[jdecoudres]

I know those optima batteries are the best but im not goint to spend $200 for a battery. Any suggestions with what batteries U ppl are using out there? THanks!

[indykoch]

Since I worry too much about getting stuck in the middle of our "pond" from running the stereo all day - I usually replace them every couple years to be on the safe side. Since I buy 2 every 2 years, I just buy the cheap deep cycle marine ones at WalMart. No problems... yet!

Some will tell you to get a starting battery (dedicated) and a deep cycle for everything else, but I don't play into it. If the manufacturer supplies only one battery, and it's a deep cycle used for starting as well, then I tend to believe it's okay to do so.

[jdecoudres]

Ok thanks makes since to me. Do u use a ACR or anything. I have a blue sea switch with the 1,2,both,off options and I only plan on using it and switching to what ever battery I need.

[jeffryb]

Yeh, the Optima"s are expensive but I broke down and bought 2, three years ago and for me it was well worth it. One thing that I do that I'm sure everyone does is in the winter I bring both batteries in the house and put each one on a trickle charger and it keeps them fully charged and ready to go.

[ShabahZ280]

X2 on the Walmart batteries. I replaced mine last year to the tune of $79 each, for group 29 Deep Cycle with 875 Cranking Amps. Also came with a 2 year replacement warranty. Can't beat the price, two batteries and $50 to spare for the price of one optima.

I also use trickle chargers during the winter and store them inside. Some simple battery maintenance like using a trickle charger (or sometimes called battery maintainers), keeping them in temps above 50 degrees, and keeping an eye on the water level throughout the year will prolong their life!

[jdecoudres]

thats more what i am thinking. what is the diff in groups? And is the lowest cranking amps u would go with. So u are saying u use two starting batteries to start your boat and also use a starting battery as your house battery

[64*thunderbolt]

i really don`t think it matters what brand you get, since theres probley only a couple of battery manufactures in the us anyway.stay with a deep cycle, i would get one with the highest cold cranking amps that i could get.also get one with the longest warranty, it stands to reason that a battery with a 7 year warranty will last longer when one with a 3 year warranty. try to purchase one from a store that sells a lot of batterys, you don`t want to buy one that been sitting on a shelf for months ! Jackie

[ShabahZ280]

Nope, get deep cycles. They'll have more than enough cranking amps for your boat. The reason I went with a Group 29 battery was it had the most cranking amps. They're physically larger, and you might have to replace your battery holders, I did. If you've got MPI, Mercruiser recommends at least 800 cranking amps, according to the service bulletin my dealer gave me a few months before I replaced the batteries.

If you decide to go the walmart route, look for a small circular sticker on the side, that'll be the date of manufacture. I found ones that were made the month before I bought them!

[jdecoudres]

thanks i check it out!