Battery...

[justrfb]

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

[curtiscapk]

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.

[BobL]

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.

[killerkernrich]

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.

[MH Hawker]

I would have it load tested

[brumbyvet]

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

x2

[bassn386]

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!

[zoom650]

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.

[ROLAND]

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...

[justrfb]

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

[fredeboy]

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.

[fergusmj]

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.

[Cowracer]

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

[cleatus]

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

[Rascal]

Interstate at Costco... Cheap and a Very liberal return policy.

Rascal