What are BEST batteries to buy?

[CnCsigns]

I have a 1999 Sundancer 270 SE w/ (1) 454, and no generator, what is the BEST battery to buy to replace the 2 old ones.
One of the 2 in the boat from 1996 is on it's way out.

 

[danmarsh50]

From my understanding of marine batteries you'll want to purchase a "cranking" type battery for starting the engines and a deep cycle "house" battery for your dc (house battery) systems.

 

[Henry Boyd]

From my understanding of marine batteries you'll want to purchase a "cranking" type battery for starting the engines and a deep cycle "house" battery for your dc (house battery) systems.

That is normally correct, when the boat's electrical system is isolated into two circuit families, i.e. house and engine. However, on the SR single big block engine installations, the batteries are installed in parallel to double up the amps for cranking. The one, two, both switch just isolates battery one and two. So while you might treat battery 'one' as engine and battery 'two' as house, both are doing the same thing.

When I replaced our batteries last year I went with two marine dual purpose batteries. They are supposed to have better re-charging ability in the event of being drained than pure cranking batteries.

Henry

 

[CnCsigns]

OK, I'm trying to find out what BRAND Battery would be the BEST to buy??
It's for a 1999 Sundancer 270 SE w/ (1) 454, and no generator but does have a bulit in C-Charger, also it has the factory 1-2-both switch that isolates the batteries.
Boat has these 12v options to run when not hooked to dock side power or engine running:
Frig, fresh water pump, basic cabin lights, & radios, so what I'm asking is what's the BEST battery to buy to replace the 2 old group 27 ones.
One of the 2 in the boat from 1996 is on it's way out, other one is fine, but I will replace both.

 

[Tonka Boater]

I don't think you can label one particular brand as THE BEST for all boats and all applications. There were recent discussions on batteries that you would find useful - -just search for "batteries".

Here's a recent thread about AGMs:
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27927
.

 

[CnCsigns]

THANKS, Tried to search about batteries, Battery etc. but alot of other topics seem to come up.

As far as asking for the best, I did state in my post what I need it for, not what every one else has in their boat, just for the options of the 270 DA SE as stated.
Just trying to find wht is good and what is not.

 

[Henry Boyd]

THANKS, Tried to search about batteries, Battery etc. but alot of other topics seem to come up.

As far as asking for the best, I did state in my post what I need it for, not what every one else has in their boat, just for the options of the 270 DA SE as stated.
Just trying to find wht is good and what is not.

I'm not sure I understand your reaction. You just said BEST. OK, what do you mean by BEST? Tell us and we won't have to tell you what we are using. Although since some of us have the same boat configuration, and just bought batteries and did the research, it stands to reason that what we are using might be a good shot at a BESTimate.

The battery that will take the most recharge cycles?
The battery that will spin your big block at 2000 RPM?
The battery that will cost the most money?
The battery that will cost the least money?
The battery you can buy at WalMart?
The battery that will allow the longest time before complete discharge?
The battery with the longest useful life?
The lightest battery?

 

[Tonka Boater]

I am upgrading to Sears Diehard AGMs in a couple of weeks. We spend a lot of time on the hook and I like to do overnights with the kids.

Here's what I will be getting:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850131000P?vName=Automotive&sName=Marine+Batteries&cName=Batteries+%26+Chargers&blockNo=1&blockType=G1&prdNo=1

 

[CnCsigns]

OK, thanks, so you saying you have about the same options as I do? No Generator etc... and you plan on doing a over nighter w/ out A/C power?
So that is what I have been trying to find out.

 

[Tonka Boater]

OK, thanks, so you saying you have about the same options as I do? No Generator etc... and you plan on doing a over nighter w/ out A/C power?
So that is what I have been trying to find out.

I do have a gen but I don't run it while we're sleeping overnight or while the kids are swimming. I like the idea of going all day or more on a single charge and/or having the frig on battery power overnight. I don't run the frig on the batteries now -- it usually keeps things cold enough on an all-day outing.

I'm on an inland lake and the shore is always visible. If I were on a larger body of water I would probably have a dedicated cranking battery on its own bank and 2 AGMs for the house. I have yet to be stranded with dead batteries but if it were to happen it would be an inconvenience where I boat, not life threatening.

 

[JVM225]

I like the Interstate Starting/Cranking (dual purpose) batteries. I have three of them on my boat.
Interstate has also been my choice for replacement in my cars for years.