New battery?

[jimmyz1]

I bought a boat last year. It has a 1987 60hp merc. The battery that came with the boat and was hooked to the motor to start is a deep cycle trolling motor or rv battery. Is this good enough or should I look at buying a new starting motor or dual purpose motor. If yes, any suggestions for this motor.

Thanks.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: New battery?

There are many arguments over what battery is necessary in a boat.

Your current battery will work.

The arguments over deep-cycle vs cranking batteries is valid. Battery choice should be made depending upon the intended use.

Cranking ONLY applications obviously need a cranking battery. HOWEVER, extended periods on fishing, drifting with power consuming accessories, i.e., depth sounders, fish finders, stereos, trolling motors, require the use of a deep-cycle battery.

Understandably, if your boat is only equipped with a single battery and you do leave accessories on for periods of time with the motor OFF, then a deep-cycle may be the best fit for your current application.

 

[jimmyz1]

Re: New battery?

Thanks CharlieB. I think I will save some $ and wait till I need a new one. I do have 2 other batteries on board for all the accessories and trolling motor. I guess when I need one I will get a cranking battery.

Thanks you.

 

[mthieme]

Re: New battery?

Before I had two batteries on a switch, I would change out the battery every 3-4 years.
It's hard to get a jump start on the water.