05-19-2004, 08:30 PM
Actually, I have a truck battery that has been in my boat since before I got it 3 years ago. I have never once had a problem with it. In fact, I have never even had to charge it after sitting the whole winter. It is used to start my 135 HP. outboard, and also used to power my fish finder.
While deep cycle batteries and car batteries are made differently, the only real difference is the way it drains. As mentioned previously, the deep-cycles are made to take a long, slow discharge.
If you are running it on an inboard outboard that has an alternator, generator, or some kind of charging system, you would be fine with a truck battery, unless you run an electric troller when your main engine isn't running. (fishfinders don't take enough power to really drain down a regular battery)
Also, as mentioned previously, make sure you get a larger size battery. They handle temperature changes a lot better.
One other thing to think of....the car / truck batteries are being made a LOT better lately. It used to be your car battery would die every couple of years. Now they can practically last forever. Go look at the warranties on car batteries. Many now carry a 2 year full replacement warranty (not pro-rated) then start pro-rating after the 2 years. Deep cycle batteries have very little warranty.
The truck battery has done just great for me, and I'm sure it will suit you fine. If you are running an electric troller, I would just get a second battery to power just that troller. Saves you from getting stuck out there with a dead battery, anyway.
Just my $.02 worth.
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While deep cycle batteries and car batteries are made differently, the only real difference is the way it drains. As mentioned previously, the deep-cycles are made to take a long, slow discharge.
If you are running it on an inboard outboard that has an alternator, generator, or some kind of charging system, you would be fine with a truck battery, unless you run an electric troller when your main engine isn't running. (fishfinders don't take enough power to really drain down a regular battery)
Also, as mentioned previously, make sure you get a larger size battery. They handle temperature changes a lot better.
One other thing to think of....the car / truck batteries are being made a LOT better lately. It used to be your car battery would die every couple of years. Now they can practically last forever. Go look at the warranties on car batteries. Many now carry a 2 year full replacement warranty (not pro-rated) then start pro-rating after the 2 years. Deep cycle batteries have very little warranty.
The truck battery has done just great for me, and I'm sure it will suit you fine. If you are running an electric troller, I would just get a second battery to power just that troller. Saves you from getting stuck out there with a dead battery, anyway.
Just my $.02 worth.
[signature]