Deep Cycle Batteries - What Brand?
#11
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Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 833
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I'd get one starting and one deep cycle. They are designed for different purposes. I run a starting battery for each engine and have a deep cycle for my stereo. I always run Interstates. Mine usually last 7-9 years. No tender on them and I charge them every couple months in the off season.
Cranking Battery vs. Deep Cycle Marine Battery
Cranking Battery vs. Deep Cycle Marine Battery
#12
Can you charge them both simultaneously from the alternator? You know, the battery switch. 1, 2 or both? https://www.cpperformance.com/p-8027...4-pos-afd.aspx
#13
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Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 279
Likes: 88
From: WI
Throwing this out there, but there are a ton of great Chinese lithium batteries on Amazon. Fraction of the weight, about the same price, and will last you much much longer than standard lead or AGM
Only issue is you may need a DC to DC charger depending on your alternator
All batteries are made by one of 3 manufacturers, X2 is most likely the best you will find, better than optima and odyssey as they are both declining
Only issue is you may need a DC to DC charger depending on your alternator
All batteries are made by one of 3 manufacturers, X2 is most likely the best you will find, better than optima and odyssey as they are both declining
#14
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 76
Likes: 36
Throwing this out there, but there are a ton of great Chinese lithium batteries on Amazon. Fraction of the weight, about the same price, and will last you much much longer than standard lead or AGM
Only issue is you may need a DC to DC charger depending on your alternator
All batteries are made by one of 3 manufacturers, X2 is most likely the best you will find, better than optima and odyssey as they are both declining
Only issue is you may need a DC to DC charger depending on your alternator
All batteries are made by one of 3 manufacturers, X2 is most likely the best you will find, better than optima and odyssey as they are both declining
I appreciate everyone’s feedback so far, thank you!
Last edited by Baja_260; 05-12-2025 at 01:51 PM.
#15
Platinum Member

Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 334
Likes: 1
From: Md
I don't think you can do better than the dual-purpose AGMs from West Marine. I get 6 years minimum from them, regardless of what they're asked to do. But, they're not cheap.
As a bonus the AGMs are a lot less sensitive to shock and vibration damage. I've tried. I switched to AGMs exclusively years ago after experiencing internal breakage on a few wet cell Interstate starting batteries (1000MCA) after hitting wakes.
My wife was stranded just last summer from a wet cell breaking internally on her 2023 jet ski. The higher the MCA rating the more likely that happens due to the thin plates.
As a bonus the AGMs are a lot less sensitive to shock and vibration damage. I've tried. I switched to AGMs exclusively years ago after experiencing internal breakage on a few wet cell Interstate starting batteries (1000MCA) after hitting wakes.
My wife was stranded just last summer from a wet cell breaking internally on her 2023 jet ski. The higher the MCA rating the more likely that happens due to the thin plates.
Last edited by NightHawk; 05-13-2025 at 04:42 AM.
#16
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Joined: May 2025
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Kansas
As mentioned above I would highly recommend the 3 position switch route. I run two deep cycles in my boat and they crank a big block just fine. Also installed a min Kota in board charger with a flip up cover so I can easily plug the charger in without having to get in the boat.




