need battery advice

[aiko09]

Hi all--- I'm a newbie on this sight and somewhat new to engine tinkering, so please be patient with me. I just went to Florida from NC and got my late grandfathers johnson 35h/p 1985 engine. I am replacing the original johnson 35h/p 1962 that was on a freebie/give-a-way 1966 Duo boat-unfortunately, even after numerous very helpful advice and research on this sight, i couldnt get the older motor to even fire grrrrrr!!!- Anyhow, I have a few simple questions:<br />My intention is to purchase a deep cycle starting battery to start the motor and run the running lights.<br />I currently have an Everstart deep cycle trolling battery 75 hrs, reserve 100 hrs the cranking capacity has worn off, @ 1 year old though-- apparently ill buy a better charger, too. need a trickle or low amp charger-----duh<<<<<<<<br /><br />I was wondering if this battery will -trolling- power my trolling motor, a bilge pump, and fish detector? possibly put the bilge on the starter battery, since it will be infrequently used<br /><br />I'm in maintenance and at work I have seen a few switches that can tolerate 10amps,250vac/15amp,125vac are these proper? or should i get the marine switches i have seen in the forum? Additionally, how do i connect at the terminals? Can u overlap on the screw terminals, convert to all alligator clamps and overlap? oooo, i just thought of someting, it should be tied into one line to the battery possibly hmmmm. Well, trying to endeavor through this, any advice would be extermeley appreciated!!<br />ty fellas---aiko09<br />ps any Duo info would be g8!!

 

[Spidybot]

Re: need battery advice

First of all I think you need a designated battery for each use.<br /><br />The trolling battery should be used for this only and charged by a suitable charger - preferably with maintenance capability so it can stay connected over extended periods and keep it at 100% without harming it.<br /><br />The starting battery should be just that. I'd go for a good marine battery ~60Ah and keep an eye on it to check if the motor (4Amps charging?) copes with charging it. If not, I'd charge it as above.<br /><br />All switches should be certified for marine use. The environment in a boat is quite hostile and gear not made for it might not last long.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: need battery advice

A 35hp engine's starter only draws about 50A, so a deep cycle battery would be fine for both. If you want to get real fancy, get an AGM battery. Do not charge your batteries at more than 1/10th the AH for your batteries, unless specifically directed. For example, no more than 6A for a 60AH battery. Do not discharge your batteries more than half way. Anything beyond half way hurts them (even Deep Cycle). Get an automatic charger.<br /><br />I would not want less than a weatherproofed switch on an open boat. Switches are filled with different metals, and electrified. Any water in them means instant death for them.<br /><br />You can twist two wires and crimp an eye or a fork on them, then screw the fork/eye to the switch. Personally, I would solder the fork/eye after crimping it.

 

[Hooty]

Re: need battery advice

This is probably more then you wanted to know about batteries but it's a good site. I've got a Battery Tender Plus and highly recommend it.It'll probably double the battery's life.<br /><br /> Batteries <br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[aiko09]

Re: need battery advice

Wow fellas--hooty, paul, and uu. I am very impressed with the promptness of your replies along with the advice!! <br /><br />i'm not sure what a agm battery is, im assuming it's the manufacturer. secondly, asumming again, the tender plus is a charger?<br /><br />Ill make some calls tomorrow.<br /><br />continue driftin and dreamin--aiko09