batteries and Etecs

[CandR]

Hi,

I have a question regarding the batteries in my boat. I have twin 200 Etecs (small blocks) and 3 batteries (one for each engine and one for house). The engine batteries are Group 27 Interstate (600 CCA, 750 MCA) marine/rv deep cycles.

I have had a lot of difficulty starting my engines from the console, while my mechanic can start them up fine from under the cowling. I was told my batteries are insufficient for these Etecs? Is that correct??? Any guidance would be appreciated. Much thanks

CandR

[rudetech1]

You need 675cca(845mca) above 32 deg,750cca(940) below 32deg. I prefer 1000 cca on all E-tec applications if the batteries are located more than 15' away from the engine (by battery cable length). We only use 4guage or larger wire to the engines on dual applications w/house batteries. The more amperage flow the better! Make sure the battery switches are NEW or at least not corroded, they loose the ability to carry a load w/age. NO SPLICES IN THE BATTERY CABLES, AND THE CORRECT TERMINAL SIZE ON THE POST,NO WING NUTS!!!!

[CandR]

Thanks. I will upgrade the batteries. Just surprised my boat manufacturer would not give me enough battery for the job?

Would you reccommend starting batteries or dual (deepcycle/starting) or does it make any difference? Is the CCA the most important factor here?

[ChampioNman]

Don't believe it was the manufacturer but the dealer that installed the batteries. Make sure when you change use SS lock washers and Nylon insert hex nuts. You can get a group 24 rated at 1000 CCA or a 27 or 29 rated the same, 27/29's bigger battery size wise and bigger plates than a 24. Depends what you use them for, just cranking or running electronics?? Just buy a good quality battery. You may have to spend the extra $$$ intitially but in the long run...worth it. And in your neck of the woods you will be fine with a 1000 CCA batt. Not much below 32* in PBG, FL.

[CandR]

Both engine batteries used for starting mainly, although I believe the trim tabs, and auto bilge pumps are also wired to these. Separate house deep cycle for all electronics.

I will look for the 1000 CCA batteries. $$ is not my concern here, this is not where I would look to save a few bucks.

Thanks for the help.

[ChampioNman]

Those should cause no issues when running the motors.

[Wilde1]

My 175's start w/in a fraction of a second always and I've never given any thought to CCA at all. They start so easily you could almost imagine starting them with lawn tractor batteries!

[CandR]

ChampionMan:

As for the trim tabs, my mechanic said that is one difference between starting the engines from the console, vs directly off the powerhead. When you turn the key on the console, the trim tabs activate to make sure they are fully retracted. he said that is drawing some power from the batteries. Batteries which are already underpowered.

Very confused, because my boat manufacturer has told me they have rigged many boats with the same set-up that I have and no problems. That is why I believe there is something besides the batteries that is wrong......

Wilde1:

Just out of curiosity, what size batteries do you have and where are they located in relation to your engines?

[Wilde1]

Delco Voyagers M27MF in the stern near the motors ... ~ 700 CCA.
Jim

[CandR]

Jim,

BRP reccommends minimum 675CCA for batteries. You meet those specs. Being close to the motors also helps. I would hope you would not have any problems.

My boat builder gave me 600CCA batteries. Additionally, running wires to my batteries inside my center console (10-15' away from the engines) leads to more voltage drop and more strain on my starting batteries. Hence, my problems....

Thanks for the info. Glad to hear yours are running fine!

[RUSTY63]

I will second the 1000 CCA on motor battery's, I understand this is above the recommendations of the manufacture but its what I do every day and have had no complaints.

[SEAHORSE]

I'm glad to see that Rusty knows more about batteries than sparkplugs.

One thing to keep in mind, when a motor manufacturer specifies a minimum battery size, that is ONLY for the motor and does not take into account the electrical requirements of the boat and accessories. Always install the largest capacity battery that you can afford and will fit.

[CandR]

Thanks guys. I think its pretty clear that the general consensus is I need larger batteries, and the larger, the better.

They'll be in the boat tomorrow......