Battery for 1996 Capri Bayliner w/120HP Force

[IAB1965]

I need help in selecting a new battery for my 1996 Capri Bayliner w/120hp Motor. The one I had was taken by a person that completed some shotty work on my boat and therefore I do not know what to replace it with. I talked to a couple of dealers and they recommended the Continental or Interstate marine deep charged batteries with 1000 cranking amps for about $85.00 (Since that is what the new boats are going with today) To the best of my knowledge, I believe the owners mannual calls for 400 amps. Can anyone help me with this issue?

Thanks

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Battery for 1996 Capri Bayliner w/120HP Force

My experience has been that a deep charge battery will work for starting but unless you intend to run accessories constantly with the engine off, you do not need it.

Of course, excess capacity in a battery is always good, never bad, and you can buy a marine starting battery of adequate size in Wal Mart for around 60 bucks. But with the smaller starter motors of the outboard, 1000 starting amps is way more than sufficient. Now, if you were cranking a supercharged Chevy 350 or 400 engine in a go-fast boat, then you would need the cranking amps.

In the end, it's your money and spend it however you want. If the bigger battery makes you feel more secure or at ease, then go for it. Look at it this way: If the battery lasts only 2 years, it has only cost you 10 bucks a year more than the smaller one. How fast do you burn 10 bucks of gas?

 

[john from md]

Re: Battery for 1996 Capri Bayliner w/120HP Force

Don't buy a deep cycle battery for starting use or as a compromise for use with a trolling motor.

If you use an electric trolling motor then buy it its own battery and buy a starting battery for your main motor.

Deep cycle batteries are not designed to generate the amount of cranking amps that starting batteries do.

I suggest you get a marine starting battery of at least 600 cranking amps at Sams club. If you have electronics that you use with the engine off, then get an 850 or 1000.



Regards,

John from MD