Which Battery???

[Raeoflight]

I want to replace the batteries on my boat before there is a problem. I know I want the sealed batteries that don't require adding distilled water every month or so. Problem is, I'm a car guy and don't think the Optima battery would turn over a diesel for very long. On my 460 I've got two batteries in a box at the front center of the engine room under the ladder. I know I need to see if my new charger is compatible with the new batteries. But which battery and what size will I need? AGM or gel? What lasts longer? Shipping a battery that size has got to be a pain so do I buy local? I want two to fit in the factory location and that they don't require anything but opening the box and remove/replace.

 

[Wylie_Tunes]

You dont want a gel and an optima is an AGM. The D31M has 900CCA. IMO, thats about average for that size. Yes, buy local

 

[paulswagelock]

My local Napa sells group 31 industrial batteries with ~1100 MCA for $79.99. the are for starting heavy equipment and 18 wheelers.
Use them in my boat.
Made by DEKA.

Sams sells the same one for $99 listed under commercial batteries.

 

[BlueYonder]

Do you ever anchor out? What size batteries are in the boat now? 2 group 31 batteries for starting and deep cycle use seems a little undersized for a 46' boat. Optima batteries have a decent CCA rating, but have less than average ah rating for deep cycle use. Deka makes good AGM batteries in various sizes. I am partial to Odyssey batteries. High quality, but you pay for it. An Odyssey group 31 AGM has 1150 CCA (1370 MCA) and 100 ah in deep cycle use. Shipping an AGM battery is no big deal as they are sealed and will not spill.

 

[fr8dog]

On my 460 the two batteries you are talking about are the 8D size. They double as starting and house batts. I installed Lifeline AGM batteries 4 years ago. They weigh about 150 lbs each! The factory charger worked fine. I would stay away from a Gel battery.

 

[Raeoflight]

I did not say earlier but I believe my two batteries also double as starting as well as house. So the Lifeline is a good brand? And it is an AGM battery?

 

[suss1173]

West Marine has a sale on these this weekend. http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...up-24--15020183?cm_mmc=EM-_-Promo-_-N/A-_-N/A

I don't know if these are any good... But I was thinking of getting them for the 300 dancer I picked up this summer.

 

[Lazy Daze]

My local Napa sells group 31 industrial batteries with ~1100 MCA for $79.99. the are for starting heavy equipment and 18 wheelers.
Use them in my boat.
Made by DEKA.

Sams sells the same one for $99 listed under commercial batteries.

$80 for that size Deka? Wow! I think I'll be getting those the next time I need batteries (need 2) for my diesel Suburban!