Dual Battery Replacement

[bjrrockwell]

Hello all! Looking for a bit of advice, searched some of the older posts but still wasn't certain on the recommendation. I'm replacing both batteries in my V and was debating on two DEKA 24M7 marine starting batteries. I wasn't sure if that was the way to go or if I should do one starting and one deep cycle battery. 88 V20 cuddy with a Mariner V135 outboard. Electronics on the boat: depth finder, GPS, lights, radio and stereo. Do mostly trolling but do occasionally anchor and sit without running the outboard for charging. Any advice is appreciated. As a side note, anyone know the cheapest place to get tiedown G5 brake pads, this trailer uses a pair a season, darn these hills.

[Vabeachin]

In my opinion, and everyone has one, one starting and one deep cycle is he way to go. Starting batteries are made for high output for short periods like cranking an engine. One deep cycle for running electronics and house loads as they are made to be run down multiple times and able to be charged back. As far as deka I had those in my Grady and had them fail, replaced with interstate and had no problems, so the v20 was equipped with a starting and a charging interstate.

[bradford]

I run two Group 24 1000 cranking amp starting batteries with a selector switch. I like Interstate, run them in everything. Had two Dekas under warranty that left me hanging back to back on my mower so it runs an Interstate now as well.

[THEFERMANATOR]

I've had good luck with DEKA myself, and it is nice to support a US made company(the only battery manufacturer I know of left making batteries in the states is East Penn, AKA DEKA). Interstate has been good to me as well, but I cannot bring myself to support Johnson Controls made in mexico garbage. I know that interstates are made on there premium line, but it's still JC crap, same battery you buy from Wal Mart in the yellow casing. You could go for DP group 24's if you are concerned. They have more CA than DC batteries, but not quite as much as MS. The advantage is they can be cycled without severe damage to them unlike MS batteries.

[smokeonthewater]

You can ALSO just get marine dual purpose batts

Robust enough for starting and still more tolerant to deep discharge than a standard starting batt.

Look at what you are cranking... Do you NEED 1000 cold cranking amps to start a 25, 50, 100, or whatever hp outboard in say 60-90* or whatever temps you boat in.

For reference my 4.0L jeep takes a little over 400 amps to start at 80 degrees and my dually w a 7.3 Powerstroke diesel takes @750 amps at the same temp.

Edit: Ferm and I were typing at the same time.

[SkunkBoat]

one grp 27 dual purpose is all you need for an outboard, ff,gps, vhf, bilge & running lights as long as it is less than 5 or 6 years old.
if its older, get a new one.

Carry a jump starter battery if you want to be extra safe.( they only last 5 years too)

[bjrrockwell]

Thanks for all the great advice! Since its already a dual battery setup I'll most likely stick with that. I'll look into the dual purpose. I know on some of the colder mornings (38-44 deg) the batteries I currently had were struggling to turn the motor over, however they are 5 and 7 yrs old so they're overdue. But again appreciate it, great forum to belong to!

[smokeonthewater]

you can always switch to both for cranking

[spareparts]

dual purpose do neither job well