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 Replacment battery		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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frejoh
Navigator

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USA
116 Posts
Initially Posted - 03/02/2010 :  20:53:49  Show Profile
Who has recommendations on type, brand and capacity for replacing the battery on a 250? Dealer recommended traditional flooded deep cell, and indeed our nearly 8-year old original is still hanging on. Marina sells Interstate batteries for only $100. Meanwhile, WM offers gel, AGM, and all that sexy stuff, too, at a price. Only additonal electrical load planned is a Radio/CD stereo.
Fred Johnson
250 WK #669
Edited by - frejoh on 03/02/2010 20:54:36

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts
Response Posted - 03/02/2010 :  21:00:24  Show Profile
We use two of the WM AGMs and are very happy with them. When cruising we use a depth/speed device, GPS Chartplotter, Nav lights, VHF radio, interior lights, etc. We also have an electric start outboard. Our batteries are connected to a Charles 10 Amp charge. The nice thing about AGMs is that they are maintenance-free and can be deeply discharged without damaging the battery.

Many people use traditional flooded cells and are happy with those too. It's not one of those things where there is a right and a wrong. It depends on your use and your budget.
Edited by - Nautiduck on 03/03/2010 07:53:59
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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts
Response Posted - 03/02/2010 :  21:35:28  Show Profile  Visit delliottg's Homepage
I put two Optima deep cycle batteries to replace the original last year. If you search the archives, you'll find a post on it with pictures.

Here's [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=20505&SearchTerms=optima"]the post[/url].
Edited by - delliottg on 03/03/2010 09:40:45
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jbkayaker
Captain

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USA
299 Posts
Response Posted - 03/03/2010 :  09:51:32  Show Profile
I have a gelcell in my airplane because I turn it upside down occasionally. My water scooter has an AGM (absorbed glass mat) because it gets a lot of vibration and shocks. My car and sailboat have the old standard flooded lead acid batteries. All do just fine if properly maintained, which means fluid level kept above the plates for the flooded cells. And using a good REGULATED trickle charger such as those sold by Battery Tender for the boat and plane batteries. In my opinion a flooded battery is all you need in a car or sailboat. To reduce the chance of spilling acid mount the battery so that the cell caps are lined up perpendicular to the boat's centerline.

If you can find a golf cart battery that's the best choice of all. Cart batteries have solid plates and are true deep cycle batteries. The "Deep Cycle Marine" batteries are a better choice than a regular car battery because the plates are composed of coarser grains. Coarser grains make the battery more resistant to damage from deep discharge events. Car batteries have fine grain plates which makes them better for high amperage engine starting duty.
Edited by - jbkayaker on 03/03/2010 10:03:43
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At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts
Response Posted - 03/12/2010 :  13:00:38  Show Profile
Any traditional, lead acid, deep cycle, RV/marine battery will work fine. I would not get it at your marina...at least I would not get it from MY marina. Their prices are much higher than WalMart, Sams, Costco, etc.
Edited by - At Ease on 03/12/2010 13:01:44
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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts
Response Posted - 03/12/2010 :  20:57:32  Show Profile
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by jbkayaker</i>
<br />If you can find a golf cart battery that's the best choice of all...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...except you need a minimum of two because they're 6 volts, so they need to be paired in serial on a boat.
Edited by - Dave Bristle on 03/12/2010 20:58:14
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jbkayaker
Captain

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USA
299 Posts
Response Posted - 03/14/2010 :  16:19:19  Show Profile
12 volt cart batteries are available too. And true deep cycle batteries with solid plates are a better choice if you intend to run them way down before recharging. Do that with a car starting battery a half dozen times and the life will be considerably shortened.
Edited by - jbkayaker on 03/14/2010 16:25:23
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.