Starting (main) battery question

This is the starting battery that came with my boat. Odd that is is a deep cycle? Also I don’t see a date on it. So thinking I should replace it to avoid any issues in the water.

This is on an 1850 Ranger with a 150 Yamaha. I do like to run the stereo all day

Any thoughts?

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Yes replace it.

Any thoughts what to replace it with?

I called a dealer and they said they only carry 24 or 27 size marine cranking. Is 27 a good size?

Probably same age as the boat?

Cranking = Starting.

You may likely need the 1000 CCA for that motor. Check the owners manual.

IMO, if it aint broke, don’t fix it.

-J.

It’s a nine year old boat so…

I also kinda tested it the other day. From full, tan the stereo about 8 hours and it was drained. Not sure if that is normal or not.

Either way, I may roll the dice on the trolling motor batteries and see if I can get some more life out of them. But I don’t like to mess around with the starting battery especially on big water.

This is what the manual says:

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I’ve never seen a group 31 battery that wasn’t labeled as deep cycle. As long as it’s rated for the cold cranking amps requirement of the motor it shouldn’t be an issue. I’ve been using an AGM deep cycle group 31 as my starting battery on a 150 Yamaha for 3 years with no problems. I went with the 31 because the group 27 cranking battery I had before would run low on juice after I added the 3rd color screen to the boat.

Good to know Pat. Kind of odd that the dealers don’t even carry some of the other options. Just 24 or 27 lead acid marine cranking. Maybe because of cost.

I did also check with Batteries Plus and they have size 27 dual purpose deep cycle/starting. Both in lead acid and AGM. The AGM is way more expensive though. Decisions, decisions…

Costco has a dual purpose size 27 interstate flooded lead acid for under $100:

https://www.costco.com/interstate-27dc-marine–rv-battery.product.100476408.html

Looks like a lesser battery than what you currently have.

Check bearcats post on wanted to buy 31 serries battery. I’ve herd nothing but great reviews on Sams club Duracell 31 series AGM, plus also great price about $200.
Batteries plus tends to be expensive.

Thanks Ed I will check it out. Also found an Interstate Marine Cranking with 1000 MCA and 800 CCA and 182 reserve capacity which all meet or exceed the motor specs.

I’ll have to price them out

I appreciate all the help

lindyrig79 wrote:

Thanks Ed I will check it out. Also found an Interstate Marine Cranking with 1000 MCA and 800 CCA and 182 reserve capacity which all meet or exceed the motor specs.

That Interstate (27XHD) is what I am using as the cranking battery for my motor (175 Verado). I dont have any large electronics hooked up to it (2 small 5″ color screens). I’ve had no problems with it the last couple years. I would up it to a 31 if I had more drawing off it tho.

The interstate 31 agm is what they are putting in my new boat for the main battery, but all the rest I am using Ionic lithium batteries. As I have room for 5 batteries, and had them install a 5 bank charger, I will probably be putting in a lithium for the electronics also.

I also run the interstate 27xd for my 150 optimax. Running 2 7″ screens, stereo and lights. No issues. I often start my boat every hour or so for a bit if I see the voltage getting low on my graph. Always a good idea to have jumper cables in the boat. Can easily jump your starting battery off a trolling battery if need be. (Make sure the jumper cables are long enough)

Carry one of the small lithium jump packs. Cheap insurance.
I also carry jumper cables. Belt & suspenders.

+2 on a jump pac. I have a Gooloo2000 and while I never had the occasion to use it, I did lend it to a guide that was just launching when we were just coming in. He had a 350 Verado and his battery was deader than a door nail. Wouldn’t even try to turn his engine over. We hooked my pac up and it started like a brand new battery. I let him take it that night with the condition he drop it off before going home. He got a new battery and ordered a jump pack the next morning. He’s now a good friend of mine, pays to be nice to people.

Great info guys… this is why I love this site!

I do carry a Noco jump pack in the boat the last couple years. And will continue to do so with this new boat. I am all about thinking ahead and contingency plans if possible.

Thanks again!