What’s a good battery for a 03 bass boat?

[Justbass11]

Looks like I am going to need to buy new batteries for my 03 Triton. Was talking to a friend of mine and he says Interstate batteries are good that won’t break the bank. Anyway anyone’s advice would be great. By the way I have a 150 Mercury 

[TOXIC]

I assume you have a 24 volt TM and a cranking battery correct?  General rule of thumb is to get the biggest you can fit in there.  I also assume your big motor is an EFI or an XR6?  Check your owners manual or google up what the cranking amps are required for your motor.  Dual purpose for the cranker and regular wet cells for the troller.  I'm not a fan of the interstates.  It has been my experience that you get good ones or bad ones and many more bad ones than good.  I went through 3 sets one year guiding.  Swore them off after that.  Regular old everstarts and easy replacement anywhere there is a wally world.   

[Justbass11]

Thanks for the advice, the motor is a XR6

[Big Rick]

I've used the Everstart MAXX batteries for years with outstanding service. No complaints. And they don't cost an arm or leg. 

[Justbass11]

Big Rick, I was at walmart to look at those Everstart Maxx batteries but on the label they says automotive batteries. Is that the same battery you’re talking about?

[TOXIC]

No, you need the Marine version.  

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Everstart-Maxx-Lead-Acid-Marine-Battery-Group-29DC/49988415?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=5968&adid=22222222227039166482&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=80432035009&wl4=pla-177673336129&wl5=9008162&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=49988415&wl13=5968&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3vnCl6Ku3wIVyFmGCh2ahAL4EAQYAyABEgJk3_D_BwE

[Troy85]

I use EverStart Marine for my cranking and Interstate Deep cycle for my two trolling batteries.  I used to use Exide for trolling, but I could never get more than 2 years out them.  When my Exides started getting weak again about 6 months ago, I decided to try Interstate. 

[kjfishman]

I have had good luck with Costco batterries and they are  priced lower than a lot of others. Also the Walmart batteries others have mentioned have been good. As others have said biggest battery that fits is the way to go. Since I installed an on board charger my batteries have held up better.

[Boomstick]

Well I know that I have always used interstates in my car and never once regretted it!

[LonnieP]

Another vote for Everstart Maxx

[Big Rick]

On 12/19/2018 at 6:39 PM, Justbass11 said:

Big Rick, I was at walmart to look at those Everstart Maxx batteries but on the label they says automotive batteries. Is that the same battery you’re talking about?

No sir.  As stated by Toxic, you definitely need the MARINE battery. 

[WRB]

Why anyone uses wet cell marine batteries today is beyond me. Constant maintenance, corrosive fumes and short battery life. 

You can't afford a good AGM that cost 2X the wet cell but last 5X longer with zero maintenance other then charging that all deep cycle marine batteries require.

You cranking battery is. Group 24 and should be group 27 for today's electronics.

TM batteries could be group 29 and should be 31 for longer charger performance.

I am not a fan of Interstate. I like VMax Tank AGM's for moderate priced marine batteries. If you can't afford the initial cost, then Evergreen is a good as any other and availble at Walmart, don't like them either, sounding like a curmudgeon.

Tom

[NHBull]

Vmax tank 31's

You can't  tell the cost of something, until the accounting period is over.

 

[TOXIC]

Some big motor manufacturers have stated that an AGM can damage the stator or rectifier in some models of their motors.  You also need a charger specifically designed for AGM's or they will not charge properly.  

[WRB]

1 hour ago, TOXIC said:

Some big motor manufacturers have stated that an AGM can damage the stator or rectifier in some models of their motors.  You also need a charger specifically designed for AGM's or they will not charge properly.  

Never heard or read that AGM's can damage a outboard engine, nearly every bass boat the past 15 years are supplied with AGM's. Optimum Blue top AGM's are the most common marine battery today, I don't like them since Interstatectook over the company about 10 years ago. You can cook any deep cycle battery by over charging it.

Tom

PS, looked into AGM's for OB cranking battery and there was a lot of chatter regarding Yamaha OB' between 2005 to 2008 having issues, nothing on Merc OB's.

Yamaha however has detail battery use information on their site, no warning I could find other then use a cranking battery. Some AGM's are sensitive to over charging depending on the valve types used requiring a slower rate of charge not exceeding 15 amps.

[TOXIC]

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat or Advanced Glass Matting) lead acid batteries (also known as Valve Regulated Lead Acid or VLRA)This type of battery uses a fiberglass like material to hold the electrolyte between the plates. The bonding between the plates, fibrous material, and the case make the AGM virtually spill-proof. These batteries can be mounted in virtually any
position. Since they are sealed, the charging has to be carefully controlled or the battery can be damaged. The AGM requires the charging rate and the charge voltage to be controlled. Also, if battery temperature exceeds 77 degrees F, the charging values need to be adjusted accordingly. With an unregulated charging system common on older engines, there is no control of the charge rate or amperage. This unregulated system can cause damage to the battery and any electronics connected to the battery. It is not uncommon to see voltages approaching 20 volts on the battery with an unregulated charging system. Such high voltage can cause severe damage to depth finders, radios, etc. The AGM batteries are also limited in the charging amperage rate because the outboard engines typically (without a belt driven alternator) have a charging system similar to a battery charger. The AGM batteries typically require a
charge rate (from a battery charger) of approximately 13.8-15 volts with a maximum of 10 amps for up to 12 hours as a limitation. Please refer to the individual battery manufacturers instructions regarding your battery. The AGM battery restrictions are totally different when using a belt driven alternator charging system.
Older engines typically used only a stator and rectifier to charge the battery and the battery acted as the regulator. Keep in mind that these engines usually had a battery powered ignition system which was susceptible to damage if the battery voltage exceeded 16 volts or if the voltage dropped below 9.5 volts during cranking.

[Justbass11]

Just to let y’all know I bought my battery today, I went from a 24MS, 625 MCA to 29DC 845 MCA and it’s a EverStart Maxx. Thanks for all the input and Merry Christmas 

[22RangerZ520R]

Anything BUT an Interstate...  They're garbage.

 

I've got (4) NorthStar/X2 31 series AGM's in mine.  

 

Good luck.

[apenland01]

I love the Interstates in my vehicles, but not my boat.  For some reason, they just aren't as good of a marine battery as they are a vehicle battery.

 

Right now, I have the X2 31 from Batteries Plus for my cranking battery and 2 Deka's for my TM.  I think when the TM batteries need to be replaced at some point in the future, I'll be going with AGM, so I don't have to check the water levels all the time....

 

I have the Cabela's 20amp 3 bank charger and it has worked great for my AGM and regular TM batteries since I bought my boat.

[tander]

On 12/20/2018 at 5:09 AM, TOXIC said:

No, you need the Marine version.  

 

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Everstart-Maxx-Lead-Acid-Marine-Battery-Group-29DC/49988415?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=5968&adid=22222222227039166482&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=80432035009&wl4=pla-177673336129&wl5=9008162&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=49988415&wl13=5968&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3vnCl6Ku3wIVyFmGCh2ahAL4EAQYAyABEgJk3_D_BwE

Is this a cranking battery or a battery for the trolling motor ?

[TOXIC]

15 hours ago, tander said:

Is this a cranking battery or a battery for the trolling motor ?

The one I linked is for a Trolling Motor.   You can get a Dual Purpose for cranking that is for starting and also deep cycle.  

 

When it comes to powering your boat, move with purpose with this EverStart Maxx Group Size 29 Marine Battery. Specifically designed for use on a trolling motor, it provides long-lasting power, allowing you to enjoy more time on the water. This EverStart Marine Battery boasts 30 percent more cycling capability than standard marine batteries. More cycling allows you to run accessories and electronics even while the engine is shut off. Whether you are fishing or cruising the river, this battery is sure to make an efficient and practical addition to your boat.

[tander]

12 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

The one I linked is for a Trolling Motor.   You can get a Dual Purpose for cranking that is for starting and also deep cycle.  

 

When it comes to powering your boat, move with purpose with this EverStart Maxx Group Size 29 Marine Battery. Specifically designed for use on a trolling motor, it provides long-lasting power, allowing you to enjoy more time on the water. This EverStart Marine Battery boasts 30 percent more cycling capability than standard marine batteries. More cycling allows you to run accessories and electronics even while the engine is shut off. Whether you are fishing or cruising the river, this battery is sure to make an efficient and practical addition to your boat.

Thanks, my cranking battery went out yesterday after 8 years. It was a EverStart. It was only 650cca. I believe it was this one.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-Lead-Acid-Marine-Battery-Group-24MS-1000-CA/137183086

The motor is a 1996 90 Johnson.