Cranking Battery...Multi-purpose?

[gnfsnva]

So I"m not real sure what I should do here...Got my first boat and I'm still learning, so y'alls input is appreciated.

I've replaced my TM batteries and now I need to get a new cranking battery. I have an 2004 Merc XR6 150.

Would it be recommended to go with a specific cranking battery, such as Deka Marine Master, Interstate, etc. or something like the Delco Voyager 27series?

I know the Delco's are highly recommended by many and more affordable than some others. So I guess my main question is if the Voyager 27 multipurpose battery is enough for my motor, or should I go for something specific to cranking?

With regard to usage - I'll fish once or twice a month and get on the water three to four times if I'm really really lucky.

Thanks for the help.

[31Airborne]

Deka is the best. Sportsman Center (next to Warbirds) has them. So does harbin Marine.

[Squire]

If you run your livewells off the cranking battery, I would strongly suggest a big bad old Optima....Pricey, but you won't have to worry about that dreaded....click..click..click sound

My attitude on batteries is simple. Too much battery life is NEVER a problem....

[HAWGMAN]

http://www.optimabatteries.com/ Try these batteries as I have found them to be the best. The outboards today are very easy to crank and these deep cycle batteries can handle the cranking and all the electronics that are normally used on a bass boat, etc. Live wells, bilge pumps, depth finders, L.C.R., gauges, trim-tilt, lights and trolling motor. They are A.M.G. and require no maintenance or fluids monitoring, just charging. Check them out, they are pricey, but well worth the money. Suggestion; You can purchase them from Advance Auto; if you will do a little homework and get prices from say "Sam's Club" they will match any price. I saved about $50.00 per battery and they had a special of a $25.00 rebate at the time and that brought my amount down to an affordable price. Good luck, The Hawgman

[gnfsnva]

Sounds good, but I just can't spend that kind of money for the AGM's/Optima's.

If given a choice on the flooded batteries...? Cranking specific, or a dual purpose?

[g3mike]

... the dual purpose will not last as long

[MSTFSH]

For your needs, use a cranking battery only to start the outboard motor. All brands will work if maintained properly. I am a fan of Interstate batteries. I am not sure of the size right off the top of my head but just replace with the same size you had originally. Once a year, pull the batteries out, trolling batteries also, and check the water levels. To get an idea of just exactly how full they are, pop the top (carefully) and see how much acid/water is in each cylinder when new, and keep them that way once a year. You won't have to add much distilled water but once every year or two and even then it won’t be much. Never add too much water as this will be a problem when charging. They will leak out of the top if overfilled.
Have fun!

Rob

[wayne]

Im the same as MSTFSH- I use Interstates in mine. I use the intersate cranking which is the 24 and two trolling which are the 27- no bad reports here- the trolling batteries I can get about 3-4 years out of em and thats due to fishing just about every weekend. Ive only had to replace the cranking battery twice in 12 years- retail for about 80.00

[fisherman77]

I'm with 31Airborne on the Deka. Well priced and I have not needed to replace any of mine now for 4 years. But the trolling motor batteries will get replaced this Spring.

[skeet1]

I have had alot of luck with the diehard batteries. they'll run about $80-$90 for a cranking and $130 for deep cycle. They always tend to last me 4-5 yrs before I need to start looking for some replacements.