Battery Replacement suggestion for 2002 sundancer 280, twin mercruiser 5.0L

S

Seacret Hideaweigh

New Member
Sep 6, 2010
9
San Diego
Boat Info
280DA Sundancer 2002
Engines
2 X 240HP MerCruiser 5.0L EFI w/Bravo III Drives
This will be the first time I'm having to replace my batteries on my 2002 sundancer 280. I believe I need to replace 2 starting batteries as one will not turn its engine over at all and the other one barely holds a charge. We barely got the boat started from anchor yesterday after only being at anchor for 2 hours with nothing running power.

My I currently have 2 interstate 27M-xhd cranking batteries. Should I just get the same thing or would anyone recommend a different type of battery. I don't believe the ones I have are dual purpose. Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks!
 
Sears Die Hard Platinum Group 31 AGM Batteries. Not easy on the wallet but you install them and no more worries. Best upgrade I ever did. The Group 31 Batteries will give you better runtime on the hook too.
 
jason78 said:
Sears Die Hard Platinum Group 31 AGM Batteries. Not easy on the wallet but you install them and no more worries. Best upgrade I ever did. The Group 31 Batteries will give you better runtime on the hook too.
Click to expand...

I did Optima batteries with similar results.

MM
 
I talked to a Sears automotive guy this past week about the Platinum Die Hard and was told that they are discontinuing when current inventory sells out, so grab them now if you can. This battery is made by Odyssey and is the Odyssey part number is 31M-PC2150T or 31M-PC2150ST-M depending on whether you just need posts or posts plus wingnut posts.

Batteries Plus has the "T" (post only) version for $429.99 and they have a 10% discount code of CD10011 for web purchase through 8/31/15. This battery either has a 3 year or 4 year full replacement depending on who you buy it from, so look closely. Batteries Plus has the 4 year full (NOT PRO-RATED) replacement.

I am seriously considering buying them there so that I can throw them on the table and get a new one if one fails in the first 4 years.

I have read a LOT about Optima Blue tops (I got 7 years on the set I am now replacing), but, Johnson Controls bought Optima in 2009 and moved the production to Mexico. As a result, it is said that quality went into the toilet. So, I have removed Optima from my list even though I got 7 years out of a set.

Odyssey seems to be the best, but they are pricey. But, I have used the AGM batteries for 7 years and did not touch them for that entire 7 years. Additionally, the AGM is generally considered a dual purpose (start and deep cycle) battery.

Caveat Emptor. Your mileage may vary. Tax and license are not included.
 
I couldn't justify $400 per battery. I replaced all three of mine with group 27 interstates from Costco for $85 per battery. So far so good. Overnighted with fans, radio, anchor light, fridge... Running all night and turned right over with no problem the next morning.

Personally I would rather just replace if they become questionable. I'm more likely to replace an $85 battery than a $400 battery. One season drawing to a close with no problems. If I get 2 or 3 more, I'll be happy.
 
Duracells(Dekas) from Sam's Club-grp 31 $94 each. Had 2 for the house since Feb and they have performed flawlessly.

Bennett
 
Just logged back in. Thank you all so much for the suggestions. This was exactly what I needed to make a decision on battery replacement. I appreciate you all taking the time.
 
I replaced my Interstates with interstates about 4 years ago and they have been fine. Less than $100 each so you can't beat them.
 
magstang1 said:
I couldn't justify $400 per battery. I replaced all three of mine with group 27 interstates from Costco for $85 per battery. So far so good. Overnighted with fans, radio, anchor light, fridge... Running all night and turned right over with no problem the next morning.

Personally I would rather just replace if they become questionable. I'm more likely to replace an $85 battery than a $400 battery. One season drawing to a close with no problems. If I get 2 or 3 more, I'll be happy.
Click to expand...

I don't think Costco sells it's own brand (Kirkland) anymore. I never used them, but know folks who have sworn by them for years.
 
Seacret Hideaweigh said:
This will be the first time I'm having to replace my batteries on my 2002 sundancer 280. I believe I need to replace 2 starting batteries as one will not turn its engine over at all and the other one barely holds a charge. We barely got the boat started from anchor yesterday after only being at anchor for 2 hours with nothing running power.

My I currently have 2 interstate 27M-xhd cranking batteries. Should I just get the same thing or would anyone recommend a different type of battery. I don't believe the ones I have are dual purpose. Any suggestions would be helpful, thanks!
Click to expand...

A lot depends on how the factory wired the boat as well as any mods made. What powers the house? Do you have an emergency parallel switch. How many battery switches? What kind?

For the most part, the reasonable cost and performance award goes to Kirkland, but I think Costco has abandoned their own brand for the auto/marine battery for now. That let Interstate fall into first. Both were good. Kirkland was better based on folks I know who used them and the longevity.

If your boat uses the house bank to start the engine, get the biggest deep cycles you can fit. Deep cycles can handle the load of starting. Starting batteries CAN'T handle the load of house use. Get a battery watering system. You'll be more likely to maintain the system if you don't have to perform contortions to get to it.
 
I haven't made any mods. Boat is wired as it was from the factory. Right now I have a single starting battery for the starboard engine with an on/off switch. For the port engine/house I have a cranking battery and a house battery with wired to a 1-2-both-off switch. I am thinking of replacing the starting battery on the starboard with the same group 27 battery that's there since it is only for that one engine. On the port side, I am thinking 2 group 31 interstate dual purpose. I want a lot of house power since I have been spending 2-3 days on the hook in one spot...no generator. I have always had good luck with interstate and they seem to be well reviewed with a few outliers.
 
That makes it a bit easier. My take...YMMV. IF you can fit it, put 2 of the biggest golf cart batteries to run the house. Put a starter to start the engine. Switch the 1/2/all to the house side when on the hook. You may need an isolator. That separates everything.

If if that doesn't fit, I'd put 2 of the largest deep cycles on the port side. IMO, dual purpose batteries do neither at peak efficiency. You can use either / or / both depending on your needs.
 
Madifonzo said:
I haven't made any mods. Boat is wired as it was from the factory. Right now I have a single starting battery for the starboard engine with an on/off switch. For the port engine/house I have a cranking battery and a house battery with wired to a 1-2-both-off switch. I am thinking of replacing the starting battery on the starboard with the same group 27 battery that's there since it is only for that one engine. On the port side, I am thinking 2 group 31 interstate dual purpose. I want a lot of house power since I have been spending 2-3 days on the hook in one spot...no generator. I have always had good luck with interstate and they seem to be well reviewed with a few outliers.
Click to expand...

I have the same setup as you. I think based on price and comments I will also stick with interstate. How do you position your switches when starting and when on the hook? Probably dumb of me but I've never touched mine since we purchased it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,112
Messages
1,426,279
Members
61,025
Latest member
jralcorn
Back
Top