Would this be a good backup battery?

[Mosnowman]

Newb question....I have a Merc Verado 150 and being an old Boy Scout want to be prepared and have a back up battery for starting purposes if needed?

Is this an adequate starting marine battery or that purpose?

Exide XMC-31 MEGACYCLE AGM-200 Sealed Maintenance Free (AGM) Marine Battery

[Bamaman]

Hey, I'm an Eagle Scout. The Boy Scout motto is "Be Prepared." I don't think it meant to "be prepared" to spend a bunch of money for something you might not need.

Is anything wrong with your main battery?

I'm prepared. I carry a cell phone with my neighbors' phone numbers programmed in it so they can come and tow me back to my boathouse if I have a problem.

All kidding aside, if you're not running a trolling motor or a big sound system, I don't see any reason to run a deep cycle battery. They're not cheap, and don't seem to last as long as a regular car battery. And even with twin batteries, they'd need to be the same type of battery.

[Mosnowman]

Bamaman...thanks for saving me some dollars!

Being a total Newb I didn't know if guys carry one or not....I don't have a trolling motor so it sounds like relax and don't worry! I'm not quite to the "chilling" stage yet but getting there with this new boat...

[Bryden24shp]

Newb question....I have a Merc Verado 150 and being an old Boy Scout want to be prepared and have a back up battery for starting purposes if needed?

Is this an adequate starting marine battery or that purpose?

Exide XMC-31 MEGACYCLE AGM-200 Sealed Maintenance Free (AGM) Marine Battery

If you do not have Verado Power steering assist, yes you are fine. If you have it. Go with the AGM....
Here is what the Verado Owners Club states, From Mercury...

"If you have a 6 cyl Verado, you have power steering. It is optional on the 4 cyl units. It
takes a HUGE amount of power to run and is the reason we recommend at least 1100
MCA AGM type batteries. And be careful how you use it. If you hold the wheel against
the “stop” when docking, you can use up to 60 amps while the pump binds. Just use it
near the stop, no need to hold it there. By the way, power steering is the first thing to
go out if you batteries are weak. Our experience is anything less than about 12.4
volts and you might have problems."

And they are expensive, $200.00 to 250.00 each, so around $500.00 for a dual battery set up. Hope this helps!
Bryan

[Bamaman]

He's right about Mercury power steering requiring two batteries--if you happen to have it on your boat. And AGM batteries are different from lead type batteries, and much more expensive.

Merc. power steering is really a really power sucker. Someone mentioned they were considering soundproofing where the pump is, and that their boat is very loud between the pump and the Verado's supercharger.

I don't know about the SeaStar power steering's electrical requirements.

[Mr Geets]

I have an extra battery loose (secured for safe travel) in the back of my truck - just in case. In worst case scenarios, we have taken a battery out of a vehicle. Some good 20 foot booster cables are handy at any time. Have fun!

[Rocky1965]

I carry a portable jump starter/air compressor, but was wondering how to set up two batterries with a switch to select battery 1-2, any ideas?

[curtiscapk]

I carry a portable jump starter/air compressor, but was wondering how to set up two batterries with a switch to select battery 1-2, any ideas?

search is your friend

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=12425&p=96503&hilit=battery#p96503

[dockholiday]

I carry a portable jump starter/air compressor, but was wondering how to set up two batterries with a switch to select battery 1-2, any ideas?

He is the perko which I have, but there are other manufacturers
www.perko.com/catalog/category/battery_switches/

[Rocky1965]

Thanks for the ideas, I will research some of the switches and see which is best for my application.

[Oldboater]

AGM batteries don't like to be deeply discharged, it shortens their life. I would recommend a battery maintainer if you only periodically use your boat (3-5 days between use).

In fact a battery maintainer is a good idea for any periodically used battery, it will greatly extend life.

[Rocky1965]

I do have a maintainer, was just wondering about a back up battery, just in case I play the radio too long between runs. Thanks

[woolznaz]

For less than $50 you can buy a very lightweight, portable, rechargeable jump starter. It is cheap peace of mind knowing it will be enough to start your boat if your battery craps out. Charge it up once every 90 days or so, and you'll never worry about a dead battery stranding you after a long day of coving out.

[lakebilly]

If you own a Verado, I would highly recommend a dual set of AGM batteries. I found out the hard way how voltage dependant these motors are. I lost my entire memorial day weekend because I was too stuborn too replace my batteries. They had enough juice to crank the engine, but the PCM would not allow the injectors or plugs to fire. I'm a paying member of the Verado Owners Club and they immediatley told me what my problem was, but I didn't listen. It wasn't until about 2:00PM Memorial Day that I went to Sears and dropped $575.00 on two new Die Hard Platinums. It fired right up once the new batteries were installed. Damn, did I feel stupid. But now, I've got plenty of peace of mind.