Battery question

[Tarheel14]

I have a 99 187 Elite Champion with a 98 Mercury 175EFI. Running 1 Solix 12 and 1 Helix 7. Did I buy the wrong battery? Ive been running this for a few years with no issues and most of the time I put my Solix on stanby. Fished this past monday and ran both graphs pretty much all day and my battery didnt have the juice to start my engine. Had to use my booster box. I really want to get a lithium starting battery. I have the older mercury though. What are my options? I hate the added weight of this big battery. I could add a small lithium just for electronics but then Im adding weight. I could trade down to a smaller battery just for cranking and get the lithium for electronics. I am frustrated and need help. Thanks
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...m=diehard+31hd

BCI Group Size:
31T
Cold Cranking Amperage:
1000 A
Cranking Amperage:
1250 A
Height:
9.437 in
Length:
13.0 in
Negative Terminal Location:
Top Left
Positive Terminal Location:
Top Right
Reserve Capacity:
185 min
Voltage:
12.0 VDC
Weight:
61.01 lb
Width:
6.812 in

[BoatBuggy]

If its not a deep-cycle cranking battery, it will degrade over time with the repeated discharges from the electronics. The Solix is pretty thirsty.

If weight is an issue, I'd be going to a smaller cranker and an electronics lithium. With just the Solix and Helix you would be fine with a 50 or 60 amp lithium.

[MCIPinkie]

What is a "few" years? I ran a Helix 10 and a Helix 12 on my Skeeter for many years with nothing but a group 27 cranking battery and never had a problem.

That battery should serve your needs if in good shape with no connection issues.

[Tarheel14]

I have 10 guage dedicated wiring from each graph directly to the battery. I have had that battery for at least 2 years? I dont know exactly. Ill have to look at the date on the battery. Solix draws a bit more power.

[CatFan]

How do you charge the battery between trips?

[KandKKustomz]

Our PowerHouse 105 ah cranker is what you need no issue with your older Metc and sale price 15% off exclusively to BBC members for memorial day

[catdude28]

That is a relabelled commercial battery from Clarios (formerly JCI) that you have been using. With your electronics, I would not expect more than 2-3 years. Not sure of compatibility of your motor with lithium but if it can be used, that is where I would be looking.

[MCIPinkie]

If it was mine, I'd go through all the connections. Check the electrolyte level.

My 2020 Skeeter came with a group 27 wet cell cranker. Ran the Helix'es, pumps, lights, crank through many long tournament days with no issues. Probably would still be doing the job except I came into a financial windfall and spent a bunch of money on lithium this winter

They are the way to go if money is no issue. If not, we've running been wet cells for a long time. My bet - You need a new battery. Spend all you can afford. You won't regret it.

[bassfisher444]

That is a great battery to use, mine is on it's 4th year and still going strong. I run 3 units, Powerpoles, live well and crank the motor with it all day long without a single issue. I wouldn't use anything other than a lead acid battery with the stator charging system on an old Mercury.

[mactlman]

you have plenty of cranking battery I ran 2 graphs, talons, and pumps off of a JCI 27 battery for yrs in my stratos no issues

[Tarheel14]

How do you charge the battery between trips?

Charge it after I get home. Unplugged after charged. Plug in night before I go fishing.