Boat Batteries

[Alex]

Hi Guys,

I am new to boating (finally am getting my first boat this Saturday)

Could anyone please help me with the boat battery selection.

It is only to service navigation lights, sounder, bilge pump, marine radio.
Do I have to buy a specially designed marine one or go for a general use battery, like used in the car? Brands also please: Exide, Yuasa, Power Crank etc.
I was told nothing wrong with the general use ones, but what about built quality? Will they last on the chop?

All replies will be much appreciated.

Cheers,
Alex

[jimi]

Deep cycle batteries are generally used in situations where a largish current needs to be drawn for along period. Things like electric outboards and engel fridges would need these batteries.

For electronics like sounders, radios and the like you really only need a standard battery. Definately get one designed for marine use. Marine batteries are designed for the extra pounding that things in boats are subjected to and are essential if you don't want to spill battery acid everywhere from a cracked battery.

They generally have a much higher capacity than car batteries (ie. their AmpHr rating) which means they will last longer between charges and can supply more power. A car battery is contually being charged by the cars motor, but on a boat, the motor is not always running so the batter has to last longer on its own. You may not even have your battery hooked up to the motor at all, so it needs to be able to last a long time between charges.

To power the things you mentioned you could probably get away with a 85-90 amphr battery. Of course the larger you go, the longer you can last between charges. If you also want to use it as a cranking battery, go larger.

Century make good general purpose marine batteries (ie. non-deep cycle) starting at around $110. Make sure you get a battery box to mount it in too, that helps contain any spills that may happen, and will protect the battery as it can be strapped down.

Cheers

[Alex]

Thanks a lot guys