DieHard Starting VS. Deep Cycle Battery

[Captain Jeff]

I know there are a lot of questions and confusion on batteries. I had a Diehard battery (automotive battery previous owner installed) in my 18' center console with a Johnson 115 and it proved to be quite reliable so I was looking to get another. The engine requires a minimum 360CCA or 465 MCA with 90 mins reserve capacity. I use my fish finder with the engine off and occasionally the live well for brief periods, and rarely the raw water washdown. I have narrowed my choice down to these two batteries:

Diehard Marine starting with 500 CCA and 90 min reserve for $59.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02827410000P?keyword=24ms

-or-
Diehard Marine deep cycle/rv with 500 CCA and 135 min reserve for $79.99 this battery is 11 lbs heavier presumably due to the thicker deep cycle plates.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02827494000P?mv=rr

Any thoughts?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: DieHard Starting VS. Deep Cycle Battery

Deep cycle batteries are not generally recommended for "engine starting" purposes unless the battery is labeled "Dual Purpose". Some folks do use them as you seem inclined to do and get by. You don't have a significant load of accessories so in my view I would go with an even larger starting battery.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: DieHard Starting VS. Deep Cycle Battery

I use a deep discharge battery to start a 7.4L carbed engine. I would not hesitate to use one on an outboard. The deep cycle battery is not able to deliver as much current as a starting battery but will make no difference in your application.

 

[kellerqx]

Re: DieHard Starting VS. Deep Cycle Battery

Sounds like another good battery thread, think I will join.

I have been having problems with my battery and the peformance of my equipment. Its a Powerfast Marine/RV with 600 CCA and 160 reserve. See my post.....

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=335944

The question I have is should I be able to run a 25hp electric start OB, 30lb TM, and a Humminbird 718 from this one battery? I understand I cant run them all day, but currently have performance issues from the FF.

From the sounds of this thread I may need a larger starting battery and not a deep cell?

My boat is only 14ft, so I would really like to limit my batteries to only 1 due to space and weight.