Batteries for 2002 Searay 220 Sundeck

Hi All,

I just purchased a 2002 Searay 220 Sundeck that is missing the batteries, there is a place for 2 batteries with a 1/2/Both/Off switch. I have been reading about deep cycle and combination batteries, I have used Optimum in the past but have heard some good things about Duracell AGM. Should I go with the same batteries (deep cycle), different ones (deep and combination), which one should be #1, #2? It does seems like the previous batteries where wire in-line. Thanks, Ron

Welcome to the forum! There are several battery threads here, if you do a search, for longer reading. But, on a day bout like yours, the switch does exactly what it says, battery 1, battery 2, both (in parallel) or off. The design is so that if one goes bad (or dead), you can switch to the other to get home. Important stuff like bilge pump, power trim, should be connected to one battery so they are always on.

Many people switch between 1 and 2 on alternating days, to keep them charged. never run the radio on "both" while you are swimming in a cove, or you end up with 2 dead instead of just one.

As for batteries, don't over think it. I buy the bigger size marine combo battery at walmart or sam's club. I usually get 3-4 years out of them.

That's great advise, thanks for the heads up. I've had smaller Whalers for years and only had one battery to deal with.

Would you suggest a Group 31 battery?

Group size is more about the size of the case. For a boat, since runtime for the stereo at anchor is the factor, I just by whichever marine rated battery has the most amp hours.

randmhall said:

Group size is more about the size of the case. For a boat, since runtime for the stereo at anchor is the factor, I just by whichever marine rated battery has the most amp hours.

Click to expand...

Thanks again for the advise!

Get 2 Deka 27m6 or Sams Group 31 AGM. Both very good batteries, super high cranking amps and reserve capacity. Will be plenty for your boat.

Thanks Paul, I really appreciate it!