Battery and bushes

[Spindrift]

Hi,

Well, I am one step closer to getting my Owens 'Kent' back on the water. The engine is being fettled by a neighbour who also happens to be a marine engineer (RN Retd. ) Always useful to have one of those in your neighbourhood, I find!

My question is, now that I am about to put it back on the boat, what battery would folks recommend for a 1962 Keikhaeffer Merc 500? I am planning to stow the battery below the rear-most seats just forward of the splashwell, but where it should remain dry.

Also, does anyone know if there is a current equivalent for the rubber bushes on the tilt mechanism? The current ones have gone hard and brittle, so need replacing before I launch.

As ever, all replies will be much appreciated.

Graham

[haventaclue]

A marine or leisure battery @ 85ah. I bought a set for '69 my Merc800 a couple of months ago, http://www.outboardspares.co.uk.
http://www.oldmercs.com www.dougrussell.com , in the 'States

[Rapier]

A few of us bought these recently. Am about to buy another for my other boats, both powered with 45hp & 50hp Mercs.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/88Ah-Battery- ... 3a813a17ed

[water_buoy]

The battery megastore is good (I'm pretty sure that's the eBay link that Rapier put up), they are just up the road from me and I've had all sorts from them over the years both collected and delivered and they have a very efficient service!

http://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/?gcli ... tAodTlgAWA

[LaDauphine]

I always go for Optima gel batteries, expensive but not prone to damage or leakage.

[Rapier]

Yes was the magastore. There was some debate on John's Old Mercs forum (I think) about their unsuitability for outboard ignition systems. Alactrity might know. I used an Odyssey 680 for a few years but was unimpressed - Se7en successfully runs one for his 850XS.

[haventaclue]

Because of the unregulated charging system on the older outboard,varying voltage,up to 17v wot,the low maintenance/gel batteries are unsuitable.Overheating would be one problem.Neither would you need a deep cycle battery,unless you have an electric trolling motor.
I use a Wetline 85ah and a 110ah,Halfords finest. I top up the water/acid from time to time,charge regularly on the charger. And they are both four years old.I also use them when away in the caravan. I use them to loosen the rust on some bits and pieces so they haven't had an easy life.

[Rapier]

..that's it. I will keep the odyssey to run the Elto, as is very light.

[Spindrift]

That settles it, then. Battery Megastore it is!

Thanks for all the replies, which were very helpful.

As luck would have it, I am now going to be on-call next weekend, so won't be able to get down to the boatyard. However, the weekend after that....

Thanks again.

Graham