Battery question

[imported_alex_G]

Hi,<br /><br />What is the difference between auto battery and marine?<br />Can I use auto type?<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Alex

 

[pilotkeith2000]

Re: Battery question

Automotive batterys have more of the lead plate exposed in side the battery. They are designed to deliver more energy for a very short period. (starting the engine) the part that creates this energy is lead that has fallen of the plates inside the battery and is on the bottom of the battery in a honey comb style tray. Deep cycle batterys are designed to deliver a smaller amount of energy over longer periods of time ( Trolling motors, lighting ...ect...) Marine batterys are a dual purpose...(differant than deep cycle) they have enclosed trays in the bottom and are designed to give the best of both worlds. however they have a short life be prepaired to replace at least once a year or somtimes sooner. Stay with a Marine battery. the trays inside the battery are inclosed so they can handle being bounced around.

 

[Mile-High Mariner]

Re: Battery question

Alex - I agree with Keith. The negligible price difference between the auto battery and the marine is worth nothing if you find yourself at the ramp with a boat or worse, a couple of miles out, with a motor that won't start. Both batteries are application-specific in design; the auto battery is optimized for high-frequency, high-amperage demands and constant recharging, whereas the marine battery is a good multi-tasker, and is more resistant to discharge during the variable periods between uses. At any rate, I always keep a portable jump-start module with me, just in case, but it never pays to skimp when it comes to your safety and your boat.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Battery question

Marine starting batteries have thicker plates to withstand wave pounding better. In most cases, they last 3 years, 4 if well taken care of. 5+ is rare. You can put in a battery that's too small, but you almost can't put one in too big. Marine starting batteries are the usual 24 series. Deep Cycle and Dual Purpose come in 24 and longer 27 series. Starting batteries come in RD regular duty, HD heavy duty, XHD extra heavy duty. Choose the next larger battery than the minimum required by your motor. You also have boat systems to power and motor manufacturers only consider the requirements of the motor when determining battery requirements.<br /><br />There are Marine Starting batteries, Deep Cycle batteries, and Dual Purpose which are Deep Cycle batteries capable of delivering fairly good starting power. Most Deep Cycles are Dual Purpose these days. Marine staring batteries recharge faster than the other two.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Battery question

pilotkeith, you're replacing a battery once a year? What are you running on it? A microwave?<br />I get an easy 5 years or more with mine. Mind you I don't run much on mine except for night time running lights, the occasional high volume air pump for water toys(tubes), and of course, starting the engine.<br /><br />If you're not already doing so, keeping your battery topped off after every outing with a good 10 amp charger should extend your battery life significantly.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Battery question

And make sure you're not cooking the acid out with a bad voltage regulator on your motor. Charge voltage should never exceed 14.75 volts or so.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Battery question

So far, nobody has mentioned to check the level in the battery every once in a while.