I Need to Replace my Battery...

[gidrac]

and I'm not sure what to look for. I have a 20' Bayliner Trophy w/ 150 HP Evinrude engine. I have a two battery setup with a battery switch. I need to replace one of them. What's the best marine battery out there? Do I need some specific specs to purchase this battery, or is it just going to be just a basic stock battery?<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: I Need to Replace my Battery...

What are you using it for?

 

[18rabbit]

Re: I Need to Replace my Battery...

To answer your first question, the best marine battery made is Surrette (Rolls in America) for a wet-cell type battery, and Concorde (Lifeline) for AGM type battery.<br /><br />To answer your second question. I dunno. Buying batteries is not so much about acquiring a DC power source as it is about balancing trade-offs. You could buy the best battery made but if you only use it once a month you won’t realize the benefits of it.<br /><br />You should be considering how often you use the boat when thinking about a battery.<br /><br />You don’t mention what battery you are replacing, the starting or deep-cycle…or are they the same type/kind of battery? I think this is what ZmOz is asking, too.<br /><br />Here’s something on battery types. Start by reading it.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=008869

 

[gidrac]

Re: I Need to Replace my Battery...

umm..well, if you mean whether it's a starter or and accessory, I'm not sure of that myself. I could tell you that on this paticular battery, the bilge float switch is hooked up directly to it. Like I said, I have a battery switch that I usually switch to "Both" when starting up and leave on "Both" for my whole day out.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: I Need to Replace my Battery...

If as you say, you leave them on "both". then it would be benificial for them to be a matched set and of the same age. I would replace both of them together. (Starting deep cycle). Id buy them at WalMart, they have a great return policy and the batteries are good, I think they handle Nautilus.

 

[gidrac]

Re: I Need to Replace my Battery...

Thanks for all your help and please excuse my ignorance. So, from what I've read, the best case senerio is to have one starter battery (1) and one deep cycle (2). Before starting up, move the switch to (1) -starter. Then, run out to your fishing spot, shut the engine and move the switch to position (2) -deep cycle. If this is not right, please correct me.<br /><br />In my case, I had a marina replace one of my batteries (that's all he told me I needed) last season. So, I guess I should find out what kind of battery it is and repace it with either the same kind or it's opposite. My next question is, how do I tell what kind of battery it indeed is? Will it say right on the label? And, In the case of my old battery, if the label is ripped off, is there any other way to tell whether it's a starter or a deep-cycle?<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: I Need to Replace my Battery...

No problem...we call it a learning curve. Everyone goes throught it, although we eventually deny it. <br /><br />About the battery switch, what you described is pretty much the common scenario. BTW, you NEVER turn the battery switch to “Off” while the engine is running.<br /><br />However, if you are going to be living the switch set to “Both” at all times, revisit LubeDude’s advice…it’s worth following.<br /><br />Batteries are clearly marked either “Starting” or “Deep-Cycle”. Batteries of the type AGM may not be marked for either, or may be marked for both. They will have “Absorbed Gas Mat” written on it somewhere. It’s unlikely you have AGM battery(s). AGM’s and gel batteries are typically sealed…you can’t add water to them. No caps on top are a pretty good giveaway. <br /><br />Missing label from the old battery isn’t an issue if you are buying a battery for its application. Buy what you need, not necessarily what was there in times past.<br /><br />If you can get a look at your batteries, the old one and the new one, it would be really helpful to you in deciding what to replace that old battery with.