I would suggest a U1 battery. That is what I use and it has worked fine for years. They are available cheap at WalMart for lawn tractors or more money for a gel or AGM marine version. They are about 35 AH and cost about $140 for the gel/AGM versions at West. I have one you can borrow to make sure it starts your engine OK. My engine draws 130 amps at start and the battery is rated for 240 amps.
As for sealed batteries, I would get gel cells. AGMs are much easier to source, but IMHO are nowhere near as good. Their one advantage is they tolerate a wide range of charging voltages. I regret switching to AGM and am planning to go back to gel next battery swap. I got 10 years out of my gels and the AGMs are looking kind of beat at 5 years :( Note you need a regulator that will NOT go over 14.2 volts for the gels. I alter all the alternators I use to run from an external regulator I can adjust. I understand why they want sealed batteries. Back when I had wet cells one cracked and dumped acid in the bilge during hurricane Charlie and not only did it stink, the acid got in a locker where we had canned food and ate holes in the can. We were down to rum and one crumb cake for sustenance. Joe Della Barba Coquina From: CnC-List [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Joel Aronson Sent: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 1:55 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Stus-List Batteries All, I hate to bring up this topic, as it is almost as bad as asking about anchors. I currently have 2 Group 31 batteries. I want to have a 3rd separate starting battery. My choices have been narrowed to: (a) 2 T105 6 volt golf cart batteries for the house bank and use one of the existing batteries for starting or (b) buy 1 starting battery. The first gets me more power, the second saves maybe $100. I have an 80 amp alternator with internal regulator. BTW, ISAF now requires sealed batteries for offshore - just to complicate my life! Recommendations? Joel 35/3 Annapolis 301 541 8551
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