www.iFourWinns.com

I know this topic has been addressed many times, but I'm wondering if anyone has a new opinion on what to look for in new batteries. Also, a buddy can get me a discount and wants to know what size. --- Thanks in advance!

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Paul Dauwer
Bunch of Time
Hingham, MA

2004 Vista 268 - VP 5.7iE

Group 29 (Std.) or Group 31

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

What size do you have now? group 24s?

It also depends on your needs. My friend has one 4D size battery, about 110lbs. I have 3 house batteries, group 24s. for long weekends and going to the vineyard.

I'm at my office and don't have my documents with me, so I can't tell what I currently have. Two batteries have worked well over the years, so I'll stick with that. Does the manufacturer recommend Group 29? Do I go with two starting batteries, house batteries or what? As you can tell, I'm not very knowledgeable on this topic!

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Paul Dauwer
Bunch of Time
Hingham, MA

2004 Vista 268 - VP 5.7iE

Your about 30 mins from me. Are you a member of a yacht club? There are about 3 or 4 close by to you!

Yacht clubs all full of real experienced boaters that can show you. beats sending e-mails back & forth

I would buy 2 deep cycle batteries group 31.

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2001 328 Vista "Nauta Dream 2"
AB Inflatable 10AL "Little Dreamer"
2000 248 Vista
1997 225 Sundowner


Mike

Thanks, all for your advice!

Paul I, I am at Hingham Shipyard Marina. The folks are great there. I just wanted to get advice from other Four Winns owners. Thanks again!

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Paul Dauwer
Bunch of Time
Hingham, MA

2004 Vista 268 - VP 5.7iE

Marinas are to expensive! Try joining a club, they will cost you 1/4 to a 1/3 of the price.

Is this an electronic fuel injected boat? If so, there are more specific requirements vis a vis cranking amps. Sometimes they do not recommend a dual purpose batt for cranking in those situations. If the house loads and engine starting load are split up then I'd go with a big starting batt for the engine and a deep cycle for the rest. If they are not split, see if you can get the biggest dual purpose for boat (gp 31) they will be heavy as hell so watch your back....

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I realize this might be a little late but I replaced all my batteries with a Lifeline brand AGM batteries. I put two 6 volt 220 amp batteries in for the house and a AGM battery for the engine. AGM batteries can take a larger discharge and then be recharged than the wet cell batteries. I've had my batteries now for 5 years and many people report having their Lifeline batteries for more than 10 years.

Eric

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1996 258 Vista 5.8L Fi Cobra SX
2007 (NBS) 2500HD Ext Cab, Long Bed

I am lost on "AGM batteries can take a larger discharge and then be recharged than the wet cell batteries."

AGM is the way to go. But remember you must set your charger to AGM. They take a different charge & float rate than wet cells. So I am thinking that you have 2 different chargers.

I replaced my charger that died with a Xantrex Truecharge 2 40 amp. It can charge AGM and can charge 3 banks at the same time. They are great chargers and Lifeline are great batteries. A bit pricey but pay for themselves after time.

Eric

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1996 258 Vista 5.8L Fi Cobra SX
2007 (NBS) 2500HD Ext Cab, Long Bed

You might want to look in Sears AGM. There made by Odyssey. There about 90 less and 48 vs a 12 month replacement warrenty.

Xantrex & ProMarina are top of the line.