1996 232 correct battery size?

[Jakeusmc50]

Hello all,

Just found, and joined this forum. We picked up a 1996 232 about 4 years ago. I have been slowly fixing everything up and getting it to look good. Previous owner did not do much cleaning or work from the looks of things but I guess that is how I got a good deal. Anyway, the battery’s that came with the boat need replaced this year. I can’t seem to find what batteries are supposed to be installed from the factory. I have two different size amp hr batteries installed right now and I’m guessing that is not supposed to be the case. Both are starting batteries. 24M size group. One is 800cca and the other is 880cca two different manufacturers.

Also are most people switching over to AGM batteries now. If so are there any mods needed on the boat itself or just if you need to hook up a charger it will need to be the right kind.

Thanks for the help in advance. Looking forward to reading through all the forums on here. Seems to be a lot of good information.

Thanks
Jake

[Jakeusmc50]

Sorry should have mentioned it has the 7.4 merc with bravo 3.

[Big Block Power]

Welcome and Mahe sure you introduce yourself in the new member section with pictures!!
I have 2 of these no issues!!

[AsLan7]

Sorry should have mentioned it has the 7.4 merc with bravo 3.

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Hey J50. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us! Marine? Thank you for your service if so.

I run two different brand batteries. One is a deep cycle Trojan and the other is a marine hybrid.

Do you run your stereo quite a bit without the engine running? A deep cycle is great for that.

Any pics of your Cobalt?

Again welcome aboard mate!

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[Jakeusmc50]

Thanks for the quick reply. I will go put some pics up and introduce myself in the new member section now.

As for the two different batteries. I don’t usually sit and run the stereo for too long without running the engine. Max is usually and hr or two and I just have stock size speakers. No amp or large speakers. What’s your normal operation then, do you start with only your starting battery on and then run with only that battery until you shut down then switch batteries. Or run with both all the time on so they both charge.

[AsLan7]

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Different folks run theirs in different ways. Some keep it on deep cycle while sitting and then switch to both to start and charge. Some just always run both. I'm lazy and always run both unless I know I am going to be cranking our stereo system for a long time without engine power. Then I'll go with option 1.

We also carry a small NOCO charger that cranks big blocks just in case. Others have onboard chargers. I would as a minimum have at least one of those backup options. ....or a SeaTow/Boat US membership.

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