Deep Cycle vs. Cranking Battery - Which one to use?

[tgrossmann]

I am running a 1979 70 Hp Johnson Outboard. I have been using a deep cycle battery to start the motor and run one or two accessories like lights and a radio. I have since removed the radio. I replaced the battery two years ago and it looks like I need to again. Its not holding a charge. (I am not good at maintaining the battery over the winter but looks like I will need to learn). I am now wondering if I should be using a Cranking/Starting Battery instead of a Deep Cycle.
What is the difference between the two and which do you recommend for starting the motor and running lights? Does my motor re-charge the battery while it is running?
Thanks in advance.

 

[mbrizfam590]

Re: Deep Cycle vs. Cranking Battery - Which one to use?

my understanding is the deep cycle is a slow release battery for trolling motors....a good one can last all day on the lake. dad used to carry a fully charged spare just in case. a standard crank battery like in your truck will work fine with a large displacement I/O motor like an inline 4 or V8. I plan to run 2 1000cca batteries in mine on an isolator..one battery for motor an one battery for lights an radio and depthfinder.
hope this helped.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Deep Cycle vs. Cranking Battery - Which one to use?

For your application, you want a Marine Starting battery.

 

[tgrossmann]

Re: Deep Cycle vs. Cranking Battery - Which one to use?

Thanks guys. That helps a lot

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Deep Cycle vs. Cranking Battery - Which one to use?

You should have no problem using a deep discharge battery for your outboard. A starting battery has thinner plates so you get a lot of current output. Since you don't need a lot of current output for your small motor, why not get the deep discharge which can tolerate being discharged more?

 

[Boatist]

Re: Deep Cycle vs. Cranking Battery - Which one to use?

I agree with bruceb a deep cycle will work fine for you and are more forgiving if you do not keep fully charged.
If you maintaine your battey's charge it should last at least 7 years.
The key to keeping it charged year round is to make it easy to do.
If your set up is you have to take the cover off clime in the boat and hook up a charger then drag out an extention cord and hook it up then if your like me you will not do it often.

That is why I put a plug on the bow that I plug in my charger to charge the batteries thru the same battery isolator that my alternaor uses. Get a good automatic or smart or on board charger an make it easy to hook up and you will do it more offten.
Also you could get a battery maintainer and just leave it hooked up. Problem with these is people try to recharge a discharged battery with these an it takes too long. I believe the longer a battery is discharged at the end of a fishing trip the shorter the battery life. Charge it once a month in summer weather used or not and every two months in winter. Also make sure you do not have any clock or radio drawing current from the battery when not in use.

 

[poni302]

Re: Deep Cycle vs. Cranking Battery - Which one to use?

You said you were bad about keeping the bats charged when not in use you can do what I do and buy a solar charger ,I have one that cabelas sells for about 50 and it keeps both my deep bats charged when im not using them, and for the winter I pull them and put a maintainer on them. Good luck, it took a couple battery failures to learn my lesson