Should you use a Deep Cycle battery for starting?

[IDFISHER]

When I bought my boat the previous owner had a deep cycle battery hooked up as the starter battery. It's always started strong and never gave me any issues. Now my other deep cycle trolling motor battery died and I want to replace it and wondering if I should get a starting battery and and use my existing 'starting battery' for trolling or just continue with 2 deep cycles. Motor is '94 60hp

 

[boobie]

I'd get the regular starting battery for the motor. JMO

 

[hardwater fisherman]

I would also buy a small marine starting battery...Should be cheaper and probably will last longer...

 

[Crosbyman]

they also make a dual purpose battery… starting and deep cycle

 

[JerEazy]

At the end of the day, a starting will work fine for both, as will a dual, and likely as will a deep - what you are doing on the boat, and what the requirements are is important. Cranking amps are important here. What is the requirement of the engine? What is the output of the battery?

 

[Crosbyman]

I use a dual purpose batt size 27 on a 75 ETEC $125 CDN at COSTCO … or Cdn Tire never had any problems

and a 75 ETEC will start on a pull cord if ever…..

 

[dingbat]

I gave up on marine "starting" batteries in dual battery situations long time ago. Starting batteries are too unforgiving if deep discharged.

I've been running the same two deep cycle batteries on my 200 HP going on 9th seasons now. Never a problem. If I need that little extra in a "cold start" situation (32F - 0C) I turn the battery switch to "Both" and hit it with the combined 1200 CCA.

Both "marine" batteries (One starting the other deep cycle) both the same Grp. 24 battery cases. $12 difference in price

500 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), 625 cranking Amps, 95 Reserve Capacity (RC)@25 Amps
550 Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), 690 cranking Amps, 140 Reserve Capacity (RC)@25 Amps

 

[KD4UPL]

My Merc 350 Mag starts just fine on a dual purpose with less MCA than the motor requires. I also have a starting battery. I can switch to either one. I don't notice any difference in cranking speed or start time.
I'd get a dual purpose.