Does it really matter type of battery you get for a starter battery? I mean can I guy get a deep cell/rv/trolling batttery and use that as a starting battery also or need to be just a starting one? my bigger boat uses 2 batteries and I need a new one is only for starting and running things while downrigging–any input?
If ALL your using it for is STARTING then just use a starting battery,BUT if you have any electronics hooked up to it,get a dual purpose battery.
JMHO Jeff
I’m running a 31 series Exide as my starting battery. Turns over my Yamaha F150 just fine. Just make sure your motor doesn’t pull more amps than the battery can supply. Even deep cycles list cranking amps.
well I do use on electrics too–but use both batteries for that too–dual swtich–I runn big motor whole time I trol on the big lake so its charging the whole time i fish–but wondering if dual purpose battery would hold more of a charge and all mostly??
no not really wondering about it starting and all –starts fine with starter battery–just wondering if dual hold and last longer with a charge is all?? but thanks
Quote:
If ALL your using it for is STARTING then just use a starting battery,BUT if you have any electronics hooked up to it,get a dual purpose battery.
JMHO Jeff
So i have a 24v system where i have my trolling motor hooked up to those 2 batteries and i have all other electronics hooked up to my 3rd battery which is my starter battery.
Is that wrong or was i mis-informed when i was previously told to hook them up this way, or am i good as it seems to have worked well for me through the years?
A dual purpose or deep cycle will last longer for running electronics at lower amp draws, that’s what they are designed for. They have a higher reserve capacity. Starting batteries can sustain higher amp draws, like starting motors, longer, but don’t have the capacity to run long periods of time. Using a starting battery to strictly run electronics, can cause the plates in the battery to sulfate and reduces the longevity of the battery. Running a deep cycle as a starter only, can cause the battery todisscharge to fast and completely, that the plates may deteriorate to fast. Causing a longevity issue.
From what I have found, a dual purpose battery is the way too go, just make sure that the crank rateing is big enough for your motor,a group 27 or 29 is most likely plenty big enough.
Stan 
I no longer use “starting or dual type batt for starting my outboards. I now demote my oldest deep cycle to that duty. I use nothing but big group 31 deep cycles in my boat. Look at the cold cranking amps on a deep cycle batt. Mine are 900 cold cranking amps. More than enough. And they can run some light draw stuff like radio, nav lights and bulge pump and still start the motor. Leave a light on and a starting type battery is dead in a few short hours. A deep cycle could power the same load overnight and still start your motor the next morning. Run a starting battery dead, just once, and you will be buying a new one in less than a year. And I can go a whole season without putting a charger on my starting deep cycle. The outboard can keep it charged just fine. 
so then its ok to use dual purpose for starting too then??
Yes.
ok good to know–thanks
Quote:
A dual purpose or deep cycle will last longer for running electronics at lower amp draws, that’s what they are designed for. They have a higher reserve capacity. Starting batteries can sustain higher amp draws, like starting motors, longer, but don’t have the capacity to run long periods of time. Using a starting battery to strictly run electronics, can cause the plates in the battery to sulfate and reduces the longevity of the battery. Running a deep cycle as a starter only, can cause the battery todisscharge to fast and completely, that the plates may deteriorate to fast. Causing a longevity issue.
Bingo
Ok heres the thing—-I have a 19ft Starcraft and I use it for downrigging on Lake Superior and when I troll I use the big motor for it so motor is running and its also charging batteries as I do since running a inboard and altenator–so not so much worried about running things off batteries since they charging as I go–all am wondering is it ok to use dual purpose battery for a starting battery and if boat sits for a while on trailer will dual purpose hold longer charge so when i get back out on lake more starting power?? guess am wondering about this more?? thanks
Lead acid batteries self discharge faster than AGM batteries. Also, the vented lead acid loose electrolite, kind of a double whammy. All batteries when discharged have a high potential for sulfating, a most time irreversable condition that ruins a battery. If staying with lead acid at least get a sealed / maintenance free dual purpose battery. If willing to upgrade and protect yourself from higher self discharge rates then go to dual purpose AGM. At any rate, having a decent battery maintaining charger is a must for long term battery health.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
