Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

[Jimalee2000]

I just bought a 1976 Larson in/outboard and have read different opinions about batteries from different sources. I am wanting to purchase as cheap as I can a "starting" battery just for purpose of starting the boat. I will use a regular marine battery for the trolling moter when I get that far.
The boat has a 140 engine and my thoughts are I can buy a cheap auto/marine battery from Advance auto for like 55.00. Is this suffiecient for the engine? I have read so many threads about batteries each one says the last is wrong. Could use ur 2 cents worth.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

Welcome to iboats!

Pretty much any marine starting battery will have enough oomph to start that motor (as long as the motor and starter are in good condition). A dual purpose battery would be a better idea if you plan on using a few electrical devices while the motor isn't running. You could even use a deep cycle battery for a motor that small.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

Ayuh,... I'd go witha 650cca or bigger...

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

Just get a marine grade starting battery. Walmart has them pretty cheap.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

Cranking Battery- Provides a short burst of High current for a brief period of time, as demanded by a starter. Discharging it too far or two often will shorten it's life. It's made to be kept as fully chaged as possible.

Deep Cycle Battery- Provides a steady current over a longer period of time and is built so that it can be repeatedly discharged/recharged. Isn't made to provide a high current burst, but can serve as a lighter duty cranking battery.

Marine grade simply means that the battery is built to take the type of pounding it's likely to see in a boat. You might get by with an automotive cranking battery, but it may not be built as sturdily as a marine grade. Both types of battery (deep cycle and cranking) can be marine grade.

 

[Jimalee2000]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

Thanks to each of you. I will check in on that tomorrow. The cheapest I could find was a auto/marine at advance auto for about 55.00 but haven't checked into it throughly yet.. I know their are a million options out there. thanks again

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

Marine grade simply means that the battery is built to take the type of pounding it's likely to see in a boat.

I wish this was still true.... Maybe on a high end battery, but the Walmart/Autozone/Napa Batterys, the only differnce I could find is that it had marine type screw post terminals. They even weighed EXATLY the same.

As to the original question, yes the less expensive battery will work quite well for your needs.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

for shock resistance, there really is no difference comparing an auto battery to a marine. My car rides ROUGHER than my boat, and the car battery sees much worse operating conditions under the hood that it will ever see in a boat. Not to mention, I've never had a battery fail from vibration/shock. Every one died of old age due to corrosion/buildup on the plates.

but the big difference... different terminals.

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

Check the warranty on the battery too!

You may pay $10 more for the battery but may also get a 4 year unconditional warranty on it.

just my 2 cents.

 

[TyeeMan]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

I bought a Napa (Exide I think) the other year for my I.O. , seems to be really strong, no issues. Now, regarding your trolling motor battery, might I suggest a Trojan? I have a Minnkota bow mount and I've had Exides, Minnkota brand, and some other batteries. The best battery by far that I've had to date is the Trojan I have now. It's a big hummer, 30 series something like that. I've had it almost 5 years and all I've done is ad some distilled water now and again, trickle charge it over winter and have fun. Last year I could tell it didn't quite hold the charge it used to but I could still run it at 1/3 to 1/2 speed almost all day. I might think about replacing it this year.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

Re: Just bought an in/outboard and not sure about batteries

Your boat needs 13.2 volts- period.
It doesn't care if it's a car or boat battery.
For a 140, a cheapo group 24 will work just fine.
If you want a better warranty than the cheapo has then you'll simply pay more upfront.