"BATTERIES THAT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS"- Updated 12/23/22

[CatFan]

What if a battery tests above 800cca but isn't rated above 800cca?

It’s unlikely to truly have CCA measured outside of a dedicated lab or battery manufacturer. The testers shops use are only partial load testers and CCA is measured after a battery sits for 24 hours at 0 degrees F.

Even at 800, you are near the line of acceptable performance in a bass boat.

[bassfisher444]

It’s unlikely to truly have CCA measured outside of a dedicated lab or battery manufacturer. The testers shops use are only partial load testers and CCA is measured after a battery sits for 24 hours at 0 degrees F.

Even at 800, you are near the line of acceptable performance in a bass boat.

Ok Ill try that then.

[Rangerman520]

The best battery choices are listed in the top chart of the very first post to this topic. Next best, non-AGM choices are listed in the second chart. JMHO, and I'm not running multiple graphs, pumps, livewells, power poles, etc., but refuse to use anything but the biggest AGM with highest CCA and RC in my boat (Northstar 31AGM). Pay once, cry once, enjoy peace of mind for years. YMMV.

I would agree and that is what I am looking at getting but I want to make sure the biggest fulfills my needs. Actually I was looking at the X2 AGM 31 from Batteries Plus. It clearly has enough CCA for the Optimax Pro XS but how long can I expect the X2 to last by running 3 12" HDS Lives and the Active Target plus ancillary items (live wells, etc)? The X2 shows 220 RC and 100AMPS but is that big enough for a full day of fishing? I guess what I am asking is for some rough back of napkin caclulations on expectations or if mine are correct.

So with 220 RC or 100AMPS with the X2 how long with it last. I have heard to use 2amps on the 12" lives, 1.5amps on the AT, how much for miscellaneous? Assuming the worst at 10amps that is 10hrs or run time (if I run them all the time?

12" HDS live pulls how much? 2-3amps?
Live Target is 1.5amps
Miscellaneous - not sure here?

[EuropeanAM]

Actually- the problem with that calculation is that you wouldn't have what you need to start the engine AFTER consuming that much of the battery's RC.

In general- if you're running that many graphs and pumps full time, you are going to have to plan to have the engine running and the boat moving for at least 5-10 minutes every 2-3 hours. You MIGHT be able to squeak more time than that, but honestly would be entering the "yellow" (Caution) area.

Sad part is... with all of these gizmos they keep inventing and convincing us we MUST have to catch fish... it won't be long before a Forklift Battery can't do the job.

[tomloans]

Back in 2019 I added new batteries which included 3 Duracell AGM 31's from Sam's for my trolling motor batteries and the Interstate 31-MHD as my cranking battery, graphs, pumps, etc.. They have been great with no issues but the Optimax was still more sluggish than I would like to start even after I added the Interstate 31-MHD. Recently I upgraded a bunch of stuff and now I have a new ghost TM, Active Target, 2 12" HDS Lives and one 12" HDS Gen 2 touch from before. Went out yesterday and about 8hrs in the graphs started shutting down. Yep, battery was dead. TM batteries were still probably 75%. Anyway, Jump started and made it in but looking for what battery I need to have in order to be able to fish a full day? Please keep in mind I ran the Active Target, and the 3 12" Lowrance units all day without putting any in standby and also I didn't run the big motor much at all. So clearly I can be more efficient by putting stuff in standby which will help but I wanted to see how everything was working. Anybody have a similar setup with a 250 Pro XS and running 3 12" units plus active target or similar? If so, what cranking battery are you running? Any input, thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

""

[EuropeanAM]

I think the best fix is to get a worthy Lithium battery with a 120 AH or more rating. Lithium holds about 95% of this which makes it truly 114 AH battery and this will likely get you through the day. If anyone knows of a good starting lithium battery with good reviews, let us know.

Too many variables with all of the possible equipment configurations, and even at that we must "presume" the battery meets it's advertised rating CURRENTLY, and was 100% fully charged to begin with. Far too many assumptions to be really accurate, but that being said... you get the point across with the general calculations.

Keep in mind that there are engines covered in this thread that cannot and should not utilize a Lithium Battery. See Post# 1 for more information.

[PMantle]

Man, my new boat arrived at the dealer yesterday without the battery we ordered. I just looked at the list. I would have a very tough time finding any of those AGMs here, I think. looks like my Napa has a 925.

[CatFan]

Man, my new boat arrived at the dealer yesterday without the battery we ordered. I just looked at the list. I would have a very tough time finding any of those AGMs here, I think. looks like my Napa has a 925.

Batteries Plus has stores in Lafayette, Shreveport and Baton Rouge.

[PMantle]

Batteries Plus has stores in Lafayette, Shreveport and Baton Rouge.

Thanks! I have never seen one.

[coachmks]

I bought one of the X2 AGM batteries from Batteries Plus today. The model number is SL131AGMDPM. The salesman told me the battery needs to be charged with at least 25 amps 2-4 times a year. My onboard charger is a 4 bank and it doesn't give that much amps to any battery while charging. My question is, how do I charge and maintain this new battery? Should I get a 2nd onboard charger for just this battery? I went with this battery because my previous AGM only had 800CCA and was not holding up well with my electronics usage.

[bassfisher444]

I bought one of the X2 AGM batteries from Batteries Plus today. The model number is SL131AGMDPM. The salesman told me the battery needs to be charged with at least 25 amps 2-4 times a year. My onboard charger is a 4 bank and it doesn't give that much amps to any battery while charging. My question is, how do I charge and maintain this new battery? Should I get a 2nd onboard charger for just this battery? I went with this battery because my previous AGM only had 800CCA and was not holding up well with my electronics usage.

It will get charged with 25 amps or more every time you are running the motor at a decent speed.

[SilverFox579]

I've been using an AGM as main since 2012. When I park my boat, I plug power cord in for my 10amp NOCO 3 bank on board charger and it stays that way until I use the boat again. My original AGM, a Sears PM-1 purchased in 2012, still passes a load test.

[phillyphan]

Is the Lithium battery disclaimer on the OP still valid today? Ionic states they have no issues with Mercury motors these days.

[soloman]

The full throttle 31agm meets all of the requirements and because of the plate design is pretty stout so no plate cracking/separation or anything in rough water

[EuropeanAM]

Is the Lithium battery disclaimer on the OP still valid today? Ionic states they have no issues with Mercury motors these days.

Still valid. Mercury has not approved the use of Lithium batteries for any of their engines, as of this date. They specifically require Lead-Acid or AGM batteries (depending on the engine application).

[PMantle]

It's a very strange use of the word: require.

[EuropeanAM]

It's a very strange use of the word: require.

Yes, you're correct. But that's what specifications are, right?

Despite the massive amount of internet misinformation, Mercury's Service Bulletin (just like every other bulletin) has a section that is marked:

CORRECTION:

Mercury Marine approves the use of lead acid or AGM batteries—depending on engine model, in all engine starting
applications. The specifications for each individual engine are listed in the engine’s Operation, Installation, and Service
Manuals.

[PMantle]

Approves is strange as well since that implies disapproval. They need better lawyers

[EuropeanAM]

Approves is strange as well since that implies disapproval. They need better lawyers

Or perhaps folks just need to listen to the folks that designed the engine...??? I got the biggest kick out of watching someone try to read the bulletin on youtube (it's a no-no, but still... he couldn't read it because he wouldn't READ the words actually printed on the page).

[PMantle]

Or perhaps folks just need to listen to the folks that designed the engine...???

I think the bulletin was very clear, and that's the only reason I question require and approve. No voiding of warranty, but a reservation of rights if caused by.