thanks for the reply would 800cca and 1000mca be good batt for the 496ho motors ?

That will be fine. I think the manual calls for a minimum of 650.

thanks dave

whats everyones opinion on the duralast marine batteries, I was told they are made by johnson controls??? Thanks

good thread.. i am putting new ones in myself.

anything wrong with putting optimas in

I have had very good luck with Deka Marine Batteries in my bass boat and my checkmate.

http://www.dekabatteries.com/default.aspx?pageid=468

I run Optimas in everything I own,,,, they had a bad run for a couple years but they are back on track now.

Its the only thing that will run my stereo for more then 1/2 hr.

If its just a starting battery with no big amplifiers,,,, Interstate will work just fine.

I run them in all my cars, plow truck, drag car and was going to put them in the boat also but was just checking into it

I've had pretty good luck with Optima. I did buy an Odyssey house battery for my boat about three years ago- still going strong. I like the fact that the Odyssey can be used as a starter battery and house battery without harming the batteries life cycle.