dual purpose or deep cycle

[picksbigwagon]

my 3 year old fleet farm dual purpose has bit the dust. I need to replace it with another 27 series battery....My question is can I get by with a deep cycle instead of a dual purpose? Currently I have an electric start 1989 40 hp evinrude and I also have my H20, fish finder, bilge and lights hooked up to that battery. Most of the drain comes at night when I am fishing at night. very rarely do I need two or three grinds on the start to get the motor going.

I have never been happy with the dual purpose. any thoughts?

[PerchJerker]

Sounds to me like a dual purpose battery is exactly what you need, the cranking amps for starting your motor and the reserve capacity for your accessories. If you're concerned about it wearing down then look for one with a higher reserve capacity. Why haven't you been happy with your dual purpose battery?

[picksbigwagon]

I never felt that I got the deep cycle side of the dual action. When fishing at night (2-4 hours) the next day the battery would be down, more than I would think with just running a couple of lights.....It needs to be replaced and it sounds like I might be tripping down to Northern tool for an interstate battery here in the next couple of days.........

[gizmoguy]

Skip the starting batt. Skip the dual batt. get a deep cycle to start the motor and run the other things. A deep cycle can start a motor much better than a reg batt can deep cycle. deep cycles all have a cranking rating. I start a 175 merc with my oldest deep cycle. I just demote my oldest batt to that location. My current battery starting the big motor is a 9 year old group 31 Delco Voyager. Going on it's 3 year in that job. Still works great. Great batteries but they are hard to come by these days. I have had many of them that went 8-9 years. I have found even a better battery as far as power goes. The AGM batteries that Cabela's sell. I can't believe how long that battery powers my electronics. I started to get the Trojan deep cycles but I am dissapointed in longevity and total power output. All i will buy now is AGM batteries. Got one for my motorcycle and atv. They hold a charge forever. Never have to add water. I will never buy a wet cell battery again. Get the AGM from Cabelas. You won't be sorry. Check out the reviews on their HSOforum.

[Hookmaster]

I'll second the AGM's from Cabelas. I put in a new set for my 24 volt bowmount last year. The first set lasted 7-8 years.

[picksbigwagon]

I drove around today and found a 27 series interstate at GM......deep cycle...........we'll see how it does for the next 3-5 years