What is the cheapest battery I can use for running lights and bilge pump ONLY? Is a tractor battery the cheapest? Walmart has them for $25. I would rarely need it, but I want some type of battery hooked up. Thanks. 

I doubt you'll do much better than 25 bucks. Of course it's not much of a value if it dies before you are done.

You don't think it has enough power to run the bow and stern lights? The bilge pump I almost never use.

This site is a little "goofy" but it has the forumla you can use to calculate the amount of amps you will need.

 

http://www.virtualsecrets.com/solar-panel-battery-calculators.html

 

And you can always ask a professional battery salesman who sells batteriesa which one is best for your needs.

 

Simple question with a difficult answer.

Buy the best battery you can afford. Properly maintained batteries can last years. We have several old batteries that would work in a pinch since we maintained them well.  Also would you rather buy a new $25 battery each season because it died or spend $90 on something with 3 year + warranty? Honestly you also need to consult a professional. Call a boat shop and be honest, say you have a small boat what battery can I get away with using for the lights and bilge. I wouldnt want to be taking on water with a $25 battery.  There are certain things in life that are foolish to be cheap on like batteries, tires, life jackets etc. 

You don't think it has enough power to run the bow and stern lights? The bilge pump I almost never use.

Maybe. I have no idea to be honest. Just pointing it out.

If the cheapest battery is what you want, you can always call your local junkyard and see what they have in stock. However, those batteries may or may not come with any warranty coverage and they may or may not work when you need them. How much is getting water out of your boat or not having someone run into you at night worth to you?

 

Jim McIlvaine

eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.

www.pinterest.com/optimabatteries

What is the cheapest battery I can use for running lights and bilge pump ONLY? Is a tractor battery the cheapest? Walmart has them for $25. I would rarely need it, but I want some type of battery hooked up. Thanks. 

 

I would get a group 24 walmart battery. http://www.walmart.com/ip/EverStart-24MS-6-Marine-Battery/16782694 this will serve you well for your planned purpose. You do not want to use a tractor battery, you can, they are not designed for deep discharge like a deep cycle battery. How deep will you discharge it during your use? Who knows? If you were just running lights I would say spend the $25 make sure you charge it when you're done. Since you are running a bilge pump to empty your potentially sinking boat. Go with the group 24 and make sure you charge when you get home.

$25 tractor battery will be more than enough.