Deep cycle as a starter???

[archer59]

Anyone ever hear of using a deep cycle batter to start your outboard?

Nick

[strat-o-caster]

Yes, make sure that they are rated for DUAL- PURPOSE the larger the better..... Strat

[BDR]

I have used mine only in dire situations. Jumper cables just for those times I have a problem. I would not use on regular basis or for any extended periods.

[Kevin Turner]

No worries mate...It's done all the time. KT

[Jeremy airjer W]

Yes you can do it but the battery is generally not designed for it. A deep cycle is designed to provide a relatively low amperage for a long time. A regular battery is designed to provide high amperage for a short amount of time. This is why you can run a trolling motor all day on a deep cycly but your battery will go dead on your vehicle if you leave your lights on for a couple of hours.

Boat motor starter typically do not draw as much current as a typical automotive starter wich could be anywhere from 150 amps to 200 + amps, so although the battery is theoretically not designed to start the boat the amount of draw shouldn't be a huge problem for the battery

I see people using deep cycles in vehicles as well. I probably shouldn't say why but I will anyways. They use them when the vehicle has a draw (a low amount of current that is constantly being drawn of the battery when the key is off. This is the perfect application for a marine battery, WRONG! The heat and the quick discharges just tear them up. so it will work for a short term fix but eventually and usually in a relatively short period of time the battery will fail and won't start the vehicle.