Is 625 CCA Enough for 70hp Force?

[scout-j-m]

I typically just buy the Everstart batteries from Walmart and they have a 625 CCA marine battery for about $55. Is that good enough for a 1994 70hp Force outboard? They also have one with 720 CCA for $75 which I don't mind buying if I need to.

 

[Jiggz]

Re: Is 625 CCA Enough for 70hp Force?

When it comes to boat batteries, the larger the better as long as it doesn't put a dent on your wallet. If you have access to Costco I highly recommend their Kirkland over WM's Everstart. I prefer the combo Starting/Deep Cycle style they have which are also priced almost the same as WM's. I use an 800 CCA for my 125HP which have performed very well for the last 3 years. Going back to the original question, yes, 625 is enough for a 70 HP.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Is 625 CCA Enough for 70hp Force?

I used to use the Walmart batteries, mainly because they were cheap, but the quality seems to have gone down hill in recent years. I don't know, maybe I was just unlucky enough to get a few bad ones in a row. Each one only lasted a year or two. Anyways, I have a 550 CCA Costco deep cycle combo battery that is 6 years old on my 1988 125HP motor and it works just fine. I load test it every year and it still passes. I would agree with Jiggz, 625 CCA is enough.

 

[scout-j-m]

Re: Is 625 CCA Enough for 70hp Force?

Thanks guys. I figured so but that's about what CCA my old battery had and the motor was difficult to start. I think the battery was just old though. It came with my boat back when I bought it about 5 1/2 years ago and I didn't take good care of it over long periods of no use.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Is 625 CCA Enough for 70hp Force?

The company I worked for used 450cca.on all their new boats.
I/O and outboards.
I have 1 450 and 1 650.
If there is NO problems with your motor.
Then you shouldn't need anything stronger than a 450.
It's good to have a stronger battery if your gonna use the radio, depth finder etc.
I start out with#1 and run out and have the depth finder on all day.
On the way back in I switch to #2 and charge it all the way back in.
Next time I use #2 and then switch to #1. that way they are always charged.
If I know I'm not gonna use the boat I charge them after I get back.
I hate having a surprise when I go out. Or try to go out.
If it takes time to start and runs a battery down??? Then there is another problem.
Pull the battery and charge it. then almost every auto parts store will load test your battery.
Bring it on by, I'll load test it for free!

 

[scout-j-m]

Re: Is 625 CCA Enough for 70hp Force?

I went out fishing Saturday with a buddy and he had to buy a new trolling battery prior to the trip. Turns out the foot of his motor was screwed up and wouldn't engage in forward or reverse. We ended up borrowing his brothers boat. Anyways, it will probably be a while before he fixes this motor or gets a new one so I bought the battery from him since I was in the market and didn't want him to lose any money and deal with returning it. It is an Everstart Deep Cycle battery with 690 CCA. Hopefully can give it a try this evening on the boat. Thanks for the replies.

EDIT: Tested the battery on the motor yesterday after work...cranks a whole lot better and smoothly than it ever did with my old one. Too bad the motor wouldn't crank. The tilt motor also was weak and sounded terrible. The oil on the inside was nasty and watery looking upon inspection. Hopefully I can take it apart and clean the electrical connections and drain and fill with new oil and it will work ok.