Time to replace starting battery?

[Hookmaster]

I am on my 7th season with the original starting battery for my Lund 1700 Angler SS with an F100 Yamaha. The battery shows no signs of diminished performance. When not in use it holds a charge very well. I am thinking about replacing it before my family's vacation just so there is no mishap. Should I for good insurance and peace of mind?

[musky hunter]

To get the peace of mind, go the the auto store and buy a hygrometer. Then test each cell. If they all read good, you're battery is likely a-ok. The hygrometer measures the concentration of battery acid and is a very good indicator of battery condition. You can also have them do a discharge and cycle test on the battery if you are really paranoid about it. It will fairly quickly tell you the current the battery can discharge. Most good auto stores would be happy to do this test for little or no money because they want the replacement battery business. Personally, I would not replace a battery that functions well and test good. If you also have a trolling motor battery, that could be switched and used as a back up starting battery in an emergency.

[Northlander]

Take it to Interstate Battery or Battery's Plus and have them test it. A starter will last longer than a trolling battery. Trolling battery's are good for about 3 years of good hard use. I have had them last 5 but they were top end Interstates. My old boat had a starting battery that was 9 years old and still going strong.

Have it tested but your on the tail end. I would get a new one and keep the old one for backup. You dont want it to die out on the lake. Carry a power pack or jumper cables and jump off the trolling battery in a emergency.