Don't laugh, if I had a dime for every boat I have seen using "starting batteries" as deep cycle banks I would be further ahead towards retirement.


What's the difference? Starting batteries should not be used for deep cycling, but deep cycle batteries can easily be used for starting purposes. I use deep cycle batteries for starting on almost all sailboat installations. Why? They last longer and can be called upon for cycling if or when the house bank fails. Your small aux diesel engine can be started by even a PWC battery so a decent deep cycle house bank makes for easy work of motor starting.