Which new batteries for my tug?

[Boris the Tug]

I know I want two new batteries on my tug. The dealer said he bought one new battery before I purchased it but I honestly have no idea where that battery came from. Things that are hooked up to the 'new ' battery he replaced work well such as the auto bilge pump. But everything else's power drops fast after leaving alone for a day or two (cabin lights, water pump etc...) . Perhaps my house power is still connected the older battery. Either way, I'd prefer to just get two brand new matching batteries for piece of mind,

I either want Odysseys or Sears Diehard AGMs. I've heard great things about the Sears AGMs (same as Odyssey, half the price, blah blah blah) but I don't mind paying the extra $$ for the Odyssey to know I'm getting the real deal, I have Odysseys in my jet skis for years...which are AMAZING batteries for cold start and craft that sit around a lot in off season. So that's my only benchmark at this point.

My question is, wheteher it's a Odyssey or a Die Hard, what specs should I be looking for in either battery? I know they're not all the same so a model number recommendation for both would be great! Any help please?

 

[knotflying]

What matters is the cranking amps and obviously size so it fits. You will see CA, CCA HCA or MCA. They are the amps provided at different temperatures. MCA and CA is amperage at 31 degrees Fahrenheit. HCA is at 80 Degrees Fahrenheit. Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples as far as the capacity goes. As far as brand goes, I wouldn't be as critical. If you are happy with Odyssey than stick with it. The important thing is proper care for the battery. If you dig deep enough you will find that many of the batteries are made by the same company, Johnston Controls. I am not sure what battery group the 21 uses. The 27 uses a group 27. Just make sure the size battery you get will fit in your compartment. The data sheet should show the size.

 

[SGIDAVE]

Hello Boris the Tug,

The 21EC uses (2) group 24 batteries in its standard configuration. One is a 'starting' battery whilst the other is a 'deep cycle' which serves 'house' power needs. So whichever brand you choose, realize that the group 24 size will fit the space nicely.

 

[Boris the Tug]

Hey SGI, thanks for the group number info for the rc-21ec. Checking Odysseys specs, I don't see the 'group" spec except for under 'replacement' but none of those are group 24. Should I just measure my existing batteries in my boat that I know fit and match it up by height/width/depth instead?

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/batteries.htm

What matters is the cranking amps and obviously size so it fits. You will see CA, CCA HCA or MCA. They are the amps provided at different temperatures. MCA and CA is amperage at 31 degrees Fahrenheit. HCA is at 80 Degrees Fahrenheit. Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples as far as the capacity goes. As far as brand goes, I wouldn't be as critical. If you are happy with Odyssey than stick with it. The important thing is proper care for the battery. If you dig deep enough you will find that many of the batteries are made by the same company, Johnston Controls.

I believe you, same as home electronics, parts are parts and many times made by the same folks . However my Odyssey in my Jetski is mostly ignored and still starts right up after 5 years. Something I can't say about any other battery I've bought over 20 years. So I gotta think there's something more to it. Thanks for the cranking amps info, I imagine I would just go for something in the middle of the CCA and HCA ranges since I don't live or plan to go to cold climates.

 

[Boris the Tug]

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/marine.htm

 

[knotflying]

I looked up the prices on the Odyssey. If I am reading them correctly you are looking at about $300 each. I don't mind spending money on value, however, it doesn't take much to accidentally destroy the life of a battery , no matter how good it is made. I think I'll stick with my $87 Walmart flooded and get fresh ones every three years. I can go 9 years at the cost of an AGM or in this case an Odyssey. The other advantage with Walmart is that the batteries have a full one year warranty (never needed it) and you can usually find a Walmart anywhere.
Hey, everyone has their preferences, hence, different boats and models and a huge selection of batteries. As they say, whatever makes your boat float. 😀

 

[baz]

Mike: I bet those Walmart batteries are manufactured with recycled sub par lead quality which make them much cheaper than those that use almost pure lead.

I'm not saying your method for replacing batteries every 3 years is wrong.... and one could argue that you are being more earth friendly by employing recycled materials. :lol:

 

[knotflying]

My last research indicated that they were made by Johnston Controls. Albeit, perhaps using a different degree of quality. In any event I have seen several cases on this site where AGM batteries went down the tubes rather quickly. Most likely due to mistreatment and probably by accident. I would rather replace an inexpensive battery than a premium one.

Hey, lets talk anchors! :lol: