Starting or deep cycle??

[RichRab]

I cannot find a current post on this. I have a 2002 Sea Ray and this is not about batt. capacity. Boat is stored in water and has a bilge pump. We sometime sit a short time with radio on and motor off. I know there are many opinions but I am not sure whether to buy 2 /1000 cca amp "starter batteries" or one starter and one deep cycle? Thank you, RR

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

They make combo's now so you don't have to make the distinction. As far as starting with a deep cycle, I bought a used John Deere 300+ cubic inch diesel tractor once that had one very well used trolling motor battery for starting. I used it for several more years. It never failed me even in the winter when battery power is lowest and diesel engine demand is highest.

Mark

 

[RichRab]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

What I am looking at is Napa 1000 cca starting or deep cylcle 625 cca. No combo batt. Currently I have one of each in boat. Better with 2 starting batt?

 

[RichRab]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

Update--Just read warranty for Napa-3 mos. free replacement. Prorated after that. Not buying Napa. Reconsidering where to buy.

 

[lkbum]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

I quit messing around with conventional batteries a few years ago. I now use Optima gel cells and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I bought mine at Amazon.com and saved about $50/battery. They cost more, but they last a few years longer and are much cheaper in the long run. see link http://shop.optimabatteries.com/products/category/BlueTop/1737.0.1.1.54219.54060.0.0.0

 

[90stingray]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

I bought a single deep cycle for our boat at the start of the season. Bought at advance auto parts... has 12 mo free replacement. It was more money for the deep cycle. I figured it could do starting and run our stereo if we want to sit and anchor for a bit. I think the deep cycle has a better reserve capacity and better amp hour draw rate too.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

I bought a single deep cycle for our boat at the start of the season. Bought at advance auto parts... has 12 mo free replacement. It was more money for the deep cycle. I figured it could do starting and run our stereo if we want to sit and anchor for a bit. I think the deep cycle has a better reserve capacity and better amp hour draw rate too.

yep, at the expense of cranking amps. For most people and engines, that is fine. If you get a big block v8 and need to start it in cooler weather, a deep cycle is going to have a problem.

 

[bobdec]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

I have a 150 Merc OB on my ProLine w/two batteries one 1000 CCA cranking and one deep cycle. I'm rack stored so no other charging capability. When I take it out running I alternate between #1 and #2 with my 2-Way switch each outing to keep them both charged up. Switch to deep cycle if anchored for a long time. I can not feel or notice any cranking difference between the batteries whatsoever. Maybe my cranking amperage requirements are lower than your, what size engine do you have in that Searay ?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

yep, at the expense of cranking amps. For most people and engines, that is fine. If you get a big block v8 and need to start it in cooler weather, a deep cycle is going to have a problem.

There is one well-respected member of this forum starts a Big Block engine with a deep cycle with no issues.

 

[bgc]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

How much space do you have for batteries?
My wife likes her electronics, so I have doubled my battery areas. 2-27 family deep cycle and 2-27 family Optima Blue Top on a selector switch.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

yep, at the expense of cranking amps. For most people and engines, that is fine. If you get a big block v8 and need to start it in cooler weather, a deep cycle is going to have a problem.

Well sir, I must have had a magic battery which came from WW, but if I can start my 300+ cu in JD diesel tractor in the dead of winter with a multi year old deep cycle, you can start your whoopie machine without a problem. Did you ever do it, or just speculating. I did it for several years after I bought the tractor. BTDT You?

Mark

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

There is one well-respected member of this forum starts a Big Block engine with a deep cycle with no issues.

Yep, and every battery manufacturer on the planet (and simple physics) will also state that a deep cycle battery has a substantially lower potential to output current. I've tried starting large engines (ford 460) in cold (30 degrees or so) weather off deep cycle batteries. They turn over SLOW, and you are abusing the starter far more than you need to. Yes, it may start, but it is far from ideal.

Hence my comment that for most people and most engines, a deep cycle as a starting battery will be fine.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Starting or deep cycle??

650 cca will start a small block chevy in - 30? weather. I think it will start a boat on water that is not yet solid. So, a single deep cycle can do the job. Basically, if you are going to heavily drain batteries and have enough time to recharge them properly a deep cycle is good. If you are using normal operations and occasionally running the radio some then a normal battery is best.
If you want to run the stereo for a long time and not worry about starting the boat after, you should have two batteries and an isolator switch. Then, when you get the 3000 watt stereo you can install four more batteries on the isolated switch and listen for much of the day while you float in the bay. (and still start your boat)