Battery 101
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Battery 101
Batteries for Outboard Engines are unique and great care needs paid to what battery is used -
otherwise, you may ruin your entire engine before you know it. It’s the Technician’s job to edu-
cate boaters & here are some tips to help you do just that.
BATTERY TYPES
Starting
Designed for quick bursts of power, but if operated
below 50% discharge, life is severly shortened.
Deep-Cycle
Designed for long term, low current draw, but are not
designed for quick bursts of power.
Combo Start/Deep-Cycle
Designed to combine quick bursts of power & long
term, low current draw.
Flooded-Cell
Designed to tolerate higher charging voltages.
CCA Cold Craking Amps = Maximum current output when tested at 0 F for 30 seconds.
MCA Marine Craking Amps = Maximum current output when tested at 32 F for 30 seconds.
RC Reserve Capacity = The number of minutes a battery can deliver a constant 25 Amps until voltage is decreased to 10.5V.
Group 24 Is the most common marine battery size.
Maintenance Free
*NOT RECOMMENDED for Marine Engines*
Designed to minimize gassing during recharging, but are subject
to early failure if the charging voltage is not regulated.
AGM
Designed to last long term, as long as they are not discharged
below 50%.
Gel Cell
Designed to be very good for deep-cycle use, but very sensitive to
charging currents & voltage limits.
KEY TERMS
Manufacturer’s Recommendation
The minimum specification is for the motor alone, and does not consider other electrical requirements on the boat.
Good rule of thumb is to add 20% to Mfg. Recommendation.
Quickest Testing Method
For a fully charged battery, the quickest test method is to crank the engine for approximately 15-20 seconds, with the
ignition disabled. The battery should stay above 10.5 V if the engine is in good health and of proper capacity.
Unregulated Systems
On today’s digital electronics, over voltage can trigger shutdown or activate alarms. Avoid this by installing a heavier
duty battery or install a second battery in parallel with a switch.
Recommended Maintenance
It is suggested to clean and secure battery connections, use lock washers & hex nuts tightened with a wrench, &
clean and spray connections with a non-hardening electrical sealer for protection.
QUICK TIPS & SUGGESTIONS
BATTERY 101
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2015
CATALOG BETTER THAN THE OEM
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CATALOG
BETTER
THAN THE OEM
94
16
2015
CATALOG BETTER THAN THE OEM