The dual-purpose marine battery is a combination between a deep-cell and a starter battery, and is comparable to a motorbike battery in design. Internally, dual-purpose batteries feature a construction that allows them to be deeply depleted while also serving as starter batteries.

If you want to save money and space, consider replacing the deep-cycle and starter batteries with a dual-purpose marine battery, which can power both the engine and the appliances. Because it cannot deliver the same depth of discharge as a deep cycle battery or the same cranking amps as a starter battery, it is only suggested for medium and small boats with short voyages.

Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery: A complete list

1. Banshee LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Marine Battery 12V 100Ah (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

Interstate makes few of the greatest dual-purpose marine batteries available. 

• 190 minutes in reserve
• CCA: 800 Amp 
• 100 Ampere Hours Capacity
• 69.0 pound weight
• 31 group

Disadvantages: 

• More difficult to install, and comes with a costly price tag
• Compared to comparable high-quality batteries, this Interstate AGM battery is a little bigger. Overall, it’s an excellent battery

Advantages: 

• Avoiding any leakage or corrosion
• It has been sitting for a long time in inclement weather
• A much longer lifespan
• Faster recharge time
• It provides running power
• non-alloy lead design
• the battery works as a cranking battery

2. Trojan 27-AGM Dual Purpose AGM (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

Trojan Batteries are well-known for their long-term performance. The firm has a strong track record of making high-quality batteries. Trojan’s batteries also include a number of environmentally friendly features.

Features

• 158 minutes in reserve
• CCA: 550 Amp Capacity: 89 Amp Hours
• 64.0 pound weight
• 27 people in the group

Pros: 

• Trojan batteries are made with a high-density paste recipe that is optimized for high-performance batteries. This design was specifically built for the Trojan battery line, resulting in top-of-the-line batteries that outperform their competition.
• The grid technology used by Trojan delivers a physically solid battery that decreases the risk of corrosion and part deterioration.
• The AGM construction of these batteries provides a longer run time than most of their competitors while also lowering the battery’s running costs.

Cons: 

• The size of the battery and the variety are two factors to consider while picking this battery over others. There aren’t as many options in the Trojan battery selection as there are with some of its competitors. If you require a specific configuration, Trojan may not be able to provide it.

3. Dual Purpose Odyssey 31M Trolling Thunder (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

The Odyssey Extreme Series is a line of dual-purpose marine batteries that are among the best on the market. Although the price is exorbitant, no other AGM offers greater specifications or a longer warranty.

Features

• 205 minutes in reserve
• CCA: 1150 Amp 
• 100 ampere Hours Capacity
• 77.8 pound weight
• 31st group

The 31M type, in particular, has a 205-minute reserve power and a 100-amp capacity rating. 

4. Odyssey Marine Battery 34M-PC1500ST-M (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

Features

• CCA: 880 Amps 
• 135-minute Reserve capacity
• Weight: 49.5 lbs. 
• Capacity: 68 Ah

The 34M-PC1500ST-M from Odyssey completes the list, and it will last a long time. When completely charged, it can be stored on an open circuit for a maximum of two years without needing to be recharged.

Aside from that, the battery is designed to tolerate mechanical vibrations and is shock-resistant. It is also temperature resistant, since it can run regularly at temperatures ranging from -40 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit.

You also have a maintenance-free design AGM which doesn’t need to be refilled with water. It has a resealable venting system and does not leak.

A high recharge efficiency, deep cycling capability of up to 400 cycles at 80 percent discharge depth, a durable flame retardant cell container, and corrosion-resistant tin-plated brass connectors are among the other advantages.

However, a spiral cell design, which is more shock resistant, is not available.

Advantages:

• Shelf life of up to two years
• Design AGM is temperature resistant and requires no maintenance.
• Tin-plated brass terminals are corrosion-resistant.
• Cell container that is flame retardant and long-lasting.

Disadvantage:

• It doesn’t have a spiral cell architecture.

5. Optima 8006-006 – Maintenance-Free Dual-Purpose Marine Battery (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

Features

• CCA: 800 Amps 
• 100-minute Reserve capacity
• 50 Ah Capacity
• 38.4 lbs. Weight
• 34 people in the group

This blue top marine battery is an AGM battery with an electrolyte suspension mechanism that eliminates the need for maintenance.

The battery, however, has a spiral form and is built with extremely pure lead cells. This gives it high-performance properties, such as the ability to deliver 800 amps of starting power even in cold temperatures.

This design is also vibration resistant for maximum endurance, and it is encased in a durable seal that can tolerate hard handling. The housing is entirely sealed, resulting in spill-proof performance and the ability to place it anywhere.

There is no built-in handle for ease carrying.

Advantages:

• Design AGM requires no maintenance
• Spiral design with pure lead for high performance
• Resistant to vibration
• Spill-proof

Disadvantage:

• There is no built-in handle.

6. With Stainless Studs, Dual-Purpose Marine Battery Optima 8016-103 (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

Features

• 120-minute capacity
• Capacity: 55 Ah
• 34 people in the group

Other advantages include a 55-amp capacity with a 120-minute reserve capacity. The main issue is there is no built-in handle for simple hauling.

Advantages:

• Spiral cells that are long-lasting
• Low-maintenance

Disadvantage:

• It doesn’t have a carry handle.

7. Dual-Purpose Marine Battery Optima 8052-161 – Spill-Proof (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

Features

• 900 Amps CCA
• Reserve 155-minute capacity
• 59.8 lbs. Weight,  Capacity: 75 Ah
• 31 people in the group

It has higher vibration resistance and durability. When compared to other regular batteries, it can sustain a maximum fifteen times greater vibrations.

Other characteristics include a steady 900 amps of cranking power even in inclement condition.

The battery, on the other hand, is relatively pricey.

Pros:

• Design that is spill-proof
• vibration-resistant
• 900 amperes is relatively high.

Cons:

• Expensive in comparison

8. Vmaxtanks MR96-1200 – Marine Battery- Dual-Purpose – Military-Grade Plates (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

Features

• Reserve CCA: 1150 Amps 120-minute capacity
• Weight: 43 lbs. Capacity: 60 Ah
• 22NF is the size of the group.

The military-grade plates used in this marine battery dual-purpose are more durable than the Pb-Ca plates used in other batteries. These features also improve its performance, and they keep it that way after many discharge cycles.

Aside from that, the machine offers a rather high 1150 amps of cranking power, making it perfect for starting large trolling motors.

A maintenance-free suspension unit with a highly porous acid solution and carrying handles for simple transporting is also included.

The main issue is that the battery isn’t weather resistant, particularly in cold or ice conditions. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pros:

• Military-grade plates with a long life span
• High cranking power of 1150 amps
• Requires no maintenance with AGM designing
• Carrying handles are included.

Cons:

• Temperature resistance is limited.

9. Marine Battery-XS Series 12V 3,900 Amp XS Power D6500–Dual-Purpose (Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery)

Features

• 75-minute capacity
• 58.3 pounds Weight, Capacity: 75 Ah
• U1 is the size of the group.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight and compact
• Grids made of a lead-tin alloy heavy-duty 
• Operation that requires no maintenance

Cons:

• CCA and low capacity

Frequently asked questions for Best Dual Purpose Marine Battery

Are dual-purpose marine batteries any good?

Marine Dual-Purpose Batteries combine the performance of a starting with deep cycle battery, making them a viable alternative for smaller boats with limited space. They can execute the functions of both beginning with a deep cycle battery, although they aren’t as efficient as individual batteries.

What’s the difference between a dual-purpose battery and a deep cycle battery?

Deep cycle batteries, for example, are designed to tolerate multiple discharges and recharges, whereas cranking batteries are not. As a result, a dual-purpose battery falls somewhere in the middle. Many are unable to withstand entire discharges (discharge beyond 50 percent of usable capacity).

Which boat battery has the greatest life span?

When seeking for the longest-lasting marine batteries, consumers should be aware that AGM batteries, such as OPTIMA batteries, can live up to three times longer than flooded lead-acid batteries.

What is the life expectancy of a dual-purpose battery?

Here’s how it’s done… When it comes to boat batteries, how long do they last? Depending on how well you care for your marine batteries, they can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years.

Is it possible to utilize a dual-purpose battery to power a trolling motor?

A dual-purpose battery can start and turn over the engine while also delivering enough energy to keep your trolling motor running constantly. Dual-purpose batteries, as the name implies, can be used for both functions. When combined with a trolling motor, they will deliver outstanding results.

What is the difference between a Marine Dual Purpose Battery and a Marine Single Purpose Battery?

Traditional deep cycle and starting batteries are both performed by dual purpose marine batteries. Over the course of a full day of fishing, these batteries should be able to start the outboard engine and provide enough juice to run the equipment.

What is the best way to charge a dual-purpose marine battery?

Check to see if your 12-volt constant current charger is switched off. Connect the red, positive terminal to the positive side and the negative, black terminal to the negative side. Bulk charging is the first phase of charging, during which you keep the charger amperage constant while the voltage of your battery rises.

What is the best way to store a marine battery for the winter?

Remove the batteries and store them somewhere cold and dry where they won’t freeze. (It’s best to use on wood surfaces in garages or storage buildings.) Ideally, charge batteries in stages or once a month. Self-discharge is avoided, and the lifespan is extended.

Is it possible to use a trickle charger with a marine battery?

Because trickle chargers do not generate excessive heat, they are ideal for maritime batteries. The battery heats up during a typical charge.

Is it AGM or gel in a deep cycle marine battery?

One crucial aspect to remember is that Lead-Acid batteries are employed in all deep cycle applications. This covers ordinary flooded, gelled, and sealed AGM batteries. They all use the same chemistry, but the plates, for example, are built differently.

What amperage should my boat battery be charged at?

Charge at a voltage of roughly 14.6 volts at a rate of up to 20% to 40% of the battery capacity in amp hours (gel: 14.1 volts). A 200 amp-hour battery, for example, would be charged at 40–80 amperes.

Is it possible to utilize a lithium battery on a boat?

Yes, lithium batteries are suitable for marine and boat use. Because lithium batteries are sealed, moisture and even a small amount of water splashing on them will not affect them. In addition, most lithium batteries include a battery system built in (BMS).