Battery and Fuel Tank Questions...

[satt]

I have an old boat I am restoring. I have talked about it in another thread.

It's basically an 80's model 24' pontoon boat with a 50 HP Mercury 2-Stroke.

I am trying to hurry up and buy a new battery and fuel tank for it so I can keep the engine running through the rest of the winter.

First question: How many gallons gas tank is enough for this type of boat?

Second Question: I have been reading about dual batteries vs using a single AGM battery for starting and accessories. Do you all have any recommendations as to what to use and also what is the best deal you know of?

Thanks all. :indecisiveness:

 

[MH Hawker]

A 18 gal will do for most uses, unless you plan on some extended cruising. and a single group 32 battery will work fine unless you plan out a very high watt sound system.

 

[alldodge]

If your not going to run many accessories just get a group 24 marine start battery. No need to go big bucks for an AGM even though a good AGM will in last longer, but you will also need an AGM charger to maintain it correctly.

As for the fuel tank do you want portable or fixed mounted tanks? How much room do you have for a tank?.

 

[steelespike]

At wide open throttle your 50 will use at least 6 gallons per hour. Obviously cruising slower will use less.
If your out pounding the waves everyday you'll need that 18 gallon suggested.Light cruising weekends
much less. We had a 18 footer with a 50 Evinrude.We got by easily with 2 6 gallon tanks just getting to the cottage and back mostly
with the occasional side trip.We very seldom ran wide open,usually about 4000 rpm.

 

[satt]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I think I will an 18-20 gallon tank. The more I think about it, I think I would like to get a starting battery and a separate deep cycle battery for my accessories.

 

[satt]

I know I need a "marine deep cycle" battery for my accessories, but do I just use a regular car battery for a "starting battery"? :noidea:

Thanks.

 

[MH Hawker]

You can but most use a marine grade, their suposto take more of a pounding that a standard battery.

 

[MinUph]

I basically use everything marine grade. There are subtle differences in the makeup of marine products. I see no reason to take a chance on the water to save a couple dollars.

 

[Silvertip]

You need to think about how to connect these two batteries for independent operation and charging.

 

[glust]

I have two batteries. One a marine grade starter battery and a deep cycle marine. The motor starter, trim/tilt are on the start battery and everything else is on the deep cycle. I have 2 trickle chargers wired to each battery and I plug them in when I am not using the boat. they are always fully charged when I arrive. I have a pair of jumper cables in case the starter battery should puke while on the water. Been out all day and never had a low voltage issue. Good luck with your project