how long does your cranking battery last?

spotfin · Post by **spotfin** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:40 am

I may need to buy a new cranking battery. My first was a Trojan which lasted 5 yrs. I then bought an Interstate because only one I could find that met the Optimax requirement of 850 marine cranking amps. Only 3 yrs later and it's dying. I always recharge them if they sit for more than a few wks, and my alternator recharges them while I'm driving. I also freq check the water levels. Isn't 3 yrs kinda short? Anyone know of another brand worth trying? I don't want to buy those really expensive gel optima batteries if I can help it.

Dewayne · Post by **Dewayne** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:52 am

about 3 years. Depends on how many times I screw up and leave a light on causing a deep drain.

aNNieNsaLTIE · Post by **aNNieNsaLTIE** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 9:35 am

My cranking battery usually last 3 to 5 years. the only i do is disconnect my cranking battery when not in use! i forgot one time and it was a ruined fishing trip!

saLTIE-

MIKE TREMONT · Post by **MIKE TREMONT** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 2:56 pm

Mine just made the motor burp on the initial start this last weekend. It's time to replace it.

It's 6.5 years old and it is an Interstate.

Smile_n_Jax · Post by **Smile_n_Jax** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:02 pm

I've always had good luck with Interstates in my vehicles. 6 to 7 years. I just this Summer pulled a Megatron trolling batt out of my boat that was 8 years old.

The important thing to remember about cranking batteries is they need to stay charged. That's where the beauty of the StaynCharge system comes in. You charge your cranking and trolling batteries while running the big motor and while towing. In light of that you should connect your batteries to a charger as soon as you get home. Not a trickle charge. You need a good 10 amp rate to bring that battery up to full charge. If you're not going to fish for a week or so, disconnect the battery or get a quick disconnect for it. Also, when you're on the water and don't need it, disconnect your GPS antenna. It sucks a lot of power.

battman · Post by **battman** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 7:05 am

Hello
I recommend a good "AGM" Battery! I know you want to stay away from Optima, and you should! A Standard Starting Battery is still going to run you $50, $60, $70, but you can spend that few extra dollars and get a Battery that will run ALL of those Electronics and Start the Big Motor and still last 5-6 years. Northstar/Dual Pro Battery is the way to go! You will not be DISAPPOINTED!!!

Stocking Dealers of this Battery, as follows:
Mike at Capitol City Marine 916-729-0590

Phil at Galaxie Marine 530-889-8001

Oroville Outdoors, Cope & Mcphetres Marine, Phil's Prop's in Redding, Johnson's Bait & Tackle, Star Bait & Tackle in Yuba City

and if your close to the Delta, Gene at the Hook!

Tell them Charlie at Battery Systems sent ya!