On Sun, 26 Apr 2009 12:00:35 -0700 (PDT), david
wrote:

Hi. We just bought a new Bayliner 175 and put her in the water for the
first time the other day. The battery was dead (and bad, it turns
out), although I had started the boat the night before our trip. No
matter. We pulled the boat out and had Advance Auto Parts install a
new battery. Worked fine and we had a good day, except I noticed later
that the battery is a marine *deep cycle* rather than a standard
marine battery. I've heard deep cycles aren't really intended for
engine starting; what do you all think? Should I get a marine starting
battery or just live with what I have. Thanks.

Stick with what you have: if it ain't broke don't fix it.

A deep cycle battery has fewer and thicker plates compared to a
starting battery. The smaller surface area of the plates means you
will get a smaller maximum current. Enough is enough, however.
Remember, you won't have to contend with cranking at sub zero
temperatures when the battery capacity is cut in half and the oil is
really stiff. A deep cycle battery will have to be larger to provide
the same cranking current as one designed for high peak current.

Casady