help right now the boat has a dual purpose and a deep cycle the enngine is a merc 5.7 260 alpha 1 sterndrive.
Thanks

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Batteries question?

Does your boat have a battery switch that allows you to select battery 1,2 or both?

Do you have a lot of onboard electronics, lights, stereo, fish finder, GPS etc?

If the boat already has a dual-purpose and deep cycle combo then it's probably a safe bet to stick with that. Though if you have a switch then you don't need a dual-purpose battery, you can go with a strong starting marine battery.

I would recommend that you go with 1 Marine Starting battery, rated at 1000MCA and one marine deep cycle rated at least 100AH (Amp hours).

Brand doesn't really mean much. Half the batteries you see at wally world are simply re-branded name brand batteries with their own logo. Don't buy the cheapest and don't buy the most expensive and you will do fine.

Stick with conventional Flooded Lead Acid batteries to get the best bang for your buck. Also don't buy the new batteries until you are going to use them. Batteries have a shelf life and warrenty; both of which can run out!

Cheers.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Batteries question?

Ditto that.

I've been using wally world batteries with no problems whatsoever.

 

[Godfirst]

Re: Batteries question?

Basically I have a fishfinder and a radio and thats it.

 

[Godfirst]

Re: Batteries question?

Yes the boat has a pergo switch 1,2 or all

 

[Genonbamagirl]

Re: Batteries question?

I see batteries as a sacrificial part of the boat. You need them (and I am overloaded with them) but I don't think the expense associated with a super high end battery is really worth it in the long run. Keep the terminals clean (can't say that enough, KEEP THE *^%^%^#$%#@ TERMINALS CLEAN!), keep them charged (it's okay to run them all the way down as long as you charge them back up pronto) and pay attention to the fluid level and they seem to last for a very long time. I have a 16 year old battery in one of mine that works fine and was bought at a wal-mart clearance.

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Batteries question?

I see batteries as a sacrificial part of the boat. You need them (and I am overloaded with them) but I don't think the expense associated with a super high end battery is really worth it in the long run. Keep the terminals clean (can't say that enough, KEEP THE *^%^%^#$%#@ TERMINALS CLEAN!), keep them charged (it's okay to run them all the way down as long as you charge them back up pronto) and pay attention to the fluid level and they seem to last for a very long time. I have a 16 year old battery in one of mine that works fine and was bought at a wal-mart clearance.

I agree that you don't need to get the most expensive batteries out there (usually AGM or Gel Cell). I also agree that you need to keep them charged and keep those connections clean.

I disagree with the statement that it's ok to discharge the battery all the way down. This will severely shorten the lifespan of a battery, especially starting batteries.

Deep cycle batteries can be cycled down more than starting batteries but even so it's always best to keep them above 70% or ideally (80%) or their charge. The deeper you discharge a battery the fewer cycles before the batteries dies.

So keep the terminals clean, batteries topped up and you will not find yourself back at wally world any time soon to spend another 150 bucks on batteries!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Batteries question?

If you have a choice.... I would take 2 cheap batteries over one expensive one any day... I have 4 group 31's in my carver and I can run my fridge, lights, radio, etc for 3-4 days and still have the 4th batt untouched for starting.... I will likely have more in the wellcraft...

 

[Genonbamagirl]

Re: Batteries question?

I agree that you don't need to get the most expensive batteries out there (usually AGM or Gel Cell). I also agree that you need to keep them charged and keep those connections clean.

I disagree with the statement that it's ok to discharge the battery all the way down. This will severely shorten the lifespan of a battery, especially starting batteries.

Deep cycle batteries can be cycled down more than starting batteries but even so it's always best to keep them above 70% or ideally (80%) or their charge. The deeper you discharge a battery the fewer cycles before the batteries dies.

So keep the terminals clean, batteries topped up and you will not find yourself back at wally world any time soon to spend another 150 bucks on batteries!

I should have clarified that. It is not a wonderful thing to run them all the way down but it is not a terrible thing either (unless you leave them discharged until the prep for the next trip). Ideally, they would stay in the upper range of charge.