Starter or deep cycle batteries

[PIER PLAY]

I purchased my 2003, 280 late last season, it had one weak starter battery (starboard) the port and accessory battery worked fine. All three are different brands and appear to be different ages.

I will be replacing all three. should I use starting batteries for the engines and a deep cycle for the accessory or do all the batteries have to match?

 

[mwph]

I'm sure more experienced guys will chime in but I think you've got it right. Starting batteries for the engines & deep cycle for the house. West Marine's web site has a great (at least for me) series of short videos, one of them is battery selection. It is best for the batteries to match in age.

By the way...Welcome to CSR.

 

[Brian 59]

I am in the same situation. I have 3-DP-27 (dual purpose) batteries, made by Deka. I need to replace them also. Is this the right set up or should I buy starting batteries?

 

[Southpaw II]

The difference between deep cycle and starting is the size of the plates, I think. Gary poosted a good link on this once before, if you can find it. Some guys go for the high-dollar Optima batteries, and they're good, but expensive....you can even buy 'em on Amazon with discounted shipping.

The main thing IMO, is to top off your batteries with distilled water every 30-45 days. Most of my batteries in the past have lasted in the 4-5 year range.

Don

 

[Hampton]

Unless you have differrent charging systems, they need to match in type and age. I like the AGM, Deep Cycles. AGM - zero maintenance, long life. Deep Cycle - unless you boat in extremely cold weather, the issue on boats is damaging the batteries by running them too low, not needing extra cold cranking amps. (Cold Wx = Slow chemical reaction = less cranking power - - need more battery power to get normal cranking in cold weather).

Deep Cycle batteries have thicker plates which don't break as easily when drained down and worn thin, but they have less surface area so the chemical reactions which create electricity proceed more slowly. Cold wx + deep cycle battery = very low cranking amps, but still may be adequate. After all, we have 2 per side (in many cases) and can link the two sides in many cases as well.

 

[Danny Troy]

The difference between deep cycle and starting is the size of the plates, I think. Gary poosted a good link on this once before, if you can find it. Some guys go for the high-dollar Optima batteries, and they're good, but expensive....you can even buy 'em on Amazon with discounted shipping.

The main thing IMO, is to top off your batteries with distilled water every 30-45 days. Most of my batteries in the past have lasted in the 4-5 year range.

Don

Yes, my own personal preference in both cars and boats are the Optima blue-top batteries. Outlast others by years, and in the end justify the higher price tag. I never remove them from the boat when winterizing, and never had a problem in the Spring. Also, no maintenance required on them.