Battery question

[Javelin JD]

To all and any:

I'm in a situation where I think I need to replace the batteries in my boat. I have a 1994 Javelin with a 115 Evinrude. I'll need a starting battery and trolling batteries. I don't know what difference CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) mean. Any ideas as to what I need. I live in KY, close to Louisville, so aside from this past winter, ours usually don't get that bad. would appreciate any advice. Thanks. BPS has batteris ranging from 139 to 269 (both these prices suck) Thanks again

 

[agallant80]

Re: Battery question

From what I understand its like the amount of amps you will have when its cold. Not a real issue with boats considering they are mostly used in good weather.

Car Battery Know How: Cold Cranking Amps and Reserve Capacity - NAPA Know How Blog : NAPA Know How Blog

 

[KD4UPL]

Re: Battery question

Your engine manual should specify a minimum CCA rating for the battery. It may be in MCA (Marine Cranking Amps). CCA are at 0 degrees, MCA are at 32 degrees; I guess because people don't usually boat when it's really cold but they do drive cars.
For your trolling batteries you would be better off with deep cycle batteries which won't have a CCA rating. If you see a CCA rating it's likely not a true deep cycle battery.

 

[kmarine]

Re: Battery question

It depends on how you plan to use and maintain your batteries. I like agm glass matt batteries because they have more reserve capacity and last longer, but they cost more up front. Do you keep your boat on a automatic battery maintainer when in storage? How long do you use your trolling motor. Do you just shut off your battery switch and expect the boat to start next weekend. It depends on how often you use your boat. A regular marine starting battery starts at about $60 I recommend separate trolling batteries from starting batteries. It really depend on how you use and maintain them as to what is the best choice.

 

[bassman284]

Re: Battery question

Don't overthink it. You got a Walmart nearby? Get an Everstart Starting battery and an Everstart Deep Cycle battery, about 90 or a hundred bucks apiece, and go boating. The cranking amp stuff is mostly just fluff. These batteries will take care of you unless you mess up and kill them. Proper charging is the key.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Battery question

+1 ^^^ Do keep the trollers and starting batteries separate. It sounds like your boat is like that now, JD.

 

[Javelin JD]

Re: Battery question

Yes, trolling batts and starting are seperate, all three are on a three bank changer. I charge them a day before I go to the lake, I don't keep them plugged in, don't know if I should or if it would hurt. thoughts

 

[bassman284]

Re: Battery question

Yes, trolling batts and starting are seperate, all three are on a three bank changer. I charge them a day before I go to the lake, I don't keep them plugged in, don't know if I should or if it would hurt. thoughts

Well, with the on-board charger you can leave it plugged in all the time. It will sense when the batteries are charged and cutout until the charge drops below a certain level, then kick back in for awhile. The important thing is to plug it in as soon as you can after you get off the water. Don't ever let the trolling batteries sit in a discharged state anything more than about 24 hours. That's what kills them (among other things). In other words, don't wait til you're going out to charge them, DO IT NOW!