I had 2 Continental cranking batteries in my Robalo for nearly 4 years, and the cold weather finally killed them! What Brand should I replace them with? Optima, Odyssey, Diehard, or just any Marine cranking battery. I have a 2 bank system, Port starts the motor, and the starboard runs the house electrical bus (live-well, lights, radio,ect). Should I get one starting and one Deep-cycle? What do you all think:question:
737flynfish
What's the Best Marine battery?
Marine Battery's
I too have Continentals in my Robalo.They are decent batts,been in my boat since I purchased it from the previous owner.Deep cycle all the way Deep Cycle Marine Batteries is the way two go. Mine are over two years old and just now showing sign's they need replaced. Continental has proven good. There are many different brand's. The key in them lasting. The handling of batteries is Important.Never run a brand new battery down.It will cut the life of the battery down. Always make sure to set the battery down easy, not to (drop it). Thing,s that I have learned over the years. Advice shared- Fresh batteries is the way to go. :texasflag
I too have Continentals in my Robalo.They are decent batts,been in my boat since I purchased it from the previous owner.Deep cycle all the way Deep Cycle Marine Batteries is the way two go. Mine are over two years old and just now showing sign's they need replaced. Continental has proven good. There are many different brand's. The key in them lasting. The handling of batteries is Important.Never run a brand new battery down.It will cut the life of the battery down. Always make sure to set the battery down easy, not to (drop it). Thing,s that I have learned over the years. Advice shared- Fresh batteries is the way to go. :texasflag
Marine Batteries
I am going to say I forgot to mention. Marine Cranking Batteries and Deep cycle. You can use The cranking Battery to start the vessel or use Just Deep cycle. Deep cycle have proven to be more reliable for lasting through extreme conditions. Heat,cold- Light's ,radio's-etc.It is a personal preference .Good luck with your new battery purchase. :cheers:
I am going to say I forgot to mention. Marine Cranking Batteries and Deep cycle. You can use The cranking Battery to start the vessel or use Just Deep cycle. Deep cycle have proven to be more reliable for lasting through extreme conditions. Heat,cold- Light's ,radio's-etc.It is a personal preference .Good luck with your new battery purchase. :cheers:
thanks for the info. I was looking at a AGM made by Odyssey. That's what the electrical supervisor at Robalo recomended, but I'm just trying to determine if AMG's are worth the price. My Continentals went 4 years and 350 engine hoursand are half the price of the AGM.
I've become an Optima (blue top fan)
Probably need to do an good evaluation of what/how you use the batteries vs what's available on the market.
Plus, look at how your batteries and charging are set up and make sure it works for you equipment setup and how you use the boat.
Probably need to do an good evaluation of what/how you use the batteries vs what's available on the market.
Plus, look at how your batteries and charging are set up and make sure it works for you equipment setup and how you use the boat.
flynfish,
you must take care of your batteries. I get similar life out of my wet cell Stowaways in deep cycle and cranking batteries I get from Academy. I don't recall the price, but it's reasonable. With any battery purchase be sure and take your old cores in for exchange. It sounds like a deep cycle and cranking battery is what you need. Stowaway's largest deep cycle battery is 115 amp hour rating, which is one of the higher available from my experience.
you must take care of your batteries. I get similar life out of my wet cell Stowaways in deep cycle and cranking batteries I get from Academy. I don't recall the price, but it's reasonable. With any battery purchase be sure and take your old cores in for exchange. It sounds like a deep cycle and cranking battery is what you need. Stowaway's largest deep cycle battery is 115 amp hour rating, which is one of the higher available from my experience.
Optima blue tops or Odyssey. Optima batteries are spiral core absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries and Odyssey are thin plate technology batteries. Both are killer batteries and they cost alot and slightly more for the Odyssey's. The Optimas have incredible cranking power, my blue top group 24's have 1000 marine cranking amps and have a super low discharge rate when just sitting around. The Odyssey batteries are nearly as strong but are quite a bit lighter and recharge really fast. Either battery is a great choice but you will pay for them.
I discovered Optima batteries when I was putting 1000 hours per season on the Una Mas. My 25 Whaler has a pair of Optima Blue Tops, and I have no complaints.
I wouldn't put anything but a blue top in there. There is allot of vibration from waves on boats, and the gel-cells handle this much better than traditional batteries. I have personally had them last five years. The second best thing I ever did besides go with optima, was using a battery maintainer. It's great to open up the boat barn and find the batteries ready to go every time.
I second the battery charger/maintainer/de-sulfater. I keep my boats down on the coast in Port A and every time I go to fish, the batteries are charged and in great condition. The two on my Mako are over 5 years old. I just maitain the electrolite, plug em in when I leave, and keep the connectors clean. I remove them twice a year and test them with my load tester. The flats boat has 4 batteries and dual 2 bank chargers. It's a bit pricey but safes a ton of money and effort dealing with dead, weak batteries. The Optima's are next for me when these die.
Complete listing with some great prices for Optimas at batteryjack.com, the D34M is an excellent dual purpose deep cycle battery.
One model of the Odessey (spelling) is now rebadged as a DieHard and can be purchased at many Sear's stores.
Odessey would be my recommendation. I current own five of them (installed in two vessels), and as soon as I get a chance, I will be buying another.
Odessey also makes great small batts for reducing weight in sports cars.
Odessey would be my recommendation. I current own five of them (installed in two vessels), and as soon as I get a chance, I will be buying another.
Odessey also makes great small batts for reducing weight in sports cars.
Optima (Orbital - sold at Academy, same exact battery) is a solid midrange battery for boats because of the contruction technology. Odyssey is overpriced and not as durable, imo. The most critical issue with longevity of batteries is charging, and not just with chargers. Check your alternators output as well. Some outboards have been known to overcharge batteries and ruin them.
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