New To This Questions

[Ljmichael76]

So I finally broke down and bought a great condition 2006 TR196 with the 200 EFI 3 liter for me and my son to fish out of. It’s still at the shop getting serviced and a jack plate installed. I like to do things right and want us to enjoy fishing without issues. So I have some questions and hoping you guys will take it easy on me lol. I was thinking about going ahead and switching out the batteries. Would ya recommend lithium all around, not at all, partially etc..? Also, what if anything are your must haves? We will be fishing for fun but also local club/ evening lake tournaments. Thank you in advance!

[pantherdad]

See if you can find date codes on batteries. I like to keep starting battery less than 4 year old.

[jpd_hack]

EFI cannot use Lithium as a starting battery. I believe only lead acid are recommended.

[Aj14]

Unless you're serious about long days on the water and fishing many tournaments, save yourself a lot of money and keep with your lead acids.
A new lead acid 29 series from Walmart is about $100 and will last at least three years.
One lithium is three times that much and not including a new $300 -$400 lithium charger.
But if you can afford it and really want them, you wont at all be disappointed.

[Whopperstopper]

If current batteries have some age, 3 or more years, I'd change them. Start out with no issues I'm thinking. Ask some of the lithium manufacturers/retailers about the right battery for your boat.

No to lithium for starting I'm told.

Enjoy your boat

[Ljmichael76]

Thanks guys I appreciate the info!

[ChuckTR21]

You’ve got yourself a good boat and one of the best engines ever. Hop over to the Mercury 3 Liter forum here and take a look at some of the info there, particularly the sticky threads at the top. Good info.
Hope you and your son enjoy it.

[DaveBrabec]

No reason you can’t get 6-7 years out of lead acid batteries

[jb3601]

I have the same boat and motor. I replaced the batteries when I bought mine 5 years ago. Still running them today. I use the DieHard batteries from Advance. Only things I've replaced on my motor is thermostats and spark plugs. Good luck!!

[Highcentered]

If you can stomach the initial cost lithium has the potential to save you money over time. Keep a standard lead acid on that EFI though.