what are deep cycle batteries?

[simple]

When a battery says it's for marine use and it's a deep cycle, what does deep cycle mean? Why are automotive batteries not deep cycle, but boat batteries are?

 

[wvit100]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

http://www.uuhome.de/william.darden/

 

[skicat]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

deep cycle marine for long lower amp drain, such as trolling motors lights audio. Marine cranking batteries for starting applications requiring high amp output. marine batteries are made better to be able to survive the marine environment.

 

[simple]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

Originally posted by skicat:<br />Marine cranking batteries for starting applications requiring high amp output.

How would this differ from an automotive application?<br /><br />So, if I'm understanding you correctly, if I take an automotive battery rated at 600 CCA and a deep cycle battery rated at the same CCA, the deep cycle will last longer? (meaning I could drain it more like having the radio on, etc...)

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

When designing a lead acid battery there's a trade-off between 'depth of discharge' (how much you drain it) tolerance and how many cranking amps it can supply. So deep cycle batteries don't make good starting batteries, and starting batteries don't make good deep cycle batts. <br />In a car practically the only thing the battery ever does is start it. So cars have starting batteries instead of deep cycle.<br />As a matter of fact, most real deep cycle batteries do not have a CCA rating at all, but only an Ah (Amp-Hour) total capacity rating.<br /><br />Hope this explains it!

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

Deep cycle batteries deliver moderate voltage over a long period of time. They also require a long time to recharge.<br /><br />Starting batteries blow out as much juice as they can in a hurry. They also recharge rather quickly.<br /><br />Hybrid batteries are something between, but mostly a Deep Cycle that can pass alot of juice in a fair hurry. When it comes to charging rate, they're definately closer to Deep Cycle than Starting.

 

[vipzach]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

Paul pretty well said it like it is, ideally you would like a deep cycle to run your accessories like the lights, radio, troll motor, and another battery for starting.<br /> A deep cycle can drain alot lower before it can't be used, a starting battery (like in a car) usually has a strong cranking amp and can generally only be drained half way before it can't supply enough voltage to be used<br />hopefully this will help you out

 

[simple]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

Originally posted by Paul Moir:<br /> When designing a lead acid battery there's a trade-off between 'depth of discharge' (how much you drain it) tolerance and how many cranking amps it can supply. So deep cycle batteries don't make good starting batteries, and starting batteries don't make good deep cycle batts. <br />In a car practically the only thing the battery ever does is start it. So cars have starting batteries instead of deep cycle.<br />As a matter of fact, most real deep cycle batteries do not have a CCA rating at all, but only an Ah (Amp-Hour) total capacity rating.<br /><br />Hope this explains it!

Yes, I think I'm beginning to understand. What do you people recommend if I only have one battery such as in my bayliner? Do I go with deep cycle or starting?

 

[tommays]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

simple<br /><br />interstate battery is a well know brand that you can get allmost anywhere and i have good luck with there combo starting/deepcycle unit<br /><br />i am in the one battery boat also and cant install a second without putting it were it should not be<br /><br />tommays

 

[Don S]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

What do you people recommend if I only have one battery such as in my bayliner? Do I go with deep cycle or starting?

Many manufacturers have a combination starting/deep cycle battery. Like anything else that is a combination, there are compromises on both the starting and the deep cycle side. But they work fine in a single battery system.<br />Install a size 27 if possible, it will give you more amperage than the standard 24 case.

 

[Lou C]

Re: what are deep cycle batteries?

I have 2 West Marine group 27 deep cycle batteries in my Four Winns with a batt switch. I just alternate using the batteries. I have had much less trouble with them than I had with the starting battery I used to have. They seem to hold their charge better, when I charge the batts over the winter, they come up to charge right away even after sitting in the cold (I leave em in the boat) for a month at at time. They crank my V-6 over just fine.