TOPIC: Old boats and new batteries.

It's been so long since I bought a boat battery that it was before they made marine specific ones. I have no idea how much juice a 1960 Evinrude 40HP can put out but the boat is wired for everything including sound and rear and front cigarette lighters. She has all kinds of extra gadgets that suck power so I'd like to run a dual battery set-up. Any suggestions as to types or makes of batteries that would be best and would an RV voltage regulator system work ?

Since I'm not an outboard guy, I don't know why you need a voltage regulator but if you do, it MUST be matched to the generator or starter. Just any old voltage regulator won't do.

The marine batteries sold by Advance Auto work fine.

It's to keep both batteries fully charged. When one is full it flips to the other (accessory battery) and keeps it charged as well. Common in RV's and I'd imagine some cabin cruisers.

I think you mean a crossover, not a regulator. You don't need a voltage regulator to do that...just a dual battery switch. You have to turn the switch from one battery to another manually but at least that way you're SURE it gets done. It also gives you the option of charging both batteries at the same time. I never trust automatic things...bilge pumps can stick, oil mixers can clog, electrical cross-overs can fail, etc...all of which can land you in deep trouble and/or a long swim if you're far from port.

You are absolutely right. I don't do electrical and it shows. I just want to be sure I always have one fully charged battery and I like the manual idea. Are those Advance Auto batteries for auto's or a specific marine application ? Last question oh mentor to the unlightened and beacon of wisdom for those lost in the darkness of ignorance ( like that part ?). Are gel batteries any better than anything else for boats ?

Well, Advance sells good marine batteries with a decent warranty for around $100 or so but if you have the extra money, the absolute best batteries you can buy are the Optima series of Marine batteries. With a two battery set-up, I'd buy one starting battery and one deep cycle. After starting, throw the switch and power your accessories with the deep cycle. Here they are on Ebay...much cheaper than buying from a parts store:





The ones I had seemed to be almost "deadproof." They never let me down and I was starting Cummins V903M V8 diesels with them.

Best switch you can get is the Perko model:



(Just remember to switch-out the batteries before you sell the boat!)

"I'm easy to please. I'm always satisfied with the best." - Oscar Wilde

You are truly a fountain of knowledge and I thank you. That's the whole nightmare sorted out in a day. Nowhere but FiberGlassics ! No worries about selling the boat though. We are starting a collection and will try to rescue as many boats as we can on our budget. Maybe one every 3 years if we live long enough. Wishful thinking anyway. lol. Thanks again Nautilus.

I'm on my 4th year with a NAPA and it seems very strong.

Thanks, there's a NAPA here in town which is surprising since it's a very small town.