Re: 55hp MCA/RA requirements??? Battery Choice?
Car batteries are for cars.
Marine batteries come in several types.
Marine starting battery is for starting, provides a large amount of power for relatively short periods of time, generally should not be discharged lower than 80%. (can be used to also power a few small accessories like lights, and bilge pumps)
Marine deep cycle battery is for accessories like trolling motors and large stereos. Provides smaller amounts of power but can over a much longer period of time, and these batteries can be run down to 10% (cycled deep).
As the battery is drawn down, it will not have enough voltage to start a motor.
So, better to have a separate deep cycle battery for all accessories, and a separate starting battery to start the motor.
They do make combination batteries, know as deep cycle/starting batteries, which are a compromise between the two.
As far as MCA, small series 24 battery, 400-600 MCA, if you can even find one that small.
I avoid Walmart batteries since they changed their warranty on them. Some people like them, but have seen too many failures, and the warranty is useless.
Interstate, Sears, Fleet Farm , all have good batteries.
