Choosing the right battery?

[MiKeC.]

I have a 16' Bay Skiff w/ 1993 115. All electronics are on a separate battery. Any suggestions on what size battery should I get for cranking up the motor?

 

[dingbat]

Re: Choosing the right battery?

Any suggestions on what size battery should I get for cranking up the motor?

As big as well fit in the allocated space.

I've use 2 batteries as well and both are capabile of supporting the boat on their own. You can never have too much battery power on a boat

 

[GaBoy]

Re: Choosing the right battery?

I purchased a cranking battery at West Marine which was called a 1000 cranking battey and I use a regular auto/marine battey for extras. Trojan makes a high performance deep cell battery.

 

[cjames]

Re: Choosing the right battery?

A good group 24 marine starting battery should do fine. Ive had good luck with Trojan, I dont even shop around any more. Stay away from Walmart, but Ive heard of people having good luck with Costco brand (who knows who really makes them). Make sure to look for a battery specifically designed for marine starting. Some people like gell, or AGM type batterys, whatever, I like good old lead-acid. Keep an eye on the water level, and pay attention when charging.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Choosing the right battery?

A group 24 should be fine and if your batteries are in the back of the boat a auto battery will also work fine.

I have always used a group 24 auto statring battery for my starting battery in my 21 foot boat with a 3.0 L 181 CI 140HP 4 cylinder. Also never had a battery that did not last 6 years or longer. I do not think you can beat costo batteries. They have a 3 year free replacement then pro rated for 100 months.

If your battery location is in a area where it takes a lot of pounding like up front then may be worth the extra cost for a marine starting battery.

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Choosing the right battery?

Be aware of some subtle differences when buying auto batteries, marine batteries, etc. Pretty much all marine batteries will have a 3/8" positive post and a 5/16" negative. I bought a Die Hard "marine starting" battery from Sears and both posts were 5/16" Not the biggest deal in the world but a sloppy connection on most marine positive wire terminals which should be 3/8" I believe.