which batteries to buy?

[ratking20]

im going to install the blue sea add a battery kit. i want to start with new batteries. should both batteries be the same? does it make a difference? from searching this site i see some people dont believe there is a difference between starting batts or dual purpose batts. im assuming that with the add a battery kit i would use batt 1 to start and run my electronics(not much) and use the combine only in emergency situations??????

 

[Silvertip]

Re: which batteries to buy?

The question is "what do you intend to use the second battery for?". If it is strictly for emergency starting then perhaps a starting battery is in order. If it will power other accessories than a deep cycle is in order. But both batteries do not have to be the same. A deep cycle battery can be used to start an engine just fine. In fact some of the folks here use a deep cycle as a starting battery.

 

[ratking20]

Re: which batteries to buy?

i have a 22 foot sea ray bowrider. i dont have many electronic on board. i have a stereo with 4 speakers and some led strip lights in my side panels. other than that i just have the necessary stock lights and stuff that came with the boat. i dont have any fishfinders or other radios or anything.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: which batteries to buy?

You would probably be fine with 2 starting batteries, but why not go with a deep cycle as your second? You may add a GPS or fishfinder later. The average person would never be able to differenciate between the two, but people who run multiple electronics will. You can start off of either and run electronics off of either.

 

[ratking20]

Re: which batteries to buy?

both batteries shouldnt be the same? for charging purposes???

 

[Silvertip]

Re: which batteries to buy?

both batteries shouldnt be the same? for charging purposes???

Ideally yes -- but in practice, it is simply unnecessary. In your case the second battery is just going along for the ride and would only be used for emergency starting and maybe to power some other stuff down the road but both batteries will take what they need from the charging system.

 

[sschefer]

Re: which batteries to buy?

Ideally yes -- but in practice, it is simply unnecessary. In your case the second battery is just going along for the ride and would only be used for emergency starting and maybe to power some other stuff down the road but both batteries will take what they need from the charging system.

Tis a fact! I've spent that past couple of days on the phone with Optima, Oddysey and Johnson Controls. Johnson makes the Interstates brand and also remarkets the Optimas and Oddysey's. The result is in complete agreement with what Silvertip just said.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: which batteries to buy?

I have also been looking at a new battery. And have found out that 3 company's make just about all of them, Johnson controls, excide and Delphi with Johnson controls being the biggest. I was trying to find a local distributor for a AC Delco that is made by Delphi and I will have to look a bit deeper into it but I believe the sears die hards and now made by Delphi, they were made by Johnson controls.