Replacing batteries, any suggestions?

R

Reel Soon

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I am ready to replace my 3 starting batteries. I am wondering are the dual purpose batteries better? Also, anyone using the Optima batteries?
I would like to keep all three batteries the same type. Thanks.
 
It looks like you only have a single? Even with twins why would you want all starting batteries. Long and deep discharging makes them worthless very quickly. You obviously run to the canyon, so why sell yourself short. jh
 
BTW with all my previous I/O boats I used dual purpose, but none did a good job as a true house bank.

My boat came from Lewis and the PO ran it to the ditch allot. He showed me some shark pics, including a similar thresher. Nice pic. jh
 
I have twin 200hp yamahas. Grady used to equip their boats with starting batteries and advise against deep cell. Is why I have stayed with starting. I have never had any problems, but I am willing to keep an open mind if there is a better solution. BTW the thresher was caught 8 miles from the beach.
 
Two engines and three batteries, what do you use each of the batteries for?
 
I would get two new starting batts, and the third I

would use a deep cycle battery for your "accesories".

At least thats what I plan on runnig this year. I have 3 starting batts

now, thats how it came, but Im replacing my "acc" with a deep cycle

and keeping the starting batts on the motors.
 
T -

for accessories, what do use to back up your deep cycle battery if it runs down?
 
It would have been a Honda 2000 gen, but unfortunatley the money

for that and then some is on it's way to Uncle Sam! :x Somone has to pay

for the ILLEGALS to toget welfare!!!! Like the thousands they arleady

deducted from my check wasn't enough!!!

Sorry on a rant there :roll:

But, other than firing up the yami's to charge 'em and the two other batts, nuttin'

but for what I'll be doing it should be more than adequate.

P.S. I have a three switch set up too.
 
My suggestion is two starting and one deep. Get the biggest deep cycle you can fit and carry the weight of. Grp 31 is probably best for your boat.
 
batteries

make sure that batteries that are in the same bank are the same. You want matching batteries. I always recomended deep cycle. The heavier the better. Whether its a starting or deep cycle, there will be plenty of MCA's to start an outboard. you need 1 MCA for every CID of engine. Deep cycles take longer to charge but also longer to discharge b/c they have thicker plates inside, hence heavier. Deep cycles are designed for mulitple charges and discharges. Starting batteries will get "cooked" with too many cycles and you will blow out a cell (when the battery bulges out on the ends)
 
Deep cycle batteries are very expensive, more than dual purpose, and dual purpose are more than starting. The heaviest is most expensive, the lightest is least expensive. Deep cycles have CCA ratings, read label.

Who uses DC loads in a car with the engine not running? Plenty of DC can be used in boats while at anchor or drift, no engines running. Manufs provide the cheapest battery that gets the job done and lasts.

The expensive deep cycles can be run well down many many times and recharged successfully, not so with starters.

If the owner is only using incidental DC load with motors off, no reason to spend the extra $$ on the deep cycles.
 
batteries

I suggest going to Westmarine.com, >electrical, > battery types.
It gives a very good explanation of battery selection
 
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