Deep Cycle Batteries

[ILOVEBEER]

Hey guys, I'm going to be converting my single battery to a dual battery system. I have been reading up on deep cycle batteries and I have heard nothing but good things about the Lifeline AGM batteries. Has anyone used these? Will I be able to run an AGM battery with a standard marine starting battery (similar charge rates)? The literature I've been reading says yes but I would like your opinions. Any other advise will also be appreciated! <br /><br />My uses: 1998 Sea Ray 190BR. I want one battery for starting and the other for powering my stereo and amp, maybe a blender occasionally and that's about it. Do I even need a deep cycle battery for that? <br /><br />I'm new to this forum and so far I am impressed. Thanks for the help and if you are interested in a good article about batteries, here you go:<br /><br /> http://www.cavediver.com/batteries/Battery_FAQ.htm#Using a deep cycle battery as a starting battery <br /><br />-Warren

 

[cuzner]

Re: Deep Cycle Batteries

Hi Warren, welcome to I boats!!! I'm pretty sure its not a good idea to to combine the 2 types when charging, either through your alternator, or a single bank charger. I think it would be O.K. if have a way to charge them independant though, either a battery switch, or a 2 bank charger. they charge as different rates, the agm charges at a higher rate with more amps.Can cause all kinds of weird stuff to happen to your lead acid battery, none of it good.<br /><br /><br /> Jim

 

[MajBach]

Re: Deep Cycle Batteries

I just replied to another thread about my experiences with batteries. If I was in your shoes, I'd but two dual purpose batteries or two deep cycle - I dont find the price differences to be that significant. I don't buy plain starting batteries ever anymore as I have used deep cycle batteries as starting batteries in both my boat and cars and never had a problem. I would definately recommend at least one deep cycle battery especially if you are planning on running the blender etc. off of it. THe ONLY time I have ever had a problem with a lead-acid battery is when I tried using an starting battery in a continuous low-draw application. The [brand new] battery was 'dead' in less than an hour and could not hold a charge thereafter.<br /><br />I also have been charging one deep cycle and one starting battery simotaneously for 5 years. That was never my intent, rather I was supposed to use my isolator switch to direct the charge but I got too lazy and just left them on 'both' all the time. This did lead to have to pull start the motor on one occassion though

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Deep Cycle Batteries

Make it easy and put a switch in there.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Deep Cycle Batteries

The fellow that brought the NorthStar line of batteries to the market recognized he had an advanced AGM battery that could go heads up with Concorde (Lifeline). I was about to purchase Lifeline batts, spent some time talking to NorthStar, Concorde, others, then went out and bought myself a bunch of NorthStar batteries.<br /><br />NorthStar or Concorde/Lifeline; wouldn’t have a problem with either one. For as much as these batts cost I suggest investing in a quality charger that has an AGM charging profile programmed in it.<br /><br />Oh, and NEVER mix battery types on the same charging circuit, i.e. if you have only one 12v charger you can charge either an AGM or a flooded cell, but not both together.

 

[ILOVEBEER]

Re: Deep Cycle Batteries

Thanks for the great replies! I too am lazy and don't really want to pony up the loot for the expensive AGM batteries as I will also have to buy a charger. Sounds like I will add a dual purpose battery for now and see how it goes. I just want something I can charge on "both" without having to worry about it. Thanks again guys.<br /><br />-Warren

 

[vipzach]

Re: Deep Cycle Batteries

Warren, I did the same thing last year. I have a dual purpose battery for starting my boat and running the lights and a deep cycle battery just for my stereo system. They are both the same type of battery, just different brands. I bought a relay type thing from bass pro, that will charge both batteries when the motor is running and seperate them from each other when off. That way I don't have to worry about my starting battery being dead at the end of the day because I forgot to switch the switch after we arrived at the beach. I bought a smart charger and just make sure they are both completelt full before the next weekend.

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Deep Cycle Batteries

An isolater will charge one battery at a time. But you will have .7 voltage drop.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Deep Cycle Batteries

A VSR will do the job nicely without the voltage drop - IMO.