Deep Cycle Ok?

[642mx]

I'm sure this has been asked a million times, but I did a search and didn't find much....

We just bought our Baja and it has a brand new deep cycle battery in it. Its a Duralast thats blue in color. Is this the right battery?

It seems to start fine, but a few people have told me not to use a deep cycle in this application. I've also been told to add a second battery because I'm going to be running a subwoofer/amp.

Help....

 

[drewpster]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

The start battery will live longer if a marine "start" battery is used in the starter circuit. I would keep the deep cycle for all the onboard accessories and use a start type for starting only. I would also set things up so that when you are not running the engine the start battery is isolated so it won't die while you are listening to the tunes.

 

[rndn]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

Is it a deep cycle or a dual purpose battery, big difference?

 

[642mx]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

Is it a deep cycle or a dual purpose battery, big difference?

I think its this one.... http://www.autozone.com/R,NONAPP4308/store,2602/shopping/accessoryProductDetail.htm

 

[rndn]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

The one in the pic states dual purpose and 800 cold cranking amps. If yours is like that you're good to go with no worries.

 

[642mx]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

The one in the pic states dual purpose and 800 cold cranking amps. If yours is like that you're good to go with no worries.

Cool. I figured it was okay since it starts so easy, but wanted to be sure. Thank you!

Do you think I should buy another one and run 2 batteries? I would like to float around and listen to the radio and I do have a subwoofer and amp that I will install just as soon as UPS gets here...

Thanks again.

 

[rndn]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

I would if I were you. I currently have 2 starting batteries on my boat for just such reasons. I don't have an amp but wanted to be sure when I turned the key, there would be enough juice.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

In my experience, deepcycles make fine cranking batteries. If you want to anchor up in party cove all afternoon with the CD blasting (if the boat's arockin don't come a knockin ), a separate deepcycle is a pretty good idea. Throw a pair of jumper cables onboard, you'll have an extra margin of safety against a primary battery failure.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

I use "deep cycle" batteries to start my 7.4L engine. The thing is, some batteries called deep cycle may not ne the same as another in another brand. The construction difference between a starting battery and a deep cycle is typically construction and the thickness of the plates. A starting battery will have more surface area and thinner plates than a deep cycle battery and will be able to produce more current. Often, the starting batteries have more of a "sponge" plate to produce more surface area. If your deep cycle battery can provide enough current to start your motor, you are fine. Using a deep cycle battery to start your engine will not damage it. If you are like me and boat in warmer weather, you don't need the extra current to start the motor like you would in very cold weather.

 

[642mx]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

Lots of good info, keep it coming!

So if I go with 2 deep cycles, should I get a Perko switch for it? How do the battery switches wire up? Is it something easy to do?

 

[drewpster]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

Is the charging profile different between start batteries and deep cycle batteries?

 

[JCF350]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

I think its this one.... http://www.autozone.com/R,NONAPP4308/store,2602/shopping/accessoryProductDetail.htm

that is dual purpose battery use it for cranking and get for real deep cycle for your accesories.

 

[JCF350]

Re: Deep Cycle Ok?

Is the charging profile different between start batteries and deep cycle batteries?

I believe so. Least ways all my portable chargers have 3 different settings for regular, deep cycle and AGM batteries