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Shap from La.
I have a #24 cranking battery for my 250 Pro XS. This battery also runs the aerators as well as (2) 27C Lowrance GPS/ Graphs. Twice now after fishing for a long period of time, the battery would not start the engine and I had to jump it. When I am running, the alternator shows to be charging. Do I need a larger size cranking battery, is this battery probably bad, or what else could be the problem?
While it is possible that you need a larger cranking battery, it is also possible that you need a better charge. Even with separate systems, 4 battery set ups and isolation of the troller system, we have seen battery issues on cranking batteries these past few years. We are all using more electricity in our boats these days. When we did not have a GPS unit on the dash, we turned our electronics off there to prevent power loss and mostly interference with the front unit. Those were either flashers way back when, or they were Kodachrome units without color screens. They were smaller and had less function and power usages. Today the Opti pumps and rails use more voltage than ever before just to start them. The engines alternators have to keep up and on short runs they will not put in enough for a significant pop on the batteries. You are also leaving those large 27c screens on for the duration of the trip. They burn juice, as do all boat functions. As for boat functions, the same aerators, bilges and other items needs are consistent and even improved from those 1990s accessories. This is not a change. The change is in the engine, LCRs and other accessories. Another good reference and question is, can you leave your vehicles radio running with the window down all day long and start the vehicle. How many times has your teenager drained the battery while listening to the stereo in their car. Or how many times did you do so as a teenager? While you yourself may have a battery issue. There is a good possibility that we need to do a better job charging all batteries today and this we have suggested before. There is also a good chance that this is just the nature of the beast in todays bass rigs. This is not isolated to BCBs, it is more common than ever on all brands. Many of you will recal our suggestion that larger box chargers be used. We have found this to be a benefit on many boats and have several of those Elite anglers using them. We also think ourselves there is a reason to use a large deep cycle battery instead of a cranking battery on the engine set up. We feel the engine companies have no concept of power needs during a fishing day. Their only concern is to demand those 1000 or 900 amp cranking batteries, which have less reserve capacity. So we ourselves use deep cycle batteries on our personal systems for our boats. If you are sitting in one place all day, then limit your power usage, such as using only one screen while you fish. Watch other needs as well and you can extend battery life significantly and make a day of it. While this does not help to solve your issues, it does give you a better understanding of what you are experiencing. BCB
Basstar I have the same set up you have I use a group 27 and have no problem. My graphs are both on all the time and if Ive got fish in the live well my recirculators are never turned off. I believe the key to the battery problem is to find a battery with a lot of cranking power and a lot of reserve. They are hard to find but they are out there. A lot of times it will be the batteries shop on brand. Dont be afraid to use them they.
Nice post BCB, thanks for the explanation. My 07 Puma I had 3 27s deep cycle and never had a single problem. The 08 has a 24 and 2 27s…when I asked about the “little” 24 I was told that Merc said you have to have 1000 CCA so that was the battery we had to use. I havent had a problem but when/if I do you can bet I will have another 27 added. AJ I would put another deep cycle 27/29 or even 31 in and use it as a cranking battery. Another good excuse to carry a set of jumper cables…a buddy of mine even carries one of those portable jumper boxes. I have heard that just like everything else batteries are expensive on the water Judd Lasiter
1000 CCA is a good rule of thumb to go by,,,but,,,, get a group 27, and get the battery with the 200min. reserve capacity, and your problems will abate ! D.
I second that. Very good post. It also may explain why I dont have battery problems as some others do. I have a 3 battery setup with a 36 volt trolling motor. But, I have very basic electronics and use a hand held GPS that runs on 2 AA lithium batteries. So, when people ask why they are having battery problems and I am not I often think it is a bad charger or poor maintenance when in fact it may just be that they are running those big color gpss and radios all day, along with the normal trolling motor draw. It could also be because Im to busy running that big merc all the time instead of catching fish like some of the other guys. Either way it seems to me that this day and age it may be smart to have a 4 battery setup with an extra portable charger to keep that cranker hot like the others. That is the route I would go if I were to by a new boat. Or if I ever decide to join the rest of the world and get some decent electronics.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.
Or attend a G.A.F. !
Shap from La wrote: I second that. Very good post. It also may explain why I dont have battery problems as some others do. I have a 3 battery setup with a 36 volt trolling motor. But, I have very basic electronics and use a hand held GPS that runs on 2 AA lithium batteries. So, when people ask why they are having battery problems and I am not I often think it is a bad charger or poor maintenance when in fact it may just be that they are running those big color gpss and radios all day, along with the normal trolling motor draw. It could also be because Im to busy running that big merc all the time instead of catching fish like some of the other guys. Either way it seems to me that this day and age it may be smart to have a 4 battery setup with an extra portable charger to keep that cranker hot like the others. That is the route I would go if I were to by a new boat. Or if I ever decide to join the rest of the world and get some decent electronics. JUDGING BY YOUR PIC, YOUR ELECTRONICS WORK FINE……………NICE FISHES!!!96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
Guys, Ive posted on this question before, and I have some very definite ideas on what works well here, and what causes problem. First of all you must keep batteries charged, all of them. For my use and the way I fish, a Stealth One Max Pack system is what I prefer. A little more complicated, but it works great for me. I also carry a back up, manual charger to tournaments just in case. Secondly, I run a 3 battery, 36v system, tons of electronics, pumps, oxygen stones, etc, and Ive never had a problem, but I insist on 3, SCS 225 Trojan batteries in my boat. These are 30-31 series batteries, and they have plenty of juice to crank a 250 Pro XS, and still run electronics and TM for a long period. It just does not make sense to me to mix battery sizes in a series set up, nor do I personally see the need to run 4 batteries if 3 will do the job. If you are an Ike or Stone, then maayyybeee, but I fish pretty hard, and often in TVA current, and stand on a TM for 9-10 hours, and I have yet to fail to crank, even on some cold January trips. Certainly not trying to tell anyone else what to do; rather, sharing what I have personally experienced over the past dozen years or so. Mike Whitten/Germantown, TN
You got me there D-man. I cant argue that one. I know its early but Ive already said I am going to be there next year. I plan to save a couple days of vacation for it. Then we can watch an LSU game with the Tigers as Defending National Champions. While yall enjoy some of our fine Cajun Cuisine. Matter of fact, Put me down to cook a Red Bean Gumbo for the group. A little something different that I think you all would enjoy. Thanks for the compliments Jig-n-pig. But, even a blind squirrel finds a nut once and a while. That was a special day for me. Mr. Whitten, Im glad to hear you are having luck with the 3 battery setup. I know you fish more than most of us and It shows that with the right batteries it can be done without incident. We all know these batteries are heavy and I certainly dont want any more weight slowing me down if its not necessary. Take care now fellows. Chris Coupel Paulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.
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