Battery --What Kind To Buy

[Paul]

What is the diffference between a standard and a so called deep cycle battery. My 36" Beneteau has minimal electronics and I was wondering what kind to buy. Comments appreciatedPaul

 

[Trevor - SailboatOwners.com]

Battery types

Hi Paul -Standard car type batteries typically have higher CCA (cold cranking amps) and are designed for starting and that's about it. This is good for cars, since once the engine is running, the alternator keeps a charge up. Deep cycle marine batteries with thicker plates are used in marine applications where loads are taken out of the battery for extended times (for instruments, lighting, etc). A typical setup is to have a standard battery for start and deep cycle batts for the house bank. There are many many different configurations and battery types to consider (wet vs. gel, 2x6v vs 12V, etc), but you will want to have deep cycle batts for longer life.Best,Trevor

 

[Ivan Edwards]

Discharge destroys starter batteries

Regular car batteries (or starter batteries) are quickly destroyed by long discharges (such as running your refridge/light/music while at anchor). Deep cycles are designed for this use. A "deep cycle" is defined as a long discharge followed by a full re-charge. The Deep Cycle also holds more Amp Hours (will run your boat systems longer on a charge) than a Starter. Recharge is a bit slower.A Starter provides a bigger "burst" of power for starting engine, and also recharges faster.

 

[Jack]

House Batteries

The very short of it is this....... if the battery gives a rating for "cranking amps" DO NOT use this as your house battery! Very simple. You want a battery that is a deep cycle and only tells you how many amp hour rating that it has. A "car" battery is only good as the starting battery. Good luck.JackBeneteau 411 hull#84