battery for basic boat?

[blacksmith04]

I went looking for batterys today while I was in town. All I can say is I'm lost. I saw starting, deep cycle and starting/deep cycle. I know that I only want to run one battery. I need it for starting, small bilge pump, nav lights and horn. Don't think I'll be out at night so nav lights won't be on much if at all. So what one should I get guys and gals? Motor is a 68' Merc 500. Bilge pump is an attwood T-500. I think it draws like 1amp at full pump.

 

[wbc1957]

Re: battery for basic boat?

If you are planning on one battery only, I recommend the Optima Battery. Great AMPS, great reserve AMPS, and can handle the wear and tear of usage. Plus it will provide long life.

 

[blacksmith04]

Re: battery for basic boat?

Yes optimas are great. But do I get a starting, deep cycle or a combo one?

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: battery for basic boat?

Optimas are great, but expensive.
For a 50 horse outboard a regular group 24 starting battery will be more than enough. If it's a lake boat you could just go with a cheapo $50 car battery.

 

[MPII]

Re: battery for basic boat?

Yes optimas are great. But do I get a starting, deep cycle or a combo one?

I have always run a deep cycle. In fact, I did spend the extra money on an optima, I have an Interstate Marine Deep Cycle and an Duralast Deep Cycle. I have anchored and ran all stereo equipment, fish finder, phone chargers, etc for more than 5 hours on one battery and never drained them. My 2 cents.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: battery for basic boat?

Check your local farm supply store if there is one in the area. The automotive dept usually has great deals on any of the three marine batteries. For your boat, you don't need to spend premium bucks for an Optima. Your engine will start and accessories will operate just fine with any of them but as was mentioned, a group 24 starting, dual purpose, or deep cycle will work. Prices are in the order listed and there is probably not more than 10 bucks difference in them.

 

[BoatNoobie]

Re: battery for basic boat?

for your use, I would recommend a dual purpose.

 

[steelespike]

Re: battery for basic boat?

No trolling motor,no radio a standard group 24 battery or perhaps one step up.
Even on our old boat with no charge circuit we would go about a month before a recharge
using just a basic automotive battery.We usually didn't charge till it acted a little weak.
Of course it was an 18hp so hand cranking was easy.

 

[bassman284]

Re: battery for basic boat?

Sounds like for all practical purposes you're only going to use the battery to start the motor so it probably doesn't matter which of the 3 types. Choose the cheapest and i agree, Optima is way overkill for you. I assume this motor has an alternator, otherwise you will need to charge it after every use for maximum life.

Just for reference, I have a 2001 Mercury 60 4 stroke with a Group 27 starting battery on it. The starting battery runs the bilge and nav lights both of which are almost NEVER used and a depth finder that runs constantly when I'm on the water. The original Interstate never failed me, but I retired it after 7 years because it couldn't achieve more that 12.2 volts fully charged and I figured a failure was probably in my near future.

OK, too much info, but as stated above, a Group 24 of any type should do the job for you although I'd lean toward the starting battery.

 

[blacksmith04]

Re: battery for basic boat?

I have a charging circuit on this 68 merc 500. Not much of one , but one still the same. Would love it more if it had an alternator. Going tomorrow to get a 24 starting for it just like I was going to before I saw the combo and thought to ask before droping $$$$ on one.

 

[matthew colgate]

Re: battery for basic boat?

Try walmart I just got one there yesterday and here in tn the price range was $50 and up and thery come with a 12month free replacement

 

[blacksmith04]

Re: battery for basic boat?

Try walmart I just got one there yesterday and here in tn the price range was $50 and up and thery come with a 12month free replacement

Theyhave about the best thing going. Advance wanted $80 + for theres. Think I might just get a normal auto one. They tend to be cheaper and have better replacement plans.

 

[matthew colgate]

Re: battery for basic boat?

Yes walmart has very good replacement plans ....... However I would really consider using marine battery versus Auto battery because Marine batteries are built and manufactured to be used in marine/boat and water applications ........... I have heard and believe and this is just my opinion but an auto battery in a boat/marine enviroment may be a bit more corrosive . And corrosion is no fun at all .....

 

[sea_goin_dude]

Re: battery for basic boat?

A good battery with plenty of reserve power will start the boat with less cranking and will save you i the long run as your starter will last longer with less wear on it. Priced a starter lately? Also remember that a maintenance free battery is also a maintenance proof.... battery. Get one that you can check electrolyte / water level frequently.