Battery question

[babel84476]

I recently purchased a 1990 Bayliner Capri. The stereo has been replaced, and I am looking to replace my battery because of age and the fact we want to listen to the stereo without the battery dying. The engine is a Force 90 outboard. I am having trouble deciding what kind of battery because I have always been told the blue top optima is top line, and they are great for running accessories and motor start-up.
I just want to be safe and get a GREAT battery so we can fully enjoy the boat and the stereo

Thanks!

 

[doyall]

Re: Battery question

If you are powering the speakers with the head unit alone you could go with a large size (Group 29 or 31) dual purpose (DP) battery and not have any worries even if using any typical flooded lead acid battery. If you are powering the speakers with a separate amp you really should consider getting a second dedicated battery. Here again, any typical flooded lead acid cranking battery (MS) and mid-size (Group 27) deep cycle (DC) battery should suffice unless you have an ultra-high power amp.

I personally use the flooded lead acid starting/deep cycle combination. I can't see the cost of the Optima's unless there are potential life or death concerns. (i.e., going many miles offshore).

 

[babel84476]

Re: Battery question

If you are powering the speakers with the head unit alone you could go with a large size (Group 29 or 31) dual purpose (DP) battery and not have any worries even if using any typical flooded lead acid battery. If you are powering the speakers with a separate amp you really should consider getting a second dedicated battery. Here again, any typical flooded lead acid cranking battery (MS) and mid-size (Group 27) deep cycle (DC) battery should suffice unless you have an ultra-high power amp.

I personally use the flooded lead acid starting/deep cycle combination. I can't see the cost of the Optima's unless there are potential life or death concerns. (i.e., going many miles offshore).

Thank you for your help. The stereo is running from the fuse. No amp (yet). I hear people saying the Optima has gone down hill in quality. Is there a particular battery I should be aiming towards?
Thanks again.

 

[sonoita]

Re: Battery question

Are deep cycle batteries suitable for starting. Costco has a Interstate Marine/RV deep cycle rated at MCA 700.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Battery question

An over-sized Deep Cycle can double as a starting battery because of its extra capacity.
Do you have room for a second battery?
Bayliner called all their runabouts "Capri" back in the day.
What size is your boat?

 

[sonoita]

Re: Battery question

I have a 18.5 ft Alumacraft powered by a 150HP - 4 cycle Honda. No room for a second battery.

 

[doyall]

Re: Battery question

... Is there a particular battery I should be aiming towards? ...

As far as brand names, I haven't really been able to determine that any one is better than the other. I know people have their preferences and will express them and that is all well and good. There are always anecdotes about unexplained, unexpected, premature failures on them all. I look for a flooded lead acid battery with the highest cranking amps (cold or marine ... really doesn't matter), reserve capacity and amp hour rating which has the longest full replacement warranty I can find, unless I have an urgent need then I get one that is closest to where I am.

 

[babel84476]

Re: Battery question

I want to stick with using 1 battery for now. with a DP battery, do I need to keep it on a charger the night before the boat goes out?

 

[doyall]

Re: Battery question

...do I need to keep it on a charger the night before the boat goes out?

If you have a 'smart' charger (multi-stage with maintainer), leave it on all the time when not in use. If not, fully charge immediately after use and then maybe for an hour or so before getting out.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Battery question

I want to stick with using 1 battery for now. with a DP battery, do I need to keep it on a charger the night before the boat goes out?

If the electrical system does not have any leakage problems, and if you are just using a normal radio at conversational levels for a few hours, and if your return to the dock was long enough to charge the battery back to full, and if the last trip was within a few weeks;
You would not need to charge the battery before the next trip.

That is a lot of IFs, but IF it is all true then NO! :joyous:

If the motor starts you know the battery is good.
However, a topping charge before shoving off always makes me feel a little more confident.

 

[babel84476]

Re: Battery question

If the electrical system does not have any leakage problems, and if you are just using a normal radio at conversational levels for a few hours, and if your return to the dock was long enough to charge the battery back to full, and if the last trip was within a few weeks;
You would not need to charge the battery before the next trip.

That is a lot of IFs, but IF it is all true then NO! :joyous:

If the motor starts you know the battery is good.
However, a topping charge before shoving off always makes me feel a little more confident.

Thank you for your advice. It will make the battery purchase be a lot easier!

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Battery question

Thank you for your advice. It will make the battery purchase be a lot easier!

I haven't see anything to indicate that you need a new battery.
A typical battery will run a radio at conversational levels for many hours and still start the engine without a problem.
A voltmeter will tell you how the battery is doing.
Most Sonar units have a low battery alarm built into them. 12.2v is a reasonable alarm point.

Do a Poor Man's Battery Test....

Let the battery sit for a few days.
Disable the ignition. Flip the lanyard switch if you have one.
Crank the starter for ~10 seconds.
If the battery is still cranking strong and not slowing down after 10 seconds, it will start the boat reliably.
If the engine will not start with 10 seconds of cranking, Fix the engine.