98 Speedster Starting Issues and potential second battery mod

[shanem]

So had too the boat off the trailer and started both engines. I let it idle and warm up for a few mins and then went up and down the pond a few times. I then went ashore to pick up the wife and kids. Jumped in and started up the port engine...starboard attempted but but wouldn't go. Then the starter would stay keep turning off until I turned off the main switch. Flick on the main and it would already start trying to turn over. I'm guessing bad solenoid but took it off and cleaned it up (ordering a new one). It started right up after in the driveway.

So few days later I went back out on the pond and tried the starboard engine..It fired up. But nothing out of the port. When I had the starboard going and pressed the starter for the port it would shutoff the star and get a long beep. I'm thinking the battery is getting weak. I only got this boat last fall and not sure the age of the battery. It's a Napa CCA 550 amp sound about right? I'm going to put it on charge and then bring down to napa for load test.

I also have an extra 100 AHr deep cycle battery from a solar job. I was thinking about doing the two battery mod and use this battery for stereo. Any issues with having a starting battery and deep cycle? The 1/2/all switch, Do you have the starting battery on 2 and then once both are running flick it to all so that the deep cycle is charged? Or do you just use the deep cycle when you are engines off and then went you get hoe put the deep cycle on charge?

 

[Coastiejoe]

It does sound like a battery issue.. Seems somewhat common in twins that if the battery is weak, it iwll start one engine and then not the other even when the one engine is running.

Deep Cycle batteries are great for electronics, not great for normal use and starting. So if you intention is to mainly use it as a starting battery, I would not recommend it.

 

[shanem]

I plan to replace the Napa starting battery with something equivalent if it turns out the battery is bad. I was going to also put the deep cycle in for the second battery (stereo).

Do you turn the switch to "both" after you have both engines started so that they both charge? or will a depleted deep cycle draw from the starting battery then and cause the engines to shutoff? I guess you need an isolator?

 

[XP 787]

Im running 2 deep cycles no issue. I turn the switch to 1 for starting and running. If I stop and listen to the stereo I switch to 2. The charging system is too weak for 2 batterys at the same time IMO. I always use a trickle charger when the boat is not in use though.

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

I have looked into batteries a lot. From what I have found, here is the low down: There are MANY different types of batteries that you can buy, ranging from deep cycle to AGM, and so on. The best battery you can buy is ....... A new one. The type, performance figures, longevity estimates, charge times, etc are all trumped by the age of the battery. Plan to buy a new battery every year, and ALWAYS keep a brand new battery on board as a backup. Charge the batteries every 3 months, or keep them on a 1.5 amp float trickle charger. If you buy your batteries on eBay, they are very inexpensive.

The type of the battery effects your performance by 10%. The age of the battery effects the other 90%.

 

[racerxxx]

My 99 speedster came with a deep cycle when I bought it new in 99. I still put a deep cycle in it. The only thing I have changed is the cranking amps. I buy the largest I can get. I average roughly 4+ seasons from a battery. I've mentioned it before, I don't subscribe to battery tenders. I remove it in the winter and store then inside in my basement. Everyone has their own formula, I'm sticking to mine. I got my last 2 from Wal-Mart.