Starter battery deep cycle?

[sailingseven]

I have a volvo penta aq131a and since i got it's started fine, but the battery is going bad. It had an interstate marine deep cycle which stated the motor and power the depth finder, marine radio, etc. Should I get another deep cycle or go with a battery with more cold cranking amps? It's the only battery on the boat so any ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Another retired guy]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

If you typically only use the accessories when the motor is running, then I would go with a starter battery. If you use the accessories frequently with the motor stopped, then go with the deep cycle. Of course, you then run the risk of not having sufficient volt/amp to restart the motor ( I always carry a fully charged spare )

 

[airshot]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

If at all possible use a starter battery for main motor, then add a deep cycle to run all accessories. This way you always have power to start your main engine. Starter batteries are not the best for running accessories if you drain them down. Deep cycle batteries do not like the high charge from your alternator as this will shorten the overall life of a deep cycle battery. They do make a combo battery (deepcycle/starter) if only one battery is used, they are not as good as a regular deep cycle but better than using just a marine starter battery.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

This is an example of the dual purpose battery airshot referred to: Duralast/Marine battery - 12 months free replacement (24MD-DL) | Marine Battery | AutoZone.com I'm picking up one of these this weekend.

 

[sailingseven]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

Could running 2 of these batteries in a parallel connection give an advantage? More backup power in case the radio drain is too much for the battery above. I don't have a selector switch and have used parallel battery setups before, but not in a boat. Thanks

 

[mpsyamaha]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

It would help, essentially doubling the reserve capacity. Best thing of course, would be to add a battery switch, if going through the trouble and expense of adding the second battery.

 

[riptide09]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

I have been using a Duracell AGM Dual Purpose since August of 2011. Battery is great and I have never had any problems. No trolling but I have played the radio for 4 to 6 hours and she started afterwards.

Marine AGM - Dual Purpose

This is the exact battery I have. I purchased it from Sam's Club.

http://www.driveduracell.com/assets/duracell/image/1684.pdf

 

[jjschwi]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

I have a die hard platinum battery marine dual purpose, it's an expensive battery, I paid $279 for it, it has 1100 cc amps, and 210 minutes of reserve battery power. It's an awesome battery if you only use 1 battery.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

If there is space, install a battery switch and a second battery. It's easy to do. If you don't want to or can't go that route, a Deka combination starting/deep cycle has given me good service. Made in Pennsylvania to boot!

 

[MAXXIE]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

I just picked up a new duel purpose battery for less than $100 @ PeP Boys. Can't remember the cranking amps, but it's a large battery for sure. I'll update this post when I get outside this morning & check on brand & cranking amps.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

Could running 2 of these batteries in a parallel connection give an advantage? More backup power in case the radio drain is too much for the battery above. I don't have a selector switch and have used parallel battery setups before, but not in a boat. Thanks

Running batteries in a permanent parallel setup is a little tricky. You need identical batteries bought at the same time and installed as a pair. You also need to watch the maintenance on them to make sure electrolyte levels stay the same. If the batteries get unbalanced, you will end up with one cooking the other one. (running a battery switch, and ideally a battery isolator also, solves this)

Anyway, in MOST boats, a single deep cycle has more than enough CCA's to turn over a marine engine or outboard. If you have some massive big block high compression engine on the back, then obviously you have different requirements. For your engine, you could almost pull start that! CCA requirements are going to be very low.

 

[sailingseven]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

Thanks for all the replies. I got a duel purpose battery and will see how it goes this week.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

This is an example of the dual purpose battery airshot referred to: Duralast/Marine battery - 12 months free replacement (24MD-DL) | Marine Battery | AutoZone.com I'm picking up one of these this weekend.

I have used these batteries for years as single battery and never had a problem. I just put a trickle charger on the 1st of the season and away we go.

 

[Kens242REGAL]

Re: Starter battery deep cycle?

I have dual batteries SRM-24 is their part number, both Interstate deep cycle. I use one to operate accessories and the other to start my 5.7 lt. Mercury. I usually alternate battery one the next week utilizing battery two for running fridge etc.

I am in need of one new battery as it only holds out for about nine hours.

Anyone else using Interstates like mine, to run fridge and detectors while bobbing? If so what are you getting for time off a battery?

Thanks!

Ken