New Battery Question

[l008com]

I tossed my old battery last fall, it was totally junk. So I need to buy a new one this spring. My dad had always used expensive deep cycle batteries. But the boat mechanic who fixed my trim this year said I don't need a deep cycle battery at all. He said those are for boats that will be running electronics with the motor off for an extended period of time. My boat is a small 16 footer, it will never have anything on without the motor running... well maybe the radio for a bit but that's all.

So is that accurate, that I don't need deep cycle at all.
And second question, how many CCA's do I need? My motor is a 1989 90HP mercury, that's carbureted, and requires a lot of cranking. But I'll probably give it a fresh charge before throwing the boat in the water.

Thoughts?

 

[achris]

Re: New Battery Question

Just get a good quality MARINE battery, deep cycle not necessary. You need a minimum CCA of 350.

chris........

 

[l008com]

Re: New Battery Question

OK so 550 should be plenty then? I'm looking at what west marine has in stock. Ordering a battery online doesn't seem practical.

 

[achris]

Re: New Battery Question

550!!! You'll start a big block with that! Great, you should never have a problem. Ordering batteries on-line... Hmmm Bit heavy for the mailman to deliver....

 

[sschefer]

Re: New Battery Question

This will cost you a little bit more but in the long run you'll save.

The Optima Blue Top is probably the best starting battery you can get. It recharges quickly and will pull a load longer if you happen to forget and leave that radio on a little longer than expected.

There are two versions. One is strictly a marine starting battery and the other is a combo start and deep cycle. I think you'd do well with the combo.

These batteries last a long time so even though you spend more up front, you don't need to replace them near as often. I think they're 650 CCA which is plenty for your 90.

 

[l008com]

Re: New Battery Question

This will cost you a little bit more but in the long run you'll save.

The Optima Blue Top is probably the best starting battery you can get. It recharges quickly and will pull a load longer if you happen to forget and leave that radio on a little longer than expected.

There are two versions. One is strictly a marine starting battery and the other is a combo start and deep cycle. I think you'd do well with the combo.

These batteries last a long time so even though you spend more up front, you don't need to replace them near as often. I think they're 650 CCA which is plenty for your 90.

Gotta link?