What Battery Fits?

[east tx skier]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a marine battery that will fit the battery box of my 1998 Ski Nautique with the floor plate installed? Whatever is in there now is too tall to get the cover on. I'm not planning to replace it until the one I have wears out, of course, but figured I'd ask in case I'm making a dash to the auto parts store when that day eventually comes.

I've had great luck with Delco Marine batteries in the past and would like to keep the price reasonable.

[TRBenj]

RE: What Battery Fits?

Our battery boxes take a Group 65 battery. That will give you the right dimensions and post location.

Im very happy with my cheapo Everstart Maxx-65N. I think the equivalent AC Delco is the Professional 65-7YR, at 1.5x the price. No idea what the marine equivalent would be, but Im not aware of any differences, unless you go to a deep cycle (not recommended for a starting battery). I bet the price will be higher, though!

[bobchris]

RE: What Battery Fits?

what size battery do you have now? group 24, 28, 31? Is it in a battery box? usualll the hieght of the battery doesn't change much, less than 1/2 between all of those size's if I remember correctly. Most marine battery's are top mount but if you went to a side mount only then you might gain some space but then you have to worry about side clearance or change the cables over.

[east tx skier]

Thanks. I can't remember what's in there at the moment. I've got Group 65 written down for when I need it though.

[bobchris]

Not sure on the group 65 call out might be specific to Odossy battery's only has that's the only ones coming up searching for group 65. I know the hieght difference on a group 24, 27 or 31 are all the same in the Delco line.

[east tx skier]

Looks like 12.5" (L) x 7.5" (W) x 7 9/16" (H) for Group 65 Batteries.

[TRBenj]

Not sure on the group 65 call out might be specific to Odossy battery's only has that's the only ones coming up searching for group 65.

Nope, its not. The stock battery in my dad's '03 is a group 65, as is my Everstart. Try googling "Group 65 battery" and see what pops up.

A group 65 should have the proper dimensions AND post locations for our battery boxes. Both of those are important if you want to use the same battery cables. I would imagine that most 65's would have a sufficient CCA for our boats as well.

[east tx skier]

Not sure on the group 65 call out might be specific to Odossy battery's only has that's the only ones coming up searching for group 65.

Nope, its not. The stock battery in my dad's '03 is a group 65, as is my Everstart. Try googling "Group 65 battery" and see what pops up.

A group 65 should have the proper dimensions AND post locations for our battery boxes. Both of those are important if you want to use the same battery cables. I would imagine that most 65's would have a sufficient CCA for our boats as well.

Tim, does the Everstart have an extra set of posts for the stereo amp connections and the line to the breaker on the engine (the one with the fuse on it)?

[tadelfio]

Just going off of memory, I believe, my battery cover states that a group 48 battery is the correct size for my 97 SKI and a 41 is an alternate size. My current battery, however is a 34 which is too small IMO but has like 875 CA which is more than twice the 350 CA min recommended by correct Craft. I will need to replace my battery this season and think that I will go with the Everstart. I just can't see spending the extra money on an oddyssey or optima when an Everstart for $60-$70 does the job and should still last me 3-5 yrs if maintained properly. I also do not have anything other than the stock stereo and don't ever plan to change that either.

[tadelfio]

I should also add that I am in no way saying that a group 65 does not fit. I honestly have no idea and I will definately check on that when I buy a new battery. I also do not know if the 48 or 41 even fits. I'm just saying that that's what the cover of my battery box states. Just thought I'd add that little disclaimer.

[east tx skier]

Okay, I did a little shopping this afternoon. I figure I can keep the one I have as a spare or give it to my father in law or brother in law when either of them leave the nav light on for a month or two.

Basically, 65 is a car battery and does not have the extra set of posts. Since I need those, 65 won't work for me, but will fit the box. 34 is a little bigger, but should fit. Anything under 8" ought to fit, but that is the maximum. The cover ads a little bit of headspace, but not much.

From the chart, 48 and 41 ought to fit, too. Pretty much everything I've seen meets the 350 cca specs in the manual so that isn't posing a problem.

Found a 34 at Sears, but very $pendy.

[TRBenj]

From the chart, 48 and 41 ought to fit, too. Pretty much everything I've seen meets the 350 cca specs in the manual so that isn't posing a problem.

Doug, you can always change the cable terminal to add the accessory posts if need be. Dont just go by the dimensions- post location is also key. Ive fit batteries into the box that I couldnt get the cables onto.

I am VERY surprised that the manual lists 350cca as acceptable. I wouldnt go below 650cca.

[jos]

Batterys are rated on equivalent specs.

SAE-CCA USA
DIN-A Germany
EN A Europe
IEC-A International

SAE Max current the battery can deliver for 30 sec. at 0F (-18C) while V >= 7.2V
EN Max current the battery can deliver for 10 sec. at 0F (-18C) while V >= 7.5V
DIN Max current the battery can deliver for 30 sec. at 0F (-18C) while V >= 9V
IEC Max current the battery can deliver for 60 sec. at 0F (-18C) while V >= 8.4V

So my battery type plate give both crankcing amps, 700 cca according SAE and 380 according DIN standard.
Can by understood when you understand the above.

[M3Fan]

Tim, does the Everstart have an extra set of posts for the stereo amp connections and the line to the breaker on the engine (the one with the fuse on it)?

ETS, you might want to talk to your dealer about getting that inline fuse out of your system entirely. It's a troublemaker and can be easily wired out of the loop by taking the power from the main breaker rather than the battery.

[tadelfio]

I agree TRBenj, 350 is rather low and I personally wouldn't attempt it.