Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

[Angus46]

Is it Ok to use a deep cycle battery as a cranking battery, I know it can be used to start, but I plan to use one all the time, Will I have any trouble if I do this.<br />Thank you

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

I believe if you use a deep cycle battery not designed to start as a starting battery, it will shorten the life of the battery. Usually true deep cycle batteries are used only for trolling. There are some that claim to be both starting and deep cycle, but I dont think they last very long. Deep cycle are designed to put out a little energy over a long time where as cranking batteries will put out a lot of power over a short time. There is a physical difference in how they are made.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

Even the dual-purpose batteries have more deep cycle characteristics than starting battery characteristics, mostly in that they still charge slow. But for little motors, no problem. I wouldn't necessarily put one in for a larger EFI or DFI however. But a 15Hp Johnson. No prob. As long as it's not strictly Deep Cycle, those aren't constructed to carry a fast load and you can melt the connections inside.

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

ive used a deep cycle battery in my truck for years.never had a problem,and i live in northern ontario.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

Are you looking to buy a new battery? If so there are better choices like the deep cycle/starting dual purpose batteries mentionned above.<br /><br />If you already have a deep cycle and want to use it, go ahead and enjoy. (Batteries are relatively inexpensive to buy. My last battery is a marine dual purpose from Walmart for somewhere around $50.00 Can.)<br /><br />On my 15 hp powered pontoon, (that was given when I bought my cottage), I only found out after half a season of use that there was no alternator on the motor. It only had the electric start feature. So now I always charge it after a day out. <br /><br />Even if it has an alternator, most small motors have a tough time charging up a deep cycle during use and it's worthwhile putting it on a 10 amp charger.

 

[Pogo123]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

I use an Optima Blue Top for both trolling and starting, but, as Cobra (and others) point out, I also put it on the charger regularly.<br /><br />Optima's are made for both starting and trolling (or any similar current draw) and they appear to stand up very well ... expensive, sure, but worth it to me for the reliability and long life.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

This will blow you away. <br /><br />I bought a 400 cubic inch Diesel ag tractor and it had one 27 sized deep cycle battery for starting. It was not the combination, was pure deep cycle.<br /><br />It started the tractor pretty well, considering and it had been on there for quite some time. <br /><br />Could not believe it could pump out the 200 or so amps required to crank a diesel.<br /><br />So based upon that I'd say go for it....but they do sell combination batteries.<br /><br />Mark

 

[Boatist]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

Deep cycle batteries have thicker plated which means also have fewer plates per cell. <br />With fewer plates it can not produce as much current but as long as it rated at a higher amps than your starter needs then will have no problem as a starting battery. <br />If batteries is rated at 300 amps and your starter need 600 amps then your starter will not work at best speed and motor will likely not start.<br />With proper care all batteries will have a long life so get the type you really need. Starting batteries are cheaper.

 

[MajBach]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

Every time I have a deep cycle that wont hold a charge lomg enough for my liking, it comes out of the boat and into one of my cars. They have worked better and lasted longer than any NEW automotive battery I have ever had - even when they've been used.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

ok, quick question, this boat has two batteries as part of the system. Which battery would be designated for cranking and which deep cycle or does it matter.

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

If you have them on a battery selector switch, then which ever battery you have selected is going to be the one used for whatever purpose, if you have the #2 battery selected when you are cranking the motor, then that is where the power is going to come from, if it is set to "both" then current is drawn from both batteries. If it is possible, then you want to crank off of a cranking battery, and use all accessories on a deep-cycle battery.

 

[Pogo123]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

That's not as easy a question as it first appears, summerwind1991 ... the ideal is to have two of the same type batteries. Not only does it then not matter which goes where, but charging becomes infinitely easier.<br /><br />IF you go with a deep cycle plus a cranking battery, then you need a switch to route current ... or you hard wire the cranking battery to the engine and the deep cycle to everything else.<br /><br />Some of this depends on how your boat is wired, two batteries in parallel or two separate circuits ... one to the engine and one for everything else.

 

[summerwind1991]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

Thanks Pogo, I picked up two Everstart marine batteries deep cycle, yellow vs black color, I think they might be the uprgrade of the traditional everstart. Yes the batteries are parallel circuits.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

Interesting comment Major.<br /><br />The deepcycle surely would be more rugged in a mobile environment if it could put out the required current. Apparently it can and the thicker plates are holding up.<br /><br />Second interesting thing is that once they fail in your boat they work in your car, and obviously they recharge or they wouldn't work. That's great.<br /><br />Mark

 

[steelespike]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

My electric car uses 6 Trojan 30 xhs true deepcycle batteries. My car reduces them to a 40% charge in about 1 hour.That's a really high<br />discharge rate.With a little luck and excellent care these batteries can last up to 3 years.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

Hey Steele, When Exide and others can produce a lightweight truly reliable battery, the hybrid/electric type car will become a reality.<br /><br />Till then, hang on to your arse as when they go south you will need to refinance your house to pay for a new set.<br /><br />FYI. My '98 Dodge P/U is still on the OEM battery and no current problems. When electric cars can do that on a daily basis their popularity will surely improve.<br /><br />My 2c.<br /><br />Mark

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

Keep in mind that pretty much all boat/car/truck starters use less than 200 amps. Any standard 85+ amp hour deep cycle battery is more than capable of this.<br /><br />I use Hawker AGM batteries in everything now. Rated for 1,200 cranking amps and over 400 cycles at 100% discharge. Try that with any other battery!

 

[swist]

Re: Deep cycle battery as a cranking battery

I would go so far as to say that most small boats would do better with combo or deep cycle batteries than starting batteries. As someone said, they all have more than enough CCA to start your average motor. But in boats much more so than in cars, there is more likelyhood that you will be running accessories when the engine is off (radio, lights, bilge pump, etc). Starting batteries do not take well to slow discharging and their life will be shortened.