Recommendations for new batteries?

[gemajean]

Hello all, I have an 03 Four Winns 268 with a 5.7 Volvo Penta engine and when I bought her used a year ago, she had two batteries which were both the same - Interstate 625 CCA.

I think I need to replace something because occasionally, when I'm out and try to do something like use my windlass or adjust my trim tabs, I notice the radio turns off and comes back on after a few seconds. I'm assuming that there's not enough power in the batteries to power everything I have on?

Since I'm not sure when these batteries were bought, I'm looking to replace them and wanted to know people's recommendations.

I've seen some batteries that are 'starting' batteries and others that are meant for accessories. In the battery compartment, there are two batteries (not sure if they're wired in series) but do I need two types of batteries or should I just replace them with the same CCA type of batteries?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[parrisw]

Re: Recommendations for new batteries?

You should have a "house" battery or accessory battery that's isolated from the starting battery when the engine is off, so as to not kill the starting battery if your running things with the engine off, then you would be dead in the water. You can just put in a manual battery switch, and you can turn off the engine starting battery. If your radio is cutting out when the engine is running your batteries are not likely the problem, since the alternator should supply enough current to run everything, unless you have an alternator problem too. Maybe you should have a battery and charging system test done first, then go from there.

 

[gemajean]

Re: Recommendations for new batteries?

You should have a "house" battery or accessory battery that's isolated from the starting battery when the engine is off, so as to not kill the starting battery if your running things with the engine off, then you would be dead in the water. You can just put in a manual battery switch, and you can turn off the engine starting battery. If your radio is cutting out when the engine is running your batteries are not likely the problem, since the alternator should supply enough current to run everything, unless you have an alternator problem too. Maybe you should have a battery and charging system test done first, then go from there.

Thank you for your quick response. I was afraid it might be the alternator but was hoping it might be an easier fix. Yes, the radio does cut out when the boat is running and actually, it cut out today when I was going at a fairly good speed with the engine rev'ing solidly. When I adjusted the trim tabs, the radio cut out and took a few secs to come back on.

I'm assuming that I'll need a mechanic to check the battery and charging system or is this something I can do myself? Thanks again.

 

[parrisw]

Re: Recommendations for new batteries?

If you have a voltmeter then you can check charging voltage, I would like it at 14v, 13.6 mininum. For the batteries you will need a tester, or just replace them for peace of mind. It cold also just be a bad ground issue somewhere.

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Recommendations for new batteries?

Well you dont need a mechanic to check the charging system. just go to your local auto parts store and buy a volt meter. they are around $25.00. then with the motor running just over an idle (950-1000 RPM's) the volts at the batt should be between 13-14.5. Then turn on every acc. that you have hooked up and check it again. volts sould remain in the same range as before. if it drops below 13 at any given time then you have a problem with the alt. Your local auto parts store can check the alt and the batts in the store and they usually dont charge a fee foer this eather.

 

[parrisw]

Re: Recommendations for new batteries?

My suggestion, take the alternator off and to an auto parts store and have it tested under full load. Most places do it for free.

Good plan. But I wouldn't take it off if you don't have to. If it charges fine, with accessories on it should be fine.

 

[gemajean]

Re: Recommendations for new batteries?

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions. It seems an overwhelming consensus that it is the alternator and not the batteries themselves.

One thing that I always check is my gauges and the battery always seems to be constant at 12 to 13 volts.

Even when it's running and things are being used, it still looks the same but perhaps the gauge isn't as accurate as a voltmeter. I'll pick up one and test it myself first, then replace it if needed then. Thanks again!