Battery Recommendations

[Paul E]

Mods if this is in the wrong place feel free to move it.

I'm about to start completely re-rigging my XR20, and I'd like to know what battery you guys recommend. It's running a '99 200hp 2 stroke Mariner, and I'll also have a chartplotter & VHF. I'm making a console, so I'd like to get everything sorted first so we can get the layout just right

Thanks

Paul

[jambo]

Hi paul
I run a 150hp 2st mariner on a Ribcraft 585 with Plotter, F/finder, radio, pump and the the other lights etc and I have two 120ah marine bats wired thru a bat switch to give me the options. I also have a trickle charger that i attcahed to no 2 to ensure it is always topped up as i leaave it as the on bat while at mooring for the pump.
Hope this helps.

J

[9D280]

I'll chuck a slightly controversial thought in here - Does your engine have an emergency pull start you can reliably use? Most 2- strokes are "self supporting" when running, so a dead battery isn't the end of the world as long as you can pull start the engine. (I ran my old SR for 3 days of rescue with a dead battery - once started the engine kept the VHF & GPS alive -the batt had vwastly reduced capacity but still acted as a smoothing device for the alternator output). Most 12V systems run direct off the alternator anyway (certainly in cars) so on paper if your risk assesement ticks enough boxes do you really need 2 batteries? A decent sized batt will be another few Kg to lug around.

Having said that, if you're planning on keeping an auto bilge pump running, then Jambo's setup is probably a good one.

[Paul E]

I don't think my motor has a pull start, I don't fancy pulling a 2.5l V6 anyway! A mate has a 150 yam and the chord snapped causing him to smash his elbow onto the seat backrest...

I forgot to mention I will be needing to run an auto bilge pump also. I heard someone saying they had a gel battery in their boat and they sang it's praises, but that was on a smaller boat running a 90hp 4 stroke. At the moment I have a huge great JCB Battery that weighs half a ton, and it's losing capacity I think so there must be a better solution.

[PeterM]

Got a similar 2 bat set up as Jambo - one running the auto bilge pump , one for starting etc .

Also means I can run lights , radio etc with the engine off with a degree of safety I can still start the engine. I also have a V6 that I could never pull start !

Even with this its been a abit slow to start after nights at -3 or -4 ' c .

[Ian M]

AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries get a good rep from what I have heard. Merlin electronics in Poole recommended Lifeline batteries to me. I've got a conventional heavy plate battery as my 'house' battery, and a deep discharge bat as the starter battery. I think most would expect the starter battery to be the bigger of the two, but no, it is amazingly light and compact, but still started my 200 etec without problems in the recent cold snap. Just make sure that you get one with the right CCA (cold cranking amps) rating.
I have also heard good things about Odessey batteries, which are also AGM batteries.
AGM batteries have the added benefit of working even if the casing gets cracked, or the battery is upside down.
I thought AGMs were expensive, but having just bought a new 'wet' battery for my wife's Astra, I'm not so sure

[Chris]

AGM batteries are where its at, they cost more but have a 5 year warranty and can be left for months without losing charge. They can be mounted at any angle and are completely sealed.

Lifeline or Odyssey are both well thought of and Merlin can supply either but you are talking £2-300 for the right size of battery.

[willk]

I have VERY strong opinions about batteries and their care.

I'm sure everyone's experience is similar - my boating life has been blighted by other boater's batteries letting them/me/everyone down at the water's edge/middle of the sea

Old batteries, fcuked batteries, ex-car batteries, flat batteries, loose batteries*

God help me, I've even driven down slips and jump started ribs with my 110 . I even pack a spare battery in the back when meeting other boaters for big days out. "OH, my battery is shot, erm...."

Whatever you do - get a decent battery/combo/switch and keep 'em in good nick - they're your friends, be NICE to them

__________________________
* OK, that one might have been mine

[jyasaki]

willk, it sounds like you need to start carrying a jump pack. They cost less than $200 US, and are essentially a portable battery with a couple of clip on leads. You run into someone with a dead battery, clip the jump pack on, let them get the motor started, and they're on their way. Recharging is done (I think) through your tow vehicles cigarette lighter socket.

jky

[willk]

Originally Posted by jyasaki

willk, it sounds like you need to start carrying a jump pack.

I need to carry a big stick!