Johnson 65-ESL-73R

1bad97svt

Recruit
Joined
Mar 13, 2008
Messages
5
Hello! I'm Ruben and I recently aquired a 15' 1973 Glastron V-156 with 65 horsepower Johnson Outboard motor(65-ESL-73R) on it that i purchased as a project. This is the first boat i've owned and my experience is not quite there yet and this site looks like a great place to ask questions.

The current battery on the boat is dead and looks questionable and I'd feel better replacing it.. What type of battery do ya'll recommend? What are the required cranking amps for this type of outboard motor? Any help would be appreciated..

I'll just start with this question today and hit you guys up for more input in a week or so when it comes time to tune those carbs!

Thanks again..
 

Lakester

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 17, 2007
Messages
428
Re: Johnson 65-ESL-73R

Hello! I'm Ruben and I recently aquired a 15' 1973 Glastron V-156 with 65 horsepower Johnson Outboard motor(65-ESL-73R) on it that i purchased as a project. This is the first boat i've owned and my experience is not quite there yet and this site looks like a great place to ask questions.

The current battery on the boat is dead and looks questionable and I'd feel better replacing it.. What type of battery do ya'll recommend? What are the required cranking amps for this type of outboard motor? Any help would be appreciated..

I'll just start with this question today and hit you guys up for more input in a week or so when it comes time to tune those carbs!

Thanks again..

hello,

welcome to iboats! yes, imo a good place for help. :) do as many will advise u here. dont just buy a new battery as its dead and questionable... test it or have it tested. perhaps it will charge up fine. a dusty crusty battery with some baking soda on it to clean it, etc if it will charge may be just fine. also, if cleaning battery do it out of boat. use battery water for the cells if low, and only add acid if it was lost by tipping. if totally evaporated it may be new batt time. they dont do well if a cell is dead.

also a good auto parts store can assist u with any testing.

regards
lakester :cool:
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Johnson 65-ESL-73R

welcome to iboats. if using for just starting i like and 850cca or higher. those motors have to turn +- 300 rpms to start. as stated above have the existing one load tested before you buy. usually free. advance auto parts is great for that.
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
28,226
Re: Johnson 65-ESL-73R

Buy the best battery you can afford. It will pay off in the end. If you can't afford one, well.......
 

1bad97svt

Recruit
Joined
Mar 13, 2008
Messages
5
Re: Johnson 65-ESL-73R

Hello again, Thanks for all of the replies! What I failed to mention in the beginning is that the battery that is on the boat currently looks to be a car battery (Everstart /Wal-Mart brand 630 cranking 525 cold). So if any of you out there have the same motor as me, what types do ya'll use for example?

Thanks

Ruben
 

Chaz1

Seaman
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
51
Re: Johnson 65-ESL-73R

I have the same motor but it's a '72 model. I just use a marine starting battery and have had no troubles. Not sure of the cranking amps as it's stored away right now. I believe the battery is a Nautilus brand. My reccomendation would be to go with a marine battery.
 

1bad97svt

Recruit
Joined
Mar 13, 2008
Messages
5
Re: Johnson 65-ESL-73R

I have the same motor but it's a '72 model. I just use a marine starting battery and have had no troubles. Not sure of the cranking amps as it's stored away right now. I believe the battery is a Nautilus brand. My reccomendation would be to go with a marine battery.

Thanks Chaz1!
 

tomoco

Cadet
Joined
Jun 27, 2007
Messages
29
Re: Johnson 65-ESL-73R

I also have a 65 hp, but 1972. I always buy whatever batt is cheapest, usually at Sam's. I was used for years to buying a new battery (batteries) every 2 years. Until I bought a charger that maintains the battery with a trickle after it's charged. Batts in now have been ok for at least 4 years, maybe 5. Keep them plugged in all winter. My charger is a Minkota, I think. I just dont think about it any more, and I still get the chaepest batts.
Worse thing to do is to let an uncharged battery freeze. Cheap or dear, it's Dead Weight!
 

Chaz1

Seaman
Joined
Aug 6, 2007
Messages
51
Re: Johnson 65-ESL-73R

I also have a 65 hp, but 1972. I always buy whatever batt is cheapest, usually at Sam's. I was used for years to buying a new battery (batteries) every 2 years. Until I bought a charger that maintains the battery with a trickle after it's charged. Batts in now have been ok for at least 4 years, maybe 5. Keep them plugged in all winter. My charger is a Minkota, I think. I just dont think about it any more, and I still get the chaepest batts.
Worse thing to do is to let an uncharged battery freeze. Cheap or dear, it's Dead Weight!

I totally agree with this. I also have a charger/maintainer. I think made by Schumacher. They are only 35-45 bucks. Great investment. Just hook it up and forget about it until you need it. Just make sure your acid levels are up to snuff.
 
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