Battery Size for 15HP Honda

[trout tracker]

Hi All!<br />Just returned from buying a 2002 15HP Honda w/ elec. start and am waiting to take delivery tommorrow. This is my first elec. start and I was just wondering about making my battery purchase. I will be starting the motor, running a depth finder, and possibly in the future a trolling motor for limited applications. I would like to keep weight and size to a minimum if at all possible. Thanks in advance for your help and as usual, tight lines to all!

 

[JB]

Re: Battery Size for 15HP Honda

Howdy, TT.<br /><br />A dual purpose (starting/trolling) marine battery will serve you well. I got mine at WalMart and it has done the job flawlessly.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[Forktail]

Re: Battery Size for 15HP Honda

Marine batteries can come in two types, marine cranking and marine deep cycle.<br /><br />For starting engines and running a few basic electronics you would want a marine cranking.<br /><br />For an electric trolling motor you would want the marine deep cycle.<br /><br />A couple of important things to look for in a battery are the "cold cranking amps" and the "reserve capacity". Different brands of batteries may be similar in size, but they can vary greatly in performance. Some manufacturers rate their batteries on different scales too. One may show a higher reserve capacity, but at a lower amperage draw than another lower capacity higher amperage draw battery. Also, cold cranking amps can be rated at different temperatures. You just have to do your homework and buy on value for $.<br /><br />The marine cranking will give you higher cold cranking amps, but less reserve capacity. The deep cycle will give less cranking amps and more reserve capacity.<br /><br />Both types of batteries will work in either situation. But keep in mind that cranking batteries do not handle full discharges and recharges like a deep cycle will. It can shorten their life considerably.<br /><br />In your case the small 15 hp, 12 amp alternator, and the potential for needing an electric troller, I would recommend a deep cycle with the most cold cranking amps you can find. With the smaller motor the deep cycle should provide all the cranking amps you need and the ability to troll with the electric. If it were a 200 hp, I'd say no.<br /><br />A group 24 (size) battery should be sufficient for your needs. Of course larger group 27, 31, ect will generally have more capacity and reserve. But they will cost and weigh more too.<br /><br />If your boat is susceptible to vibration or pounding consider a dry or gell marine battery. This is the #1 killer of wet acid marine batteries. <br /> <br />

 

[JB]

Re: Battery Size for 15HP Honda

Hi, guys.<br /><br />Marine batteries now come in three types.<br /><br />The dual purpose batteries are fairly new. They offer both high CCA and high reserve capacity.<br /><br />You must specify dual purpose. The WalMart "Extreme" Marine battery is labeled starting/trolling and the specs support the claim. CCA compares to the cheaper starting battery and reserve compares to the cheaper troller.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[WOOLY BUGGER]

Re: Battery Size for 15HP Honda

I TOO GOT A NEW 15 HP HONDA,,VERY SWEET ENGINE, IF YOU WILL LOOK BACK AT MY EARLIER POST, PROBABLY 6 OR 8 WEEKS A GO THERE WAS A LOT OF INTERESTING COMMENTS, ITOOK ONE OF THE RESPONDENTS ADVICE AND GOT A CAR BATTERY AT COSTCO, LOOK IT UP, I THINK YOU WILL BE ENLIGHTENED. JUST LOOK FOR WOOLY BUGGER IN THE RIGHT COLUMN.

 

[WOOLY BUGGER]

Re: Battery Size for 15HP Honda

I TOO GOT A NEW 15 HONDA ELEC STASRT, IF YOU CAN LOOK UP MY PREVIOUS POST ABOUT 6 8 WEEKS AGO YOPU WILL FIND A LOT OF INTERESTING INFO, I TOOK ONE OF THE RESPONDENTS ADVICE AND GOT A CAR BATTERY AT COSTCO, JUST LOOK FOR WOOLY BUGGER IN THE RIGHT COLUMN