Posted: 5/8/2012 6:06:29 AM EDT
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I need to replace my battery. Even with a trickle charge over the Winter it just doesn't have enough juice anymore.
Anyway, I currently have an Interstate Marine battery (12v) that is rated for 400CCA/500MCA. Is there any reason I couldn't or shouldn't "upgrade" my next battery to a 800CCA / 1000MCA rated battery with the same exterior dimensions? An answer sooner than later would be appreciated as I want to get out on the water this next weekend. Thanks to all ye Scurvy, rum-soaked, blackards who reply 
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Quoted:
For starting your motor, or trolling? For starting, go ahead. For trolling, go for AH, not CCA. That being said... you have checked the fluid level in each of the battery's cells, right? Starting (I should have stated that in the OP). The model I am looking at is rated 135a reserve capacity. The old battery is sealed (I believe  ). It is ~10 years old so I am figuring that is about all I can get out of it.
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| What engine? If it's a small outboard, then the same would work fine. Larger outboards or inboards/sterndrives, especially EFI engines need the 1000 CCA battery. If this is just a starting battery, buy a starting battery, not a deep cycle. Deep cycles are meant for trolling motors or "house" batteries. You can always "upgrade" to a larger CCA battery in place of a smaller CCA battery. It won't hurt a thing and give you some reserve power. |
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Quoted:
What engine? If it's a small outboard, then the same would work fine. Larger outboards or inboards/sterndrives, especially EFI engines need the 1000 CCA battery. If this is just a starting battery, buy a starting battery, not a deep cycle. Deep cycles are meant for trolling motors or "house" batteries. You can always "upgrade" to a larger CCA battery in place of a smaller CCA battery. It won't hurt a thing and give you some reserve power. It is a 2001 90hp 2-cycle Johnson Outboard |
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Quoted:
You could stay with the same size (CCA) battery for that motor, but it wouldn't hurt to go up in CCA. WOW! you got 10 years out of a battey? They are lucky to last two out here in the heat.  Amazed me also. We use the boat every other weekend from Memorial day to Labor day and then I disconnect it and keep a trickle charge on it all Winter. It comes in handy to rescue someone in need of a jump start as well. Thanks for all the input! |