battery for 9.8 Tohatsu

[docksider]

I'm planning to get a 9.8 tohatsu. I like to power lights and a bilge pump, so I'm thinking of getting the electric start, which comes with the alternator I'd like to use to keep the battery charged.

I'm putting this on a 12 boat and need to save weight/space. Will a small tractor or motorcycle battery be ok for this purpose? And for electric starting (I'm predicting the wife and daughters will find the electric start option irresistible)?

I suppose I could skip the elec. start and alternator, but don't care to be recharging batteries all the time. I don't know how much the bilge and lights would draw down the battery.

Not really a repair question, this is the tohatsu place.

thanks.
d

 

[CATransplant]

Re: battery for 9.8 Tohatsu

If you're planning on running lights off your battery, get something larger than you're talking about. A 24 size battery will do the job just great.

Put it up under the front seat on your boat and run cable to the rear along the gunwale. I like to use automobile jumper cables for this, after putting proper ends on them. The battery up front will really help the boat plane better when it's just you in the boat. I have my fuel tank in about the middle of the boat.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: battery for 9.8 Tohatsu

A lot of people use tiny motorcycle batteries...Thay work fine, but no reserve to speak of. Like CAT said "A 24 size battery will do the job just great."

 

[docksider]

Re: battery for 9.8 Tohatsu

Thanks for the replies, guys. CAT, I checked and can't fit a battery under the front seat. So it goes. I don't run much a night, so its mainly keeping up with the bilge pump and whatever starts my family insists on doing,

Elvin, can you tell me the length of a) the cables from the alternator and b) the gas line that comes with the 9.8 Tohatsu?

I'm trying to double check spatial arrangements before making final decision about elec start and placing the order.

Thanks.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: battery for 9.8 Tohatsu

Cables 7'
Hose 8'

 

[docksider]

Re: battery for 9.8 Tohatsu

Thanks!

I placed the order this morning.