What's your choice for cranking batteries?

['96 Charger]

Previous owner put three of the entry level Neverstarts in my boat two years ago and the cranking battery is getting weak. Even with a full charge it is making me not want to trust it especially with winter coming on. Come to think of it I think the cranking amps is only 425cca.

What's your choice when it comes to reliability and longevity? Has a nice size v6 to turn over.

 

[642mx]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

I have a 454 in my boat and when I replaced the battery, I called Interstate and told them what I had. They recommended the SRM-29 starting/deep cycle battery. Its a beast! Super heavy and big, but it starts that big block up easily.

Here is the technical stuff about it: http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_estore/content/product_info/marine_f.asp

 

[bobdec]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

I have a dual battery switch and use an Interstate 24M-XHD 1000 MCA / 800 CCA 'cranking' battery as number 1 for starting and use a deep cell/cranking for battery number two. That way I can get higher cranking amps for smaller size (#24) less weight (48 lbs) than the combination deep cell/cranking only. Use number two when anchored or fishing to run radios, electronics and live well, etc. and for starting backup if ever needed. Since you have three batteries you situational is obviously different from mine . Thats lots of power for a V6 engine, what is you boat size and what electronics do you run when stopped ?

 

['96 Charger]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

I have a dual battery switch and use an Interstate 24M-XHD 1000 MCA / 800 CCA 'cranking' battery as number 1 for starting and use a deep cell/cranking for battery number two. That way I can get higher cranking amps for smaller size (#24) less weight (48 lbs) than the combination deep cell/cranking only. Use number two when anchored or fishing to run radios, electronics and live well, etc. and for starting backup if ever needed. Since you have three batteries you situational is obviously different from mine . Thats lots of power for a V6 engine, what is you boat size and what electronics do you run when stopped ?

19' Charger bass boat with a 200hp Yamaha. Cranking battery starts the motor and runs the accessories. The two deepcycles run the 24v trolling motor. While the cheap cranking battery is a turd the cheap deepcycles seem to be rock solid. I'd buy a pair if I can get at least a couple more years out of the ones in there now just because they don't weigh anything and can get me through 3-4 fishing trips without needing charged (I know bad practice and I know how it feels to have to troll in and make it close enough to the ramp to see it but too far to paddle). The cranking battery gets charged before every trip no matter what.

 

[dingbat]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

I too went with twin deep cycle Interstate batteries (SRM-27B). More than enough to start a V6 outboard and run a fully outfitted offshore fishing boat.(radar, 8" GPS, 8", 1000W RMS fishfinder, VHF radio, navigation lights, live well, washdown, CD player and spreader lights).

 

[Silvertip]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

Rule #1: The largest physical size battery you have room for
Rule #2: Within that physical size, the highest AHr capacity you can find
Rule #3: The least expensive when comparing Rule #1 and Rule #2,
Rule #4: Manufacturer is of least importance since there are not many battery manufacturers anyway.
Rule #5: You cannot have TOO MUCH electrical capacity -- just TOO LITTLE.

While more of a suggestion and personal feeling, just because you pay more for a battery does not guarantee you get a better battery, a more powerful battery, a better quality battery, and/or a battery that lasts longer than any other.

 

[xxxflhrci]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

I have no problems with the Everstarts. My boat has had one in it for 6 years, truck 8 years, and Jeep 9 years. All of 'em still going strong.

 

[jhebert]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

I use an Interstate 24M-XHD rated at 1,000-MCA as the engine starting battery for my 225-HP V6 outboard.

 

['96 Charger]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

I have no problems with the Everstarts. My boat has had one in it for 6 years, truck 8 years, and Jeep 9 years. All of 'em still going strong.

One of my friends MAXX deepcycles has been in use for over 8 years. Can still turn a high compression OMC v6 over fine when the cranking battery fails. It got a little souped it when we rebuilt it

After reading a couple posts above I think I'll just get the biggest MAXX I can fit in there for convenience.

 

[jhebert]

Re: What's your choice for cranking batteries?

"After reading a couple posts above I think I'll just get the biggest MAXX I can fit in there for convenience."

I don't follow your logic. Nearly all replies mentioned INTERSTATE battery as the brand. Why have you chosen another brand?