Batteries

[Scooper]

I am relatively new to In-shore boating and I'm still learning a lot... some by SFC and some by just observing and trying things out... I think this topic may been addressed in a previous thread, so forgive me if its repetitive...

I bought my boat in 2005 (new), at that time I had a second battery put in with a switch. Last year (2007) I added a charging system, my reasoning was I knew I wouldn't have as much time to fish last year, due to a house move and pregnant wife. I didn't want to have to worry about showing up and having a dead battery or worse, a call from the marina that my boat was now a sub because the pumps had no juice...

I was told by the sales person that the charger extends the life of the batteries. Which I thought was an interesting added benefit to my original need. I typically alternate using the batteries every other trip. Now they are 2.5 to 3 years old...

My question is: When should I consider replacing the batteries? While I'm thinking about it, should I consider replacing my bilge pump as well?

Any input would be greatly appreciated, I hope to splash the boat within the next month and would like to address these things prior...
Thanks
~Steve

[fmoore]

Our batteries lasted 7 years and they were still going strong. If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be never do what we did I think most guys usually replace them at 3-4 years old. I'm sure you could get another year out of them as long as you maintained them well (not left out in freezing temperatures, trickle charge them in the winter, etc)

[bohica]

I change batteries every 3-4 years. Get a battery tester (the one that looks like a turkey baster) to check the specific gravity of your acid.

If you think they need changing, they probably do....

I just buy the el-cheapos at wally world.

[Fishinginfo]

As a rule of thumb we recommend every 3 to 4 years, maybe 1 this year and the other next year as it lessens the hit on the wallet.

It's your safety out there and as a lot of fishing is done in the dark why take a chance. Most batteries are 5 year rated.

I took one out of a boat that was 10 years old, this guy ran at night and with a wife and young kids after I pointed it out he couldn't believe the chance he was taking

Mike

[flatbottom]

every 2 years and sell the old ones to friends for their cars, trucks, tractors. Try to recover at least the cost of 1 of your new batteries ..The brand is called "Best" ...If some one has a better battery, I am listening

the bilge pump did run fine the last time a battery was on it. But I bet it will need replacing because I said something.

[Randy Stinchcomb]

Just had mine replaced wth 2 new Interstate's 1000 cca grp 24's, my old ones (Best batt) were going on 5 years and were still ok, but since I just had a whole-lotta' stuff done to the boat I told the dealer to replace them, it's all about peace-of-mind

now bilge pumps arn't really a "wear-out" type item, just check it every so-often


also as stated in another thread, invest in a good quality Solar Battery Charger, I keep one pluged into my race car and boat when there sitting, just to keep the batt's topped-off

[Scooper]

Thanks to everyone for the input... it looks like I have another year before I really need to consider replacing the batteries.
Looks like I have few extra bucks in the budget for fishing "stuff" this year! Now where's that Melton's Catalog!

[captcl]

Every 3-4 seasons. I'm changing out now just have to get all the funding together for the AGM (absorbed glass mat ) batteries. They are the best if you can afford them, anybody got a good battery dealer?
Advanced auto parts here in OCMD carries all versions of the Optima AGMS and the guy who works there went to schoolwith my daughter so I'll get his price. Still the "marine" version lists for $191.00! times twoo!
AGM is the way to go though, mount them anywhere any way even upside down or on the side. Optima says theirs can go under water!
As I have stated on this site in other forums, invest in a solar charger especially if you store on the trailer.

[TriAngler]

Our Local Sam's Club has started carrying the Optima AGMs for around $140 but they don't have alot of variety. I've just added these to my Suburban and skiff - but my offshore rig is currently fitted with Interstates.

[gottaflylee]

You may want to check our the Trolling Thunder batterys. The company that maks them, also makes the batterys for the space shuttle, which is where the AGM type batterys came from. If I remember right, they are a glass matt absorption (sp?) battery...nice to be able to mount them any way you need...