www.iFourWinns.com

Well, I believe the time has come for some new batteries. Yesterday, we were out for a few hours and didnt have the genny running. When it came to start to head back...super slow cranking and then clicks...both engines. Had to put the battery switches in parallel to start, which worked fine. We ran the genny on the way back to the marina and also of course plugged in the shore power when we got back. I spoke with the previous owner and he believes the batteries to be 4, maybe 5 years old. so its time.

For the starting batteries on the Vista (should have looked yesterday) are they group 27 or 31? Also, should I buy dual purpose batteries or regular? Obviously, not a deep cycle for the engines, but would be for the house battery, right?

Looking for some advice!

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

And you will get it.

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

The 318 comes with 1 starting battery for each motor... Group 27 dual-purpose.

It had 1 house battery which was the same as the starters... I pulled it out and replaced with 2, WalMart deep cycles. I think they are Group 29s. I get plenty of battery time without the genny.

Just make sure all the batteries are the same 'type' - AGM, Lead Acid, etc... unless you have multiple chargers. Otherwise, your banks are flexible.

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

You might want to go with a combiner. It will charge both battiers at the same time, no matter which battery the switch is on. Of course, with the engine running.

I think I have answered my own question(along with some insight from TxVista and CougarCruiser). I can get Interstate Dual Purpose Group 27's for 90.00 through my dealership. I just need to triple check that they are Group 27's and make a decision.

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

For starting batteries - those are great one's...

I wouldn't use them as a house battery - the one I did have didn't hold up well at all.

_________________

2008 318 Vista -SOLD, but I am still around!
All Night Long, Seattle WA

Yeah I agree and don't plan on using it as a house battery. I need to research the Interstate offerings for my house battery...although it currently performs well.

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4

I went with Optima AGM batteries. Amazon ships them free (which is a pretty good deal considering how much they weigh).

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

I second the Optima's. I'm on my 8th season with no problems at all. Amazing!

_________________

2014 Vista V435
2011 Glastron GT180
2013 Sea Doo RXT-260

I would at lest look into the Sears Platinum, which is made by Odessy. A AGM battery built to mil specs.

Considering you have an account with Interstate as I do I would stick with those. Can't beat there warranty and if your rep is like mine even when warranty is questionable they take care of you.

_________________
1998 Baja Boss 252 7.4L MPI Bravo 1 (SOLD)
2007 FW H200SS 5.0GXI (Sold)
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 Crew 6.0L (tow vehicle)
1991 FW 170 Freedom 4.3L (SOLD)

Sorry to drift the thread a little, but could someone please take the trouble to explain what is meant by " group 27 or 29 " when referring to batteries. I have been reading post's on this topic for a few years and it means nothing to me. We mustn't use the terminology over here, or at least I've never heard of it.

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Regards
Beyond the Blue

"If we improve with age I'm now excellent"


Ex 1998 238 Vista 5.0Gi SX DP
Lexus RX300

Different batteries are available in different sizes and features. Those group numbers, for the most part, indicate that.

_________________
-Bill Kearney, 2005 348 Vista

Beyond the Blue.
Maybe this battery chart will help explain more appropriatly.
http://www.submarineboat.com/bci_batter ... _chart.htm

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

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Came down to the boat this morning. It turns out that there are Everstart Maxx batteries in it....group 29's.

_________________
Current Boat:
2004 Sea Ray 320 Sundancer "Nauti Luvin'"

Previous Boats:
1999 298 Vista "Seas The Day"
2008 H200SS "Nauti Luv"
2006 Tahoe Q4