For a 36 PD could a larger motorcycle battery be used to start the motor? I was wondering cause it's alot less weight to carry than a standard deep cycle marine battery.

get a stinger

It would make a great back up, other than that I wouldn't trust it.

I am trying to decide what size batteries I need as well. Trying to go as light a possible without breaking the bank. Probably going with Deka brand.

One will be for engine, bilge, and running lights.

The other will be for stereo, swamp lights, winch.

I run the smallest car battery Walmart has, have had no issues

Thanks guys....Appreciate the input.

I've run Sam's club garden tractor batteries for years with no problems. On long trips I do take a spare battery because I'm old and forgetful. If you leave a key or bilge pump on overnight it won't matter much what size your main battery is and you will be happy you have a spare. I also carry a cheap set of jumper cables in my "possibles" box. So far I've only needed them to start others, but my chance is coming.

Different charging systems.

O, can you tell me what the difference is? I'm curious now...

Is it that the motorcyle recovers the charge at a faster rate?

I'm not familiar with the charging system on a bike, but know for certain it is different than the one we have on our engines. The cdi motors have a decent charging system 20a at idle on up to 50a at full output. The older engines have no output at idle and I think around 20a at full output. I believe the stator on a bike is inside the block, where ours is mounted outside under the flywheel, but I am not familiar with their output ratings.

The clutch alone draws 20 amps!! So if your idling alot and using trim auto reverse it can draw a battery!!

If I remember right Hoyt told me that but I could be wrong.

I'd go put a meter on mine, but don't really want to now. Over 10amps will pop my meter. lol I've been told somewhere in the 4-10 range. 20amps is a pretty hefty draw.

Actually I think the charging systems on a H-D are very simular to that of a MM V-Twin. This article explains the H-D charging system. http://www.harleyhowto.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338
I do however think that the H-D charging system may have a higher amperage output than that on a MM. I just put a new battery on my Fatboy and you would be amazed at the price. $87 and that was the cheapest one I could find. One from Harley is around $125+ so I'm not sure that there is any cost savings going with a motorcycle battery, weight savings yes.

Russ

The compression on alot of custom harleys is way more than a MM. My friend has a BMW touring bike and that thing has everything imaginable on it.....sat radio, cd player, air suspension, ect, so I figured it might work on a MM.

It is 20 amps.

Would a smaller battery have enough power to turn the motor over.

So it sounds like I should get a small auto starting battery for the motor and a small deep cycle for the accessories?

I text Hoyt to make sure that is what he told me !! 20 amps

http://www.messicks.com/Articles/Fixing ... lutch.aspx
Second paragraph. Seems like they draw aboout 3.5 amps ISh

http://www.ganos.com/electricclutchtesting.pdf
Another link, this one is showing about 4 amps of current draw.

GD's don't have those clutch drainin the battery problems at all..........jus sayin

I have two batteries. I keep a small lawn mower battery in the bow for a backup.

My engine burned a plug and quit charging my battery and eventually drained it. I was lucky because I was very close to my camp.

the day before I was in lillies two feet high about two miles from the nearest bayou and almost turned my motor off several times while scouting for ducks, glad I didn't- I would have been like chuck!

always bring a spare.

Thanks for the input guys

i have a deep cycle battery thats the size of a tractor battery. might be something to look into

I'm running a Group 24 hybrid marine Deep Cell/ Cranking battery from auto zone that's been great. I've had a set for 3 years in my offshore boat that are still perfect.

Get yourself a Optima