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Hi all,
The boat I purchased this past Fall came with a new Super Start Marine Battery Part # Captain. 650 CCA. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/su...in/4742404

My questions are 1) Is this a decent battery? 2) What is a sufficient charger for it during the winter. I have taken it out of the boat and it is in my basement. Would something like this be adequate? https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/ba...turer=true
Thanks. Steve.

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I’m not familiar with your battery. Nowadays, most batteries sold at reputable shops are decent. It’s a question of whether you want to spring for a premium battery (e.g. AGM.)

The Battery Tender is a well known and respected charger. Bear in mind this model is only a trickle charger — which is what you want for long term storage. But it’s not intended to provide a rapid charge or boost in the case of a weak or dead battery.

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So dumb question but here goes... For a 12v Battery, do I need a 12v Trickle Charger? Just looking for something to maintain my battery over the winter. Any recommendations? Thanks.

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Steve -

When I was in Maine I used the NAPA marine batteries sized for my engines. Never had a problem.

For the appropriate size battery - What year/make/model of engine are you running? Any electronics? Want off-engine supply for running accessories?

I pulled the battery in the winter and left it in my basement. Would top off the charge in the spring.

Replaced after 5 years as a precaution.

Rather than invest in top tech batteries or chargers, I would invest in new battery cables. My 1987 Montauk had a hidden splice (prior owner) in the cable that caused me a lot of aggravation till I found it.

With my Outrage 17, I replaced the cables after the first season.

Best price on cables is either Hamilton Marine or go online to
http://www.genuinedealz.com/marine-wi...ire?cat=38

The season is wicked short so I wouldn't get too complicated.

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Thanks - this is my current battery - purchased by previous owner last August. https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/su...in/4742404

I was just looking to get something to keep the charge up over the winter. I have the battery in my basement now. I am running(for now) original 1989 Mercury 90HP. Will be adding basic VHS Radio, Raymarine Plotter/Finder and 500gph Bilge... My plan is to stick with one battery.

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Steve for trickle charging, there are a lot of good options. I have the Xtreme Charger 12V Maintenance Charger, which pushes a bit more amps than a very basic trickle charger. So it will recharge a low battery quicker (although it is not intended as a booster for a dead battery.) It also runs diagnostics, so will test a battery and let you know if it is okay. As well, it pulses as it charges, which is supposed to help with de-sulfating. It is compatible with lead acid batteries (standard wet-cells and AGM.)

Here is a link:

https://www.amazon.com/Xtreme-Charge-...harger+12V

Another thing I like about this package, is in addition to the standard battery clips, it also has a second set of terminals that can be permanently mounted to your battery on the boat. Then all you have to do is quickly plug in the male/female cable ends of the pigtails. It makes for very easy charging without having to gain access to the battery.

My boat only has a single battery. For emergency back-up, I also carry a NOCO booster, which is small and very portable:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...&psc=1