What battery to use?

I have a 83 2001SN and it needs a battery. What size battery fits and what ratings should I get? Any brands to stay away from? Thanks.

Noah

And don't be tricked into a deep cycle 'marine' battery, they suk for starting V8's.

Speaking of sitting on the shelf, look at the manufacture date on the battery. The newer the better as a battery will sulfate with age. The Optima is a excellent choice if you want to spend the $$$. They use a unique cell system that can really take the pounding.

so a "marine" battery is no different than your regular car battery as long as it has the correct CCA rating.

Also I don't have the previous battery so I guess I could measure the box but I was hoping someone new what size it was or could point me to where I could find out.

Thanks for the good information. How much cash is an Otima?

Ultra, are all optimas gel batteries that can be mounted in any orientation? I know the blue tops are good for that.

The D34M (blue top) looks to be a nice battery, as its considered both a starting battery (750 CCA) and a deep cycle. I cant find them for any less than $170-180 locally though.

Im in need of a new battery- but the cost has me hesitant to spring for an optima. I imagine AC Delco may be the way to go for now, since I think theyre about half the price. Are there any particular models that would stand up to the harsh marine environment better than others (vibration, corrosion, etc)?

Terry I forgot you had that sweet olds.

basically yes.
Typical deep cycle 'marine' bateries have too much internal resistance. They can discharge the amps but it won't be at the same rated voltage a starting battery will. The starter goes slower, and DC motors pull more amps at lower rpms. More amps at less volatage = more heat and less work done. Tends to fry starters, wires, terminals and make solenoids arc together as they chatter, then stick (weld closed), because the dash will only see about 6-8 volts, and the dash supplies the start solenoid. thus causing the starter to run on witout the key till some part 'lets the smoke out'

Deep cycle batteries are fish motors, abnoxious stereos and outboards, not automotive V8s.

i use a autozone marine battery..i think its around 1000 cca's...great battery, i personally would never buy a battery thats over 100...mine works just as good and has a 4-5 yr warranty..my .02 cents

I have had an Optima Blue top in my nautiuqe for 7 years and is still going strong, I just put it in the garage during the winter on a trickle charge , no problems, They are a little pricey but I have not purchaced a battery in 7 years .

Nautique Frk

M3Fan wrote: I have the 750cca blue top optima dual purpose battery. Yes, it was around 200 bucks out the door but I figured it would be worth it for running the radio while chilling and having the starting capability as well.

I am plannig on putting in a stereo this year and thought of doing the dual battery set up. It won't be a super system just one amp for the sub and power the other speakers off the deck. Would an optima handle playing that for maybe 2 hrs. and still be able to crank the motor over? Would the dual baterry be a better or more fool proof way to go?
Thanks,

Noah

I have 1800 Watts of 160DB power in my Yukon.If I run it at full tilt you have a half an hour tops with 2 red tops on board.I had 300 Watts in my 98 Camaro and 2 hours at moderate volume it was no problem to start after that.It all epends on how much amperage is wanted or needed.There is also battery interrupters which will click off items as the voltage drops to low.Thus allowing you to start still.The shop I work for sells AC Delco and one the size needed for my 87 would cost about $80 so there is not much of a difference in my opinion.The spiral wound core of an Optima will definately take more abuse than a standard battery.Worth the $$ To me ABSOLUTELY.A 3 year free replacement warranty is also a great feature inclded with Optima Batteries as well.

dr, You may be spending to much for your batteries with the word "marine" on them. I think you need to do so research into lead acid batteries. The following is good reading:

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/carfaq7.htm#marine

"The wet "starting" marine/RV battery is basically a wet car (or starting) battery with carrying handles and stud or combination terminals and designed for high current and shallow discharges (up to 5% Depth-of-Discharge)."

Anyone want to recommend an AC/Delco model for 1997 Ski Nautique with the Pro Boss engine? I am getting wrapped around that axle trying to sort out CCA, MCA, deep cycle, starter, deep cycle/ starter combo choices. Thanks.

Autozone has a cranking/marine battery with 850 cca's I think. It was only $60.

I've found out in the past that you can never go wrong with a good quality battery. This is one of those things where the term "You get what you pay for" really stands out. I currently have an Optima red top in my boat for the past four years. I was really reluctant to pay the price for it but I gotta tell you, I would pay double for that same battery when I need to replace it.
The climate that you run in and how you store it can make a huge difference. In FL, the hot weather just eats batteries so the better you get the longer it lasts. Period. The better batteries normally have a better warranty as stated earlier too.