battery

[LSV04]

We are dropping the boat in this Sunday and I think my battery is shot. Can it be tested. My marina is a thief and I hate to buy anything from the guy. Can you buy a marine grade battery from Sears?what is the difference between deep cycle marine batteries and car batteries.

[smokedog2]

Yes you can test them for faults. Testers/chargers are at Sears or Radio Shack

Deep cycle is mostly for steady loads like trolling motors and big stereos.

Sears has some good batteries, better than many. I have the blue topped one they sell.

AutoZone is cheaper and may be better.

Cranking is starting power.

3-5 years is expected even when 5-8 is on the label

SD2

[Engine Nut]

We are dropping the boat in this Sunday and I think my battery is shot. Can it be tested. My marina is a thief and I hate to buy anything from the guy. Can you buy a marine grade battery from Sears?what is the difference between deep cycle marine batteries and car batteries.

You need a marine cranking battery for starting the engine, not a deep cycle battery. The battery needs to have minimum 650 Cold Cranking Amps.

Engine Nut

[MOOMBA_97]

The Everstart MAX (the yellow one) from Wally world seems to be a good one. If I remeber it was around 800 or 850 amps and $68.

[lowdrag]

Places like autozone should test it for free. Deep cycles are meant for just what they say. They are made to be run completely dead and recharged and it won't bother them. Cranking batteries are made to be run down a little and recharged. Completely draining a cranking battery repeatedly will significantly shorten its life. Depending on how much you want to spend, the Optima blue tops are about the best out there.