Question for Don

[lfadaol]

Don,

Bought a Sears Platinum Marine Battery (1100 CCA, 205 RC) 1/09. Run a 2008 Mercury 250 Pro xs. Last two trips out, my smart gauge volt horn and signal would show up when idling engine and trimming down. Could this be the battery or something else. Charged last night and shows 12 volts on a meter. Voltage gauge on boat shows around 14 when running.

If I change batteries the West Marine Sea Volt 27 is 810 MCA, the Cabellas 27 AGM is 1200 MCA and 180 RC. I am a little shy about Cabells do to your post on Mercury recommended batteries. I want to get a battery that is worry free if I need one. Bringing the battery to Sears to test.

Thank you for all your help!!!

[EuropeanAM]

Check your connections AT THE BATTERY. Make sure that the ENGINE CABLE is installed FIRST.

Then stack remaining cables "largest to smallest", and finish off with a Stainless Locknut.

If you have the cables inproperly oriented (engine cable not on first), it can cause your "symptom".

Let me know what you find... and we'll go from there.

[lfadaol]

That is how they are hooked up, could a day of fishing , 2 lowrance units on and of and on live well pumps drain this battery?

[EuropeanAM]

It's possible. My recommendation: fully charge the battery, and then have it LOAD TESTED to confirm that it actually "meets" it's CCA or MCA stated capacity.

Unfortunately, as with ANY product, "new" does not ALWAYS equal "good". If it's proven that the battery doesn't meet it's specifications.... Sears is usually very good about taking care of you.