One more question on batteries -

[NY Fish]

Great site here by the way, I've been reading past battery threads and links for a few hours now but still have a question. I just bought a 2005 16' starcraft with a 50 merc. It's got a starting battery currently in place to power the starter, lights, bilge and livewell. I'm adding a fishfinder, VHF radio and a 12v 36# Minn Kota. - West Marine has a sale going right now offering a Group 24 Dual Purpose battery for $69 (reg. $109). So I bought it - with the thought that I could return it if I decide to not use it.

So here's my question- Do I really have any logical place to use it (the dual purpose) or should I just get a straight deep cycle for the TM and hook all the other stuff up to the starting battery?

Could this group 24 Dual Purpose batt. handle everything by itself?

Thanks again for any help -

[Long Mike]

Most everyone powers their TM with a separate deep cycle battery.  I strongly recommend that you do the same.  Picture yourself fishing all day, using the same battery on the TM that starts your big motor.  Picture yourself sitting in the middle of a lake with a dead trolling motor battery - the same battery that will now no longer start the big motor.  Do you get the picture?

[NY Fish]

Thanks LM,

I do see your point and it's a very good one. I'll get a separate deep cycle to power the tm.

Is there any benefit in putting a dual purpose in for the starting battery which will also power the electronics mentioned above? Or is a starting battery fine for that load? I guess I'm looking for an excuse to use the battery I just bought  .

[Jig Man]

Your dual purpose battery is a compromise between cranking and deep cycle.  It would probably be ok for a starting battery since you already own it.  It is designed for cranking and/or light deep cycle duty.