Batteries?

[ORION '95 Speedster]

As opposed to using two small batteries in the Speedster, Im thinking of hooking up one very large deep cycle battery, with a 1.5amp maintainer. Thoughts?

 

[Dr Honda]

A single, large battery is a good thing. But not a deep cycle. They aren't designed for the quick amp draw of starting. But you can buy a Marine dual Use battery. They can take the occasional deep drain, but can still put out the current for starting. In my boat... my main battery is a marine starting battery, and my second battery is a duel use.

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

Do you now if too many CCA will put extra wear and tear on these starters, or can they handle it? My plan is to buy the largest, highest CCA battery that I can find.

 

[ialonso]

I don't think that's how it works.. You can have the largest man made battery in the world hooked up, as long as it's 12volts, your starter will draw only what it needs to crank.The bigger the battery (IN CCA, not in voltage) the better it is, as your voltage drop will be lower with a big draw.

The short answer is NO, a larger battery with extra CCAs will not cause any additional wear and tear, everything else being equal. On the contrary it will be better for the starter and the wiring long term (a stretch on the wiring comment, but more CCAs=longer time draw at a voltage closer to nominal 12v=less heat=happier wires.)

 

[ORION '95 Speedster]

Good info, thanks man.

 

[Dr Honda]

Yep... what he said.

Generally a "Group 24" makes for a nice replacement in those boats... and you can get a battery box pretty easy/cheap at any boat shop.