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Is a bigger battery higher capacity?
By zmoz, Section Homebrewed Electricity Posted on Wed Jan 14, 2004 at 08:36:30 PM MST
Does a larger size starting battery have more capacity?

I need to buy a new starting battery for my boat. I can put pretty much any size battery I want to in there. I would like to put a smaller battey in there for weight reasons, and the batteries I'm looking at (cheapest ones I can find) are all about the same CCA no matter what size they are. Is there any reason why a bigger battery would be better? More reserve capacity?

Is a bigger battery higher capacity? | 3 comments (3 topical)

Re: Is a bigger battery higher capacity? (none / 0) (#1)
by jubalearly on Thu Jan 15, 2004 at 03:00:44 PM MST

For a given weight, the amount of energy that can be stored in a battery is pretty much the same, since they are all based on the same chemistry. You are correct that a larger battery will have more reserve capacity. As far as cold (or MCA) cranking amps go, are you going to be using this in the winter? Any trolling, or lots of lights? The larger starting 12v batteries are group 27, 29, 30. This is the most common size for marine batteries also. Marine batteries typically have slightly thicker plates and a little more vibration tolerance.

I would think a group 24 battery would be fine if you aren't using it in cold weather, running a radio or a lot of lights, or otherwise adding a lot of load to the system. Depending on the size motor, of course. A group 24 is a little small for 150HP & up, although that doesn't necessarily mean it won't work. You might consider an AGM battery like Optima or Hawker for better but more expensive performance.

Re: Is a bigger battery higher capacity? (none / 0) (#2)
by zmoz on Thu Jan 15, 2004 at 04:34:04 PM MST

No, this will just be used in winter, and the only electronics on my boat is the starter. :) I think the one that's in there now is a group 27. Only problem I see with a smaller battery is that the alternator is only 9 amps...

Re: Is a bigger battery higher capacity? (none / 0) (#3)
by zmoz on Thu Jan 15, 2004 at 04:34:48 PM MST

Excuse me, I meant to say "this will only be used in the summer". :)

[ Parent ]

Is a bigger battery higher capacity? | 3 comments (3 topical)

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