Dan the fireman - Battery Question

[Dan the Fireman]

Asking for your opinion re- using a starting battery or dual starting/deep cycle battery to run boat. I have a 70hp Johnson outboard which is wired to a ignition key. The fish finder is wired direct do not need to have ignition key on to power fishfinder. When trolling I use the 9.9 Mercury kicker which is drawing from starting battery. I guess the question I am asking is would a dual/starting &deep cycle battery be a plus or not? I have to purchase a new battery to power boat. This site has been a real plus for me, I just wanted to say that, thanks again to everyone.

Thanks
Danny

 

[GA_Boater]

Dan - Modified the thread title and moved it into the Electrical section.

What Merc 9.9 do you have? Pull or electric start? Is the current battery just old or are you having trouble keeping it charged up on the water?

I have a feeling a starting/deep cycle battery isn't needed if all you are running on it is the FF and starting the motor or motors.

 

[Dan the Fireman]

The 9.9 Mercury is a 2- stroke pull start, the battery was checked with hydrometer and found one bad cell.

Thanks Danny

 

[GA_Boater]

If it was working OK before the cell died, I would go with a starting battery. I don't think you have enough load to go with a combo. Unless you find a comparable price, that is.

 

[Dan the Fireman]

Thanks very much, yes I think I will purchase another starting battery @ least 700 cranking amps.

 

[airshot]

In my area deep cycle batteries are only a few bucks more than a starting battery and the capacity is so much greater and the deep cycle can be run down to a lower voltage safely than a starting battery. For just a few more bucks I would get the deep cycle and have more power available if needed.