Cranking Amps

Blue_Runner · #1 08-25-2009, 10:07 AM

I'm looking at a lightly used Optima marine battery on Craigslist for 1/2 price. It is a dual purpose deep cycle/cranking type with 870 cranking amps. Is 870 cranking amps sufficient for my Yami 150? I'm going to google it but thought I'd ask here first.

When I bought the boat it had an Optima battery. It was a great battery but it just sh!t the bed so time to get another Optima. This sounded like a great deal so I'm thinking about getting it!

Thanks guys,
Blue

tsubaki · #2 08-25-2009, 01:29 PM

870 is plenty. I'm using 675/550.
Do you have a load tester to make sure it is as good as advertised?

Blue_Runner · #3 08-25-2009, 01:58 PM

Tsub, thanks for the input. No load tester here. Owner claims to have bought in January for $155 to use for trolling motor. Sold boat in April and the battery sat until now. He has charged it recently. Pics show the battery to be in excellent shape.

My old Optima held up to being completely drained over a dozen times (maybe more) over a 5 year period. I'm sure it would have lasted A LOT longer had I not let it drain like that.

tsubaki · #4 08-25-2009, 02:30 PM

For about or less than $20 at Harbor Freight, you can get a tester to see the condition of a battery. Easy to use.

Blue_Runner · #5 08-25-2009, 02:44 PM

Yeah I know, unfortuantely for this deal time will not allow for that. I could get burned, for sure...but I could also get a great battery for 1/2 price. Decisions decisions. Would be nice if he had the receipt. I did not ask but will.

spareparts · #6 08-25-2009, 06:02 PM

I've thrown just as many Optimas in the pile as any other brand of battery, they go bad also, I personally don't think they are worth the money, I see people buy those things and hooked them up to crappy battery cables with corroded ends, poor grounds and marginal electrical systems. Buy a regular priced battery and put the rest of the money into the cables and wiring. Just my 2 cents. I've had good luck with the DEKA 1000 MCA 24M7 no maintaince white top battery(same thing that West Marine sells), it will spin just about any motor over, I've been selling them for 5 years no and have'nt had a bad one yet

BigAl331 · #7 08-25-2009, 07:46 PM

Before you pay for it, take it down to the local auto parts and have them test it. But if it was only used for that short of time you shouldn't have a problem.