Battery questions

[Ayellaone]

1 have an 89 bayliner capri 1750. I am about to replace the 85hp force with a 125 hp force. The battery I have is a duralast deep cycle. It is older and needs replaced. I have a few led strips, four speakers and a CD player for accessories. I like to fish at night with the radio and lights on. Also, I like to float down the river with the radio on. My question is, what battery do I need? A deep cycle or one with high CCAs? I want to be able to listen to the stereo for two or three hours and have confidence the boat will start. My brother runs two batteries, but there is no switch. He has to keep both on a trickle charger back at the house. Is this something I can do? Thanks.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Battery questions

i recommend a deep cycle with a min. 675c.a. or so. It sounds to me like you would be a candidate for a two battery system, though, like your brother uses. A little front end expense, but would recommend two of the units I mentioned. A battery switch is useful -- have also used isolator systems. But you can simply do the shore charge thing, or an onboard solar charger, switching out starting and auxiliary batteries. Want to keep the starting battery charged up to get you home.

(edit: Well, the night fishing kind of says the solar charger might not be the greatest way to go.....)

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Battery questions

Two batteries with a switch will minimize your chances of getting stranded, or carry one of those portable jump starters. The 125HP Force motor doesn't need any battery power once it starts. All it needs is to get the flywheel spinning to generate ignition voltage, then you're good to go.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Battery questions

Since you love doing your boating at night and with a radio on, as mentioned a dual battery system with a switch is your best option. As for the size of batteries, the larger the better. I prefer using the combo starting/deep cycle type or at least the deep cycle type for boats. The importance of the battery switch cannot be overstated, it ensures you will not get stranded. If you assign one battery for accessories and dies due to high drainage, then you know it is time to quit the radio but also knows that you still have a good battery for the boat starting. Nothing can be worse or more expensive than getting stranded out at night. And of course, you still need to do charging on both batteries while at home.

 

[MickLovin]

Re: Battery questions

Agree with Jiggz on this one, if you like night fishing, it's a no brainer to have a dual battery system with a 1, 1 & 2, 2 and off type switching arrangement. After starting the motor I change over to my auxillary battery which is for my accessories, so I leave the motor starting battery off until I go to start it and run, in which case I put it to 1&2 so the motor running charges both. Just remember, when you go to charge to have the switch in the 1 & 2 position so you charge both batteries, I have my charger on one battery with the switfch onto 1 & 2, or you can do individually by having the charger on no.1 battery with switch to 1, then charger on no.2 battery with switch set to no. 2. I have all my accessories on the common of the switch including my motor cable and the two batteries to the other two terminals on the switch marked 1 and 2.

 

[I`mNotMe]

Re: Battery questions

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Factory battery size is probably Group 24 (11.06 x 9.15 x 6.78). For my Force 120, I installed a larger size Group 27 (6.875 x 12.25 x 8.812) @ 810 CCA - re: MAXX-27 @ Walmart. For group 27, I needed to buy larger plastic battery box as well. Bought both at Wall-Mart. Also replaced both battery cables with larger (thicker size) battery cables. When parked or being towed, I also connect battery to Solar Panel. All works great.

Might work for your needs as well..

 

[oldboat1]

Re: Battery questions

like it! ^^ would prob. go with a couple of size 27s, although I know that's overkill. (space an issue too -- big buggers).

 

[MickLovin]

Re: Battery questions

Bigger the better when ya night fishing I reckon, even a solar charger is nice around 10w?

 

[Ayellaone]

Re: Battery questions

I am going to go look at batteries next week... I will let y'all know what I decide to do. Thanks