Difference between deep cycle, dual cycle batteries?

[nightstalker]

At wally World, I see marine starting, trolling, deep cycle and dual cycle batteries. What's the difference between a dual cycle and deep cycle battery? Can I use a trolling battery as an emergency starting battery if need be? Also, if I run a 12 volt battery for a trolling motor and electronics, should I go with the trolling, dual cycle or deep cycle battery?<br />Stalker

 

[peterc38]

Re: Difference between deep cycle, dual cycle batteries?

My two cents is I'd go with an AGM battery. Deep cycle batteries do not crank well, so I wouldn't want to rely on one for emergency starting. AGM batteries have more than adequate cranking capacity for starting as they have almost indentical characteristics to wet cells relative to cranking amp output. They also work well in deep cycle applications. Another advantage is they do not gas or leak therefore there is less or no corrosion and they are safer below deck. Cabelas has good prices on these I think.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Difference between deep cycle, dual cycle batteries?

I agree with Peter_in_Maine, because he has one of the biggest avatars to date, so he must know what he’s talking about.<br /> <br /><br />Dual-purpose bats are not really good at starting, nor are they really good at deep cycling. They’re right in the middle, they do either function 'ok'. But they do have their place in this world, and I believe that place in on a boat that does both starting and deep cycling with a single battery. If your boat has two bats, I think you can do better than a dual-purpose battery.<br /><br />Peter’s comments on the advantages of an AGM are spot on. Technology-wise, we’re kind of past the point of dual-purpose, flooded cell bats. All AGM bats will deep cycle well and will kick the butt of any comparable wet cell starting battery.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Difference between deep cycle, dual cycle batteries?

Only problem with AGM is they cost 3 times more than any other battery. For the price of a low amp hour AGM, you could get a nice starting battery and two regular deep cycle batteries.<br /><br />To answer your question, yes, you can use a regular deep cycle battery for starting in an emergency. Most group 24 or larger will give you at least 5-700 cranking amps.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: Difference between deep cycle, dual cycle batteries?

Thanks, I'll go with one starting battery and one deep cycle with the electronics connected to it.<br />Stalker

 

[jauguston]

Re: Difference between deep cycle, dual cycle batteries?

In todays marketing environment it is very hard to know what is or is not a 12v deep cycle battery. It used to be that the way to know you were getting a true deep cycle battery was the fact that it would not have a CCA rating. No more. Virtually all 12v batteries will now have a CCA rating including all of the much touted Trojan brand that are sold as deep cycle batteries. Because many boaters want to be able to use their batteries to start with as well as use them for deep cycle uses the manufacturers have put a CCA rating on everything. For me I look at the amount of reserve minutes versus the CCA for a given AH battery and consider the one with the longest reserve the best choice. If you want the best life out of your batteries don't discharge them below about 50% charge (12.2v measured after several hours resting)

Jim

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Difference between deep cycle, dual cycle batteries?

jauguston,

Why are you answering questions to 2 year old posts?

 

[cjames]

Re: Difference between deep cycle, dual cycle batteries?

yeah, that walmart battery is long since dead by now.