Which boat battery?

[bijou22]

Can someone tell me which boat battery size would suit my needs?
How do I calculate the required size?
There is only a GPS, fishfinder and radio on board, other details are below.
It will need to be both a starting battery and for leisure use to operate the above.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Which boat battery?

if for boat in you signature, it would use a group 27 1150 CCA starting battery.

 

[DJ]

Re: Which boat battery?

The biggest marine (not deep cycle) that you can fit in your battery box/cradle. A minimum of 750 CCA (cold cranking amps).

 

[bijou22]

Re: Which boat battery?

Why do you not recommend deep cycle batteries, there are a lot being advertised in the marine market?

 

[Mkos1980]

Re: Which boat battery?

I have the normal Walmart marine brand battery. (Everstart I think) Its small with 625CA 500 CCA and its been perfect all year with my motor , radio and FF. I was worried it being a walmart brand but it has stamped on their Johnson Controls which makes pretty decent batteries including the optima. Probebly not to the stardards of th eoptima, but a good battery none the less.

 

[DJ]

Re: Which boat battery?

Why do you not recommend deep cycle batteries, there are a lot being advertised in the marine market?

Deep cycle batteries are designed for long, low amp, continous loads (electronics, trolling motors, etc.).

The exact opposite of an engine starter.

There are some "dual purpose" with four posts, instead of two.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Which boat battery?

If your battery is in the stern of the boat I would get a regular auto starting battery group 24 or larger. Put it in a battery box or at least make sure the positive terminal is protected. Boxes are cheap and prevent shorts and help to keep any acid contained.

On my boat I have a standard group 24 starting battery I use just like you use yours and I have never had one that did not last 6 years. I some times fish all day and into the night with the depth finder on and the VHF radio and an Old Loran C and an anchor light after dark. It has never failed to start the boat.

Reason I use a Starting battery is it is Cheaper and comes with a 100 month warranty with 3 years free replacement. Marine battery cost way more and warranty is only 1 year I think.

If the battery is up in the bow where it gets a lot more pounding and vibration then probably a good idea to get a maine battery.

Charge your battery year round weather your use the boat or not and it will last a very long time. Always recharge as soon as possible and do not run it all the way down. Fully Charge at least one time a month is summer and at least every 2 months in winter and it will last a very long time.

 

[bijou22]

Re: Which boat battery?

I have a solar panel on the boat which trickle charges the battery also.