Deep Cycle Battery ok?

[Far-I]

Hey Guys.

Just got a new outboard with electric start. I have a marine deep cycle battery. Can i hook my ob up to this or should i get some other kind of starting battery?

[hydro]

Does your motor start easily?

A deep cycle battery is designed for a slow discharge rate and the high draw of a starter is not too good for it. Continued cranking when the motor does not want to start is bad. It will work for the time being, but in the future look at the combination starting/deep cycle type of multi use battery, or bite the bullet and get a second starting battery.

[BobT]

You might be able to use it for starting your outboard but keep in mind that a deep cycle battery is not really designed for rapid current draw. I suspect that driving high current loads such as a starter motor will deplete the batteries useful life rather quickly but I don't personally know how much damage it would do.

A starting or dual-purpose battery would be a better choice.

edit: You beat me to it hydro.

[hydro]

Great minds think alike. Eh Bob?

[BobT]

Yeah but yours must be faster.

[Far-I]

Another question: I got a starting battery that is rated as 525 marine cranking amps.

My owner manual recommends 800 marine cranking amps.

Is this gonna be a problem?

Thanks again in advance for all the advice i get!

[broken_line]

if the battery goes half dead yes it might not have enough power to turn over.. i have used a lawn mower battery in a pinch for my 28hp jhonson. if the motor doesnt crank hard it shouldnt be too much of a problem..

what hp and make is the motor??

[Far-I]

20hp tohatsu - should be fine, right?

[broken_line]

IMO it would be fine just make sure the battery is good and charged

[marine_man]

I think you'll be ok...

You won't be able to crank it over as long when it won't start, and you won't be able to run your electronics / accessories as long before affecting starting voltage as you would with a larger cranking amp battery.

marine_man