Engine battery question

[204 Escape]

When we bought our boat new, it had a CONTINENTAL battery for the engine, as well as the trolling motor.

After less than a season, the engine battery went bad, (according to the dealer), and it was replaced, on 1-10-08.

Every season, the boatteries are pulled out, put in a insulated wooden box, and kept on a maintainer, inside a insulated garage.

Yesterday, the battery seemed to drag on occasion.

The boat has a on board charger, which I plugged in about an hour ago, and it showed that the engine battery was low.

It had a load test put on it yesterday, by the dealership, and it tested at 200, on their meter. The alternator checked out fine.

I looked at CONTINENTAL's web site, and didn't find anything concerning warrenty's.

It is a M24-60 battery. Is this battery big enough ?? OR should I consider a trolling motor battery ??

We didn't even turn the radio on yesterday while swimming.

Anybody have issues/opinions of these batteries ?? What do you use??

The boat is a 5.0 Merc Inboard.

Ideas/suggestions ??

Thanx

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Engine battery question

Yep a 2 yr old battery can go bad. I replaced an Autolite battery out of my Avalanche this weekend that I bought in June o8 for an internal short. (no I didn't put an Autolite back in) Not saying yours has one, but maybe. That should have shown up in a load test. Batteries can fail for a variety of reasons. A load test of 200 if that means cranking amps is too low. There usually is a sticker on the top of a battery for warranty if it has one saying what the terms are. I've never heard of Continental batteries in my neck of the woods. But, it looks like you need a new battery.
I've always had at least two batts on my boats for safety reasons. When I had twin V8's I had four batteries. Regardless, two batteries is a must with two motors and radios, fish finders etc. Get another one and a battery switch.

 

[iop]

Re: Engine battery question

I've always had at least two batts on my boats for safety reasons. When I had twin V8's I had four batteries. Regardless, two batteries is a must with two motors and radios, fish finders etc. Get another one and a battery switch.

Bingo!!
Unless you can row back to the ramp/dock its pretty much essential IMHO.
What good is a fine tuned/serviced engine if you cant turn it over??
I use a high end Optima deep cycle batt and a trusty sears diehard with 880 CCAs. Installed the switch system myself... easy.
When I start my boating day I use the Diehard to get out... then switch to the Optima for radio/lights and getting back in. I dont sweat running the Optima down because I know I have the Diehard to crank me over and get me home.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Engine battery question

Have you checked the electrolite level in the battery? Frequent charging can cause the level to go down which will shorten the batteries life. Use distilled water for best results.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Engine battery question

I am going to pull the battery tomorrow, and check the level within the battery. It's been rainy today.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Engine battery question

So you're running one or two batteries? Make sure your grounds are all tight. If not you may not be charging. Also check to see what your charger is putting out. My last boat had a POS aftermarket charger that showed it was charging but wasn't. Replaced it with a pretty cheap Guest charger and the problems went away.

I would also err on the side of caution and keep at least three batteries on your boat - starting, house, and trolling. Trolling motors suck a lot of juice. Your system may be set up to draw power from both batteries, if you have two. I would go dual purpose on house and starting with a deep cycle for the trolling motor.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Engine battery question

When we bought the boat, I had a brand new Minn Kota MK210 on board charger installed. I'm not saying that it hasn't failed, but I will check.

We have 2 batteries a trolling motor battery, as well a a engine battery.

I just went out in the rain to check, and the on board charger show that the #1 battery (the engine battery), is not charging, and that the trolling motor battery, (#2) is charged.

Will pll the battery tomorrow and check the fluid levels.

 

[tswiczko]

Re: Engine battery question

Might want to make sure the alternater rating is enough to charge 2 batteries and make sure the electrolyte level is full in the batteries

 

[roscoe]

Re: Engine battery question

It is a M24-60 battery. Is this battery big enough ?? OR should I consider a trolling motor battery ??


Thanx

Absolutely NOT on the deep cycle trolling motor battery.

Starting batteries are designed for and deliver high amperage for short periods of time.

Deep cycle trolling motor batteries are designed for small amperage discharge over extended periods of time.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Engine battery question

Well, it stopped raining long enough for me to go out and check, and the in line 5 amp fuse was blown !!!!! Replaced it, and it shows all the batteries are fully charged........ BUT, tomorrow the battery will be pulled and checked again !!!!!!!!

NOTE to anyone. We have a MK210 onboard charger on the boat. They have a 3 year warranty on them !!!

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Engine battery question

Sounds like you might have found your problem! Don't you love when you can fix something on a boat for less than $1??? Actually, as my wife likes to say, "everything on a boat costs at least $400". Think about it, it's pretty true...