Which Battery is best?

[SC77MA]

I have a 1977 20'MA, with a 200 HP Mariner. Time to purchase my first set of batteries. I have a perko switch, 2 batteries, 1 deep cycle, 1 starting. Can anyone recommend a starting battery that would be appropriate? A good deep cycle battery? My only electronics at the moment are the standard lighting, an illuminated compass, a GPS and a fish finder. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.....

[Old'sCool]

I've had very good luck with Optima blue tops and being gel I believe they're safer

[DonV]

I'd look in to the AGMs. Sam's Club has them at a good price and everyone I know that has them has had good luck.

[Islandtrader]

If you have a batteries plus in your neighbor hood check them out...good price, service, and warranty. go with the agms.

[Bushwacker]

Some Gel and/or AGM batteries require a different charging voltage for optimum life, so you might want to research that requirement to see if it's compatible with what your motor puts out. The reason I mention this is that on some new cars, the engine computer software that controls the alternator output must be tweaked if you change the battery! I personally think a good quality lead acid battery like a Deka is still the best bang for the buck!

[SC77MA]

Thank you guys. Any recommendations on the number of cranking amps for the 200 hp? I'm almost done and ready to reassemble her. New paint, new gel coat inside, completely redone console, new windshield. I love this boat !

[NoBones]

Do not mix batteries on the same charging system !!
The charging system will fail trying to charge a deep cycle and
a starting battery...

The outboard does not produce enough amperage to compensate
for the deep cycle.

Two standard starting batteries will surfice just fine..

The two major battery manufactures are Johnson Control and Globe.
They all come from these two and are labeled with whoever markets them.

Just my 2¢ worth..

BTW: Welcome to CSC

[FishStretcher]

The biggest things to limit starting motor performance are the starter, cable connections, cable diameter, cable length, and the battery. If the battery is new, and fully charged regularly, then I think the type is mostly irrelevant. Certainly the outboard wasn't engineered to work with an AGM but not a flooded battery. And for recreational use, I think overcharging is far less likely than undercharging. And letting an undercharged battery sit is bad for life. There are only a few manufacturers but lots of brands. And generally capacity is related to the amount of lead and not a lot else. Starting power is related to plate surface area. Get the newest flooded battery you can- check the date code. And verify the cables and starter are in good shape. I have had more expensive batteries quit than Wal-Mart ones.

[shine]

Do yourself a favor and install an automatic charging relay. It will guarantee a topped off charging battery. Its worth the peace of mind alone for me, but Im pretty sure it pays for itself every time in extended battery life

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by NoBones

Do not mix batteries on the same charging system !!
The charging system will fail trying to charge a deep cycle and
a starting battery...

The outboard does not produce enough amperage to compensate
for the deep cycle.

Two standard starting batteries will surfice just fine..

The two major battery manufactures are Johnson Control and Globe.
They all come from these two and are labeled with whoever markets them.

Just my 2¢ worth..

BTW: Welcome to CSC

Doh!