Well ... I must be running out of things to fix on my boat -- I'm eyeing my cranking battery and considering whether I need to replace it.

It's a 625-amp Everstart marine starting battery from Wallyworld. It was on the boat when I got it last year. Little round sticker on the top says 11/07 -- I suspect that is the manufacture date. If it is, it is still under warranty until Nov. 09.

This battery has never had a charger on it. It just charges up when I run the big motor, and I guess the lights/depth finder don't drain it that much.

I'm about to buy a maintenance charger from Academy, and was pondering whether to go ahead and buy a new cranking battery as well.

I don't know if this one has been harmed by never being charged to full after fishing trips for two years. I'm planning to go to Amistad soon, and don't want to wind up stuck out in the middle of that huge lake.

Also, is 625 cold cranking amps enough for a 115?

Thanks,
John

Take it to an auto parts shop and have them load test it. You can also test the gravity in each cell. Very inexpensive testers are available at any auto parts store. I wouldn't replace it if its within tolerance. Not sure how many CCA a 115 needs maybe someone can answer.

I sure agree
Sounds like your fine - I'm a bit parinoid on my batteries too & if it was me & had the slighest doubt (after testing) i'd just carry a spare with me ---

Thanks -- I had already budgeted for a battery, so I picked up one of those Stowaway 1000-amp starting batteries from Academy. The other battery was pretty weak -- it turns over better now and the tilt and trim is noticeably quicker. Also picked up a Vector digital charger, which seems pretty cool.

I also keep a short pair of jumper cables in the back box just in case...

Yep - planning to get a pair of those for my emergency box.

Just found the note in the portable Vector charger's instructions that says I have to remove the battery from the boat before charging it. Wonder how serious they are about that (or if they just mean it when the boat is on the water)?

I might take it and trade it for one of those portable
MODEL MK110P Minn Kota chargers tomorrow -- I assume they are made for onboard use.

look at the mk 1 and 2 bank onboard chargers, I have a 3 bank and love it, fully automatic (wont overcharge) and the hassle and time saved is well worth a little extra in my book.

I really don't want to drill any more holes in my boat -- I'm looking for a removable charger that's safe to use on the battery while it's onboard. I guess I could use an onboard charger without mounting it.

$10 rebate on the StowAway batteries if you bought it before 7/31/09. Click here.

Not familiar with the Vector but have had no problems out of MK chargers.

Yeah, I wound up taking the Vector back and buying the Minn Kota MK106. Tex All Boat and RV had the MK106 $5 cheaper than Academy -- was $85.

Thanks for the tip on the rebate, Grant!

If you have a marine radio (handhelds are cheap) you can call the Park Service at Amistad if you break down-it is full and very large right now but the fishing is good-bring sunscreen