Catalog
What is a Dual Purpose Marine Battery?
Youβve probably heard of deep cycle marine batteries, lithium marine batteries, flooded batteries, and GEL marine batteries. In fact, weβve previously covered the differences between them in detail on the Uplus Battery website: Pick the Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery for Your Boat!
But what exactly makes the new Dual Purpose Marine Batteries from Uplus different from those common types? What advantages do they offer? And which boating scenarios are they best suited for? This article will break it all down for you.
What is a Dual Purpose Marine Battery?
A dual purpose marine battery is designed to combine the benefits of both a starting battery and a deep cycle battery. Itβs built to deliver a high burst of power needed to start your engine, while also providing reliable, steady power for your onboard electronics like navigation devices, fish finders, lighting, sound systems, and other equipment.
Who Should Use a Dual Purpose Marine Battery?
- Small fishing boats, sailboats, and compact yachts using a single battery system.
- Boat owners needing both engine-starting power and deep cycle capacity in one unit.
- Boats with limited space that canβt accommodate separate starting and house batteries.
- Occasional overnight boaters who rely on onboard power without shore power.
Why Would You Need a Dual Purpose Marine Battery?
In any marine electrical system, batteries typically fall into two categories:
- Starting Batteries: Provide a short, powerful burst of energy to start your engine
- Deep Cycle Batteries: Deliver continuous, steady power to run your electronics and onboard systems
A dual purpose marine battery conveniently combines these two capabilities into a single, multi-function battery. Hereβs why that matters:
- Saves Space and Simplifies Installation
- Handles Frequent Starts and Long Run Times
- Budget-Friendly Option
- Modern AGM Technology for Dependable Performance
- Great for Seasonal Storage
Uplus Dual Purpose Marine Battery Models & Differences
Uplus currently offers three AGM dual purpose marine battery models. Hereβs how they compare:
| Model | Voltage | Capacity (Ah) | CCA | Reserve Capacity (RC) | Group Size | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group 24 Dual Purpose | 12V | 79Ah | 650 | 135 min | Group 24 | Small outboards, fish finders, light electronics |
| Group 27 Dual Purpose | 12V | 92Ah | 720 | 160 min | Group 27 | Mid-size outboards, lights, audio |
| Group 31 Dual Purpose | 12V | 105Ah | 825 | 190 min | Group 31 | Large yachts, twin engines, high-demand systems |
Summary of key features:
- Capacity (Ah): The higher the amp hours, the longer your battery can power onboard devices. Group 31 offers the largest capacity.
- CCA (Cold Cranking Amps): Higher CCA means stronger engine-starting power. Group 31 leads here too.
- Reserve Capacity (RC): Indicates how long the battery can run a 25A load before dropping below 10.5V. Group 31 provides the longest runtime.
- Size (Group Size): Choose based on your boatβs battery compartment dimensions.
- Choose the Right Model:
- Small fishing boats/outboard motors: Group 24
- Mid-sized pleasure craft/navigation/lights/audio: Group 27
- Large yachts/twin engines/fridge and entertainment systems: Group 31
FAQ: Can Dual Purpose Batteries Be Wired in Series or Parallel?
Yes β you can connect dual purpose batteries in series or parallel, but itβs always best to use the same model and brand for consistent performance and safety.
About Uplus Battery
Uplus Battery, a subsidiary of Leoch and an internationally trusted brand, specializes in high-performance, maintenance-free AGM batteries. With 20+ years of R&D experience and a global supply network, Uplus provides reliable AGM power solutions for everything from cars and trucks, powersports, boats, and industrial applications.
Browse the full Uplus AGM Battery collection here.
