2 New Batteries

KenBoo · #1 03-13-2022, 01:23 PM

Need to get 2 new batteries here's the question. Should both be the same or 1 for starting and the other accessories? Have the basic set-up.
- Lights
- Wiper
- VHF radio
- AM/FM CD player
- Bilge pump
- Fish finder
- Live well pump

In the past purchased all my batteries from Sears. Where's the best place to purchase these days? Sam's Club?

Thanks,

Ken

Destroyer · #2 03-13-2022, 02:18 PM

I know a lot of people like Interstate Batteries. Personally I like Delco. But I get my tractor batteries from Walmart and they seem to work just as well.

If it were me I would get 2 of the same size and type and wire them up to an off-1-2-All selector switch. That was you can use 1 or 2 or both for starting, and 1 for just your accessories while fishing. (keeping #2 fully charged for starting)

phatdaddy · #3 03-13-2022, 07:03 PM

I get mine from Sam s Club. The Energizer Marine, 1000 MCA, I think. I usually get 2 every 2 years. I then take to old ones and put in my Whaler and Kubota

I have both hooked up all the time, no isolator switch. I do have a master off on switch to kill power, but just run all batteries all the time

spareparts · #4 03-13-2022, 11:14 PM

there are three major manufacture of generic boat batteries in this country not counting specialized or small market batteries. East Penn Manufacturing(deka, duracell, west marine) they have flush fill caps or circular ones that thread in. Exide(used to be sears, delco, and any others with the distinctive waffle print case design), and some company i cant remember, General Signal or something like that, they make Interstate, Farm and Ranch, and most standard looking batteries with the rectangular service caps. i sell 30-40 Deka batteries each year and have had good luck with them. I'd recommend the 24M7 starting battery with 850 CCA/1000 MCA. Never mix the battery types regardless of what the stereo guy told you. Gel and agm batteries have their place, but are usually out performed by good quality wet cell batteries on boats. Especially when considering the price. Next, lets talk about your battery cables...

SkunkBoat · #5 03-14-2022, 03:16 PM

I ran the V20 with one 27DP Dual Purpose marine wet cell.
They generally lasted 5 years. You would notice the tilt getting slow when you got to the boat after a few days. At the first sign of that I replaced it.
I fished at night often with lights and electronics with motor off.
I had a 4 stroke zuke that started on the first click of the key.
If you have an old carbeurated 2 stroke Mercury that won't start for 10 minutes then get two batteries...if you have an Optimax or Verado..my condolensces...

If you run 2 batteries you could get away 24DP. Dual Purpose give you plenty of start power and lots of backup run time. I'm a fan of dual purpose batteries...I know some people are not..but I run 4 of them on my 26 Grady (2 for start and 2 parallel for House 12V) I overnight in the canyon with UW LEDs, VHF, 2 sonars, and Spreader LEDs motors off from dusk to dawn.

I am not a fan of the 1/both/2/off switch and the standard method of alternating batteries on the way out and way in. You have to remember to switch them. I CANT REMEMBER SHI...
In this setup, your 12V House is running on the same battery as your starter and only that battery is charging.

I prefer a dedictaed House 12v isolated from the starter (with a switch to allow combining with start battery in emergencies.) Many outboards have (or can add) an Auxillary charging cable. Or you can use an Isolator. In this way, you only use your start battery to start and everything else runs on the House battery. ALL batteries are always charging.

Blue Seas has some diagrams on their site for various setups.