Don't have space for two batteries on your boat but still want to run a trolling motor or your sound system with the engine off? You need a dual-purpose marine battery. These batteries are built to have the high cranking amps you need to turn over your engine, run your electronics once you find your spot and start your engine again to get back home. We'll run you through 4 of our most popular options.
- For a great balance between cost and performance: West Marine Group 31 Dual Purpose Marine AGM Battery
- For a incredibly durable battery with high cranking amps: Odyssey Extreme Group 31 Dual Purpose Marine AGM Battery
- For a top-of-the-line lithium battery: RELiON Group 31 RB100-HP Lithium Iron Phosphate Dual Purpose Battery
- For an affordable dual purpose battery suitable for sailboats or powerboats: West Marine Group 27 Dual Purpose Marine Battery
West Marine Group 31 Dual Purpose Marine AGM Battery
Top features: Our West Marine Group 31 Dual Purpose Marine AGM Battery is great for any boat. Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries are more rugged, accept higher charging current and are sealed, safer and submersible, giving them a lot of advantages over tradtional flooded batteries. With a low 3% monthly self-discharge rate, a spill-proof design and over 250 quality control checks before the battery hits our shelves, you can rest assured that your battery will perform season after season.
Specifications:
Battery type: Sealed, AGM, Dual Purpose
Amp hours: 105
Marine cranking amps: 1000
Reserve minutes: 200
What makes it stand out: Manufactured for West Marine by East Penn, one of the most reputable battery companies in the country.
Odyssey Extreme Group 31 Dual Purpose Marine AGM Battery
Top features: The Odyssey Extreme Group 31 Dual Purpose Marine AGM Battery delivers massive starting power and outstanding deep cycling capability. It's ideal for trolling, starting and powering electronics with up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge. It's also engineered for extreme temperature toleration and vibration resistance, making it perfect for boating.
Specifications:
Battery type: Sealed, AGM, Dual Purpose
Amp hours: 103
Marine cranking amps: 1370
Reserve minutes: 220
What makes it stand out: Offers twice the overall power and three times the lifespan of conventional marine batteries.
RELiON Group 31 RB100-HP Lithium Iron Phosphate Dual Purpose Battery
Top features: The RELiON Group 31 RB100-HP Lithium Iron Phosphate Dual Purpose Battery is a high performing dual purpose battery featuring top-of-the-line lithium battery tech. Weighing 50-60% less than a comparable lead-acid battery and with a a lifespan up to 10 times longer, this battery is a great upgrade to flooded dual purpose batteries. It still provides 80% of rated capacity after 2,000 cycles and allow you to use 100% of their capacity regardless of the rate of discharge.
Specifications:
Battery type: Sealed, Lithium Iron Phosphate, Dual Purpose
Amp hours: 100
Marine cranking amps: Up to 800
Reserve minutes: 240
What makes it stand out: The only lithium starting battery that meets Mercury's new engine specifications.
West Marine Group 27 Dual Purpose Marine Battery
Top features: Our West Marine Group 27 Dual Purpose Marine Battery gives you the cranking amps you need for your engine and the deep cycle power you need for electronics and accessories. It features a no-spill design that allows you to heel over up to 45°, making it suitable for sail boats and powerboats alike. Plus, with over 250 quality assurance checks, you can rest assured that it will serve you season after season.
Specifications:
Battery type: Flooded, Dual Purpose
Amp hours: 80
Marine cranking amps: 800
Reserve minutes: 175
What makes it stand out: An affordable, flooded dual purpose battery that is suitable for sailboats or powerboats.
Ready to Buy?
Before you commit to one of these, make sure that the marine cranking amps (MCA) that the battery provides is enough to turn over the engine on your boat. As long as the one you choose has the same or more cranking amps as the starting battery in your boat then you'll be good to go.
Need More Help?
Our in-store teams have you covered. With plenty of life long boaters on our crew, we have the know-how you need for any project. Find your store here.
