Should I get a different battery?

[bjennings79]

*** New Boater Disclaimer ***

Currently I have a battery that is from 2006. The label says PowerVolt Max Cranking Amps, with no additional info anywhere on the battery. My boat is pre wired for a second battery. I took the boat out for the first time this past weekend. Because I was unsure of the condition of the current battery, I purchased a second one to have on board, just in case. It is a dual use battery, a Stowaway ST24DP625. The reason I bought a dual use battery was because I intend on adding a trolling motor. My plan was to have two dual use batteries once the original dies. I'm now wondering if I should have just gone ahead and purchased a Deep Cycle, since my original battery is obviously a starting battery. Then I would have a starting battery for the motor and a deep cycle for the trolling motor and stereo. I'm sure that I can return the batter that I just purchased because it is still in new condition and I never hooked it up.

 

[Beefer]

Re: Should I get a different battery?

I'd return it and get a deep cycle. It'll give you longer use periods. You'll want to get a battery selector as well (about $35).
Check out this thread; http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=412983, and read what Auto45 wrote about an ACR. You might want to get one of them as well to keep them both properly charged. It's my next 'upgrade' on my boat.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Should I get a different battery?

If you have the space and cash, I would consider keeping it and adding a third battery - a deep cycle - for the trolling motor. Depending on how you use the boat and how much you plan to use the trolling motor, you will probably be happier...and safer. I like to use my starting battery just for starting and running. Once I get where I'm going I flip over to the house. If I had a trolling motor I'd add a dedicated battery for that and MAYBE wire a switch back to the house battery to add it in if I needed a few more minutes to catch the one that just got away.

 

[bjennings79]

Re: Should I get a different battery?

So by "house battery" do you mean that I would use the dual use battery for all electronics other than trolling and cranking the motor?

 

[Beefer]

Re: Should I get a different battery?

So by "house battery" do you mean that I would use the dual use battery for all electronics other than trolling and cranking the motor?

Yes, that's what he means.