Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Hello All.
I know there has been a few threads regarding batteries but they seem to involve multiple batteries with a switching method... We are relatively new to tooning (bought a 2007 Princecraft Vantage 20L with a 75 Merc 4 stroke off the back last year) and my battery needs are still stock simple... We play music, but very rarely on our stock, 4 speaker system and sometimes we have our Garmin GPSMAP fired up too as we sit with engine off. In other words, I have 1 battery that does all. Said battery is original with the boat (I am assuming per the "4/07" sticker on it)... Our boat had 97 hours on it when we bought it and we didn't ad more than 15 or so last year... Do you think I should replace the 7 year old battery or do you suspect it still may have a few years left seeing it hasn't been used much at all (relative to a car battery that is...)... It is a "marine" grade battery. What do you think please... Thank you!

Sincerely,
Rich

you might be alright for a bit. The first year I only had one battery as well. I still don't have a switch though with 2 batteries. I just have my main power on one battery and all accessory power hooked to my second one. At 7 years though be prepared to replace sometime soon. Maybe you should carry a jump pack just in case.

My vote/advice:

1 - Get a new battery

2 - from what you describe, your battery needs do not require a second battery.

3 - in my experience with lots of boats and batteries, "go cheap and go often". What this means is I have spent a lot of $$ on the expensive batteries and a standard marine cranking battery will work for what you describe.

Please don't be that person that turns it up so loud that would bother those who go to the lake for fishing an peace an quiet time.

I would have it load tested

[. Maybe you should carry a jump pack just in case.[/quote]

x2

I think you are very lucky to have gotten the service life you have. I put mine on a battery tender over the winter and I'm happy if I get 4-5 years on one. Every time I try to push the envelope, the envelope collapses just when we have company down for the weekend!

I've had good luck with batteries. My former offshore boat had 3 batteries, all original equipment, that lasted at least 11 years (732 hours) when I sold it last year.

Test your battery. Since you only have one, I'd carry a jumper pack and see what kind of mileage you get from it.

I think you would be wise to get a new battery... you sure don't want to be a couple of miles away from the launch one evening and find out your 7 year old battery has died.... In fact, my set up isn't too far different than yours.. 20 footer with a 75 yamaha... only electronics I run are depth finder and stereo, but they are only on while the engine is running and we're underway... when we're anchored I don't have any electronics on, so just a good marine cranking battery is all I use. Actually just bought a new one last weekend to replace my old battery which would be going on it's 5th season...

Good morning All.
Thank you. Thank you for all of your help... I will be getting a new battery. Imagine how much trouble I would be in if we got stuck out on Lake George, NY (BIG lake...) while on vacation with my father-in-law and brother-in-law, his kid, our kids, my wife and the 2 dogs with a dead battery... I think they would "off" me and just dump me in the lake... "ROLAND", may I ask where you bought your battery and if you carry a jump pack? I was considering getting a jump pack... Any suggestions or recommendations for one? I got it... I will buy the battery for the boat because it needs one and I will ask my kids (and wife) for the jump pack for "Father's Day" coming up... I think that will work. Thanks again All, for your help and suggestions. Happy (and safe) boating.

Sincerely,
Rich

Well sir I am in a similar position. My starting battery is going on 7 seasons but still appears strong.
So I bought a new one and just stored it under seat just in case. Adds a little weight but with my Grumann tritoon I can't even tell a difference. Makes me feel good it is there.

This is from when I was buying my batteries just a month or two ago. May be of some help.

Yellow are what I went with.

Buy now. With the closure of the last Primary Lead Smelter in the US (that I was formerly employed at), battery prices will more than double in the coming year. If you even think you need a battery, now's the time to grab one.

Tim

If you can find Deka brand batteries in your area, they are also a good choice in boat batts.

here is some info:
http://www.easternmarine.com/deka-12v-m ... ng-battery