Battery size for 1989 25HP Johnson OB

[braindead0]

I just picked up a used power boat, and this is my first with an electric start.. well it didn't have a battery.. so....<br /><br />I stopped at the local Wally World and noticed that 'marine' batteries were twice the price of PWC batteries.. I don't have a ton of electronics (just lights) so all I need it something to fire up the motor (basically).<br /><br />I don't have a manual (either owners or repair) for the motor (yet), so I figured somebody here would have the answer.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Battery size for 1989 25HP Johnson OB

At WalMart, The basic Marine starting batteries they have should work great for your set-up. I think they are around 550-650 cold cranking amps, and the battery should cost around $29-$39. That battery will be plenty for you. If you think you will ever run a trolling motor with your outboard they also have the larger batteries that work for both... I can't remember the part# but the batteries are Yellow in color and are designed to work as both a starting and deep cycle battery. Around 850 ccamps. The problem is, these batteries run around $69.

 

[braindead0]

Re: Battery size for 1989 25HP Johnson OB

I was looking at some 'car sized' batteries that were marked in big letters "Marine"..price was $50.. perhaps I need to look a bit more...<br /><br />I'll check the CCA and shoot for 550 or so.. That's the biggest thing I was totally unaware of ;-)

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Battery size for 1989 25HP Johnson OB

They "SHOULD" have both the starting and Deep Cycle batteries in the marine type. Starter Batteries are normally smaller in size similar to most car batteries. You may have seen the "Deep cycle" type which are designed for trolling purposes not starting. I don't know why they would be $50 if they are the "starting" ones I see at WalMart unless it was a "compromise" battery.<br /><br />Here is a little info on Marine batteries...<br /><br />There are two applications that manufacturers build their marine batteries for: Starting and Deep Cycle. <br />As the name implies, starter batteries are meant to get combustion engines going. They have thin lead plates which allow them to discharge a lot of energy very quickly.<br />However, they do not tolerate being discharged deeply, as the thin lead plates needed for starter currents degrade quickly under deep discharge and re-charging cycles.<br />Most starter batteries will only tolerate being completely discharged a few times before being irreversibly damaged <br />Deep Cycle marine batteries have thicker lead plates that make them resistant to degradation due to deep discharges. <br />They cannot dispense charge as quickly as a starter battery although deep cycle batteries can be used to start combustion engines (you'd just need more battery than if you used a starter type battery instead).<br />Some manufacturers build "compromise" batteries that claim to act as starter as well as deep cycle cells.

 

[braindead0]

Re: Battery size for 1989 25HP Johnson OB

Best price I could find at wally world was $49 for a marine battery.. My connections are simple rings not regular clamps (or side post 'rings).. as this battery has both top post and wing-nut connection... it should do the job.. <br /><br />Obviously I avoided deep-cycle ;-)<br /><br />Thanks.. I'll probably be around with more questions.... in fact, about to post one right now! ;-)