battery selection and differences

[roscoe]

I need to replace my starting only battery.<br />I know there is a difference in how they are rated. Marine starting are rated by cranking amps at 80 degrees F., and also reserve time.<br />Auto batteries are rated at both cranking amps 32 degrees, and cold cranking amps 0 degrees.<br /><br />My question is, can I use an auto battery with 600 or 700 cranking amps, instead of a marine starting battery of 700 cranking amps, with equal or satisfactory results? <br /><br />Or are there other differences in the batteries?<br />I can get an auto battery for 30% less $.<br /><br />I've searched the forum and found many battery related posts, but haven't found this.

 

[Boatist]

Re: battery selection and differences

I been doing that since 1980 with no problems. My batteries have been lasting about 6 years, longer than in my cars. I have a 4 cylinder OMC 140 and have used group 24 batteries with about 560 cold cranking amps. I am not sure why. Only ting I can figure is when get home I charge for about one half hour while we unload the boat and clean fish. Also batteries are in a cool area not too close to engine.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: battery selection and differences

Marine batteries have different internal structure.<br />1) The plates are more robust and are usally sandwiched between thicker seperator membrane providing protection against rips caused by shock. <br />2) The casing is also thicker for shock protection.<br /><br />QC Engineer in battery factory for 6 years.

 

[roscoe]

Re: battery selection and differences

Thanks for your responses. I was thinking that it might be more expensive just because it was labeled for specialty use. Now I know. <br /><br />Maybe I should have marine batteries in my truck.

 

[Arnold96]

Re: battery selection and differences

From another forum about diesel trucks, I learned that Johnson Controls which used to make the original Die Hards that lasted so long, now make them for Autozone. I just bought a Gr 27 for about $64 to rotate out the oldest one I have. My problem is that the case is for a Gr 24. I guess the case will get sawed because I want the largest marine battery that will fit through the door, as long as it don't sink the boat.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: battery selection and differences

Just bought a deep cycle battery the other day. Priced them at a couple of marine stores, then went to wal-mart and got what would have cost $130 at the marine store for $55, 800 MCCA and 105 Amp hours, they had a nice EVER START MAXX starting one for $65. Lesson learned, buy marine battery but not at marine store!

 

[larry1302]

Re: battery selection and differences

I too use the Ever Start batteries both deep cycle and starting from wal-mart. I have gotten 5 years out of the starting and 4 years out of the deep cycle. I think the deep cycle life was due to not charging immediately after use, they sat for a week a couple times till returned to the cabin the folling week. I also store them in my basement over the winter with float chargers on them from from Harbor freight. These do a nice job and do not "Cook or Boil" the batteries.

 

[Bob in Calif.]

Re: battery selection and differences

The batteries made by the Johnson company are TOP FLIGHT !!! I have 10 cars and trucks and two boats. I have Johnson batteries in eight of my vehicles and marine 27's, in both of my boats. I have been using Johnson batteries for about 8 or 9 years and have only one failure during the warranty life. Johnson makes batteries for Motorcraft and Costco. I always used Motorcraft, until Costco started using Johnson as their supplier. The price is a little better at Costco.<br />I understand the Die-Hards are now made by Excide Battery company, which I have used prior to my use of the Motorcraft batteries. The Johnson made batteries are superior to the Excide. <br />I have been turning nuts and bolts for over 40, if that makes any difference of my opinion.<br />I always go for the group 27 marine batteries in my boats, they cost a few bucks more than the group 24's, but they have more capacity. <br /> ...Bob in Calif...

 

[roscoe]

Re: battery selection and differences

By the Johnson company, I assume you mean Johnson Controls, as they are one of the biggest players in the battery business. There really are only a couple manufacturers with national distribution. But there are differences in the product lines they produce for different retail brands, and for different applications, according to prod mgr at Gould Plant in Milw in the 80's.