what batteries to get and where

[8122pbrainard]

Pete, in general, marine/deep cycle batteries are designed for guys that use trolling motors and livewells, and are intended to be run mostly down and charged up, not used lightly, and kept on a perpetual charge. Isn't that what Rangers and the like have shore power charging plugs on them for? I am not sure I get what side terminals and handles have to do with the performance of one. Other than convenience, and dinging people extra money for them.
I have seen those "dual purpose" batteries and that would be my dead last choice for a battery.

I'm completely familiar with the different discharge characteristics of both a "starting" battery and a "deep cycle". I stated that you can't call a marine battery a deep cycle.

Yes, a marine is a automotive battery with the addition of stud terminals (to clarify, the ones you use with a wing nut) for boats with ring terminated cables. I didn't say side terminals! And yes, "marines"cost more - they see you coming in the door!! A automotive battery is fine for starting. I use them on all my boats - even 2 that have the ring terminals with the addition of post/clamp to stud adapters.

[AuMDLST]

I am almost certain the 2006 210 came with two standard Interstate batteries. I used to be sold on the optima blue top but after having these I see no need to waste the money unless you are installing them upside down under the tower. You need to check the specs on any battery - I've seen some folks spend twice as much on a blue top not even realizing that it is the same\similar spec as the Interstate from the factory.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

correct, deep cycles are used on bass boats and the like for trolling motors and accesories because these are boats that are not capable of recharging their own batterys. So they need the deep cycles for the constant drain. Still even with those boats, you use a starter battery that is not a deep cycle. You have to recharge both once you get back to the house.

[WakeSlayer]

So, when they label them "marine" only, and not deep cycle, it is just a car battery with a different label? Sorry, I have never seen that as I do not ever buy marine batteries. That seems stupid to me.
Pete, not questioning your knowledge on batteries at all. Nor anything, really, when it comes to boats. Just never seen one, I guess.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

if you need a way to connect cables with the "rings" to one with a top post this is what I have used in the past.

[Hollywood]

So, when they label them "marine" only, and not deep cycle, it is just a car battery with a different label?

And the threaded studs w/wing nuts.

There is also the "vibration" factor in boats but I really don't know much about this. I've see Optimas advertise it.

[WakeSlayer]

You learn somethign every day.
I have used those clamps for my boat lift. Shorestation had recommended a deep cycle marine battery for my Commander power lift. It lasted about a year and a half and was wrecked because as it is solar powered, it is not allowed to drain it enough. I was able to "repair" the battery by running it dead, recharging, repeat about a dozen times. We use it for our lake mower now.

[gride300]

i love the blue top's. regular car batteries just dont have enough juice to run 4 amps and 10 speakers.

[gride300]

im not sure how they are wired from the factory on his boat. i know on mine they are in series and i rarely do but if i'm going to anchor forever i switch to battery 2. i guess i'm just going to go check the amps and get a regular battery from autozone

[jaybird]

I really don’t want to sound like a know it all but I do have some knowledge in this area. You can use either standard or deep cycle "if they are not connected to each other". Wakeslayer is correct, the Optima will not spill or gas off but is very expensive, but in this case you do get what you pay for. Keep this very important installation tip in mind. If you connect both batteries together you will lose both if one goes bad during prolong periods not in use. I would strongly advise you install a charging relay so they are isolated from each other (except during charging) and then you won’t be stranded if your audio system kills one battery. Take a look here for detailed info on charging relays. http://bluesea.com/category/2/productline/docs/387. I know this all seems confusing and you can use any combination of batteries you want and it won’t hurt your boat. It is best to have a matched set (type, size & age) so they keep a balanced charge. The main danger is when one battery goes bad the other battery will quickly drain. When a battery remains below 12 volts for long periods of time the cells may be damage thus one failed battery can make both fail. To prevent this you can disconnect them from each other or keep them on a 1 amp automatic maintenance charger when not in use, the later being the best choice.
By the way I had a BRAIN FART and said something about series, don’t do that or you will have 24 volts VERY BAD! LOL
Good Luck.......

[8122pbrainard]

Mike,
Here's just a couple of pictures I found on line at West marine showing the marine starting and marine deep cycle batteries. Wing nuts on studs and handles. I sure wouldn't be going down to my West outlet for a battery (they will see you walking in the door!!) but it was a convenient spot to find pictures.





If anyone needs to read up on batteries, West has some great info on all the different types - regular lead acid, AGM, etc.

The picture that Chris posted is exactly the adapters I use on a automotive battery with ring terminaled cables

[WakeSlayer]

Thanks Pete. Like I said, I learned something new. I guess I don't shop for "marine" batteries so I would never have noticed. Especially at West.

[Andrew]

everything jaybird has said is horribly wrong.... never connect your batteries in series! "marine" batteries are not necessarily deep cycle! optimas are HIGHLY overrated!

Edit: oops, i didn't realize there were two pages to this thread :???: i was referring to the last post he made on page 1

[jaybird]

Bold statment Andrew stating everything I said was wrong? Seems I said Optima's are very expensive, and I said you can use any battery you want, my point was about proper installation which is exactly correct. And yes I said I had a brain fart about the series typo and I called attention to that myself.... so please tell me how EVERYTHING I SAID WAS WRONG? No I will give you a break, tell me One thing that is wrong?

[jaybird]

No problem Andrew, you must be Ok if you’re from Alabama and a Nautique fan :-)
Its just a bit insulting "everything jaybird said is horribly wrong" after 30 years of electrical engineering design I would like a wee bit of respect.
I’m just trying to help a fellow Nautique fan so lets keep this civil and not personal.