Is there any difference between a deep cycle battery and a marine battery? Is it just the same thing with a different name?

What's best for an aluminum jon boat with only a trolling motor as propulsion?

The bigger the better , the lowest I would go is a 55# thrust.

There are marine cranking batteries, dual purpose and deep cycle batteries. For a trolling motor you want a deep cycle battery. As stated above the bigger the better in most cases...........Al

From what I have read Marine batteries are built more rugged to stand up to the beating in the boat.

Get an Everstart Maxx Marine Deep Cyle battery at Walmart for $79...its the best bang for the buck. Or if you are looking for a superb battery, look at the Big Momma battery at Baterry Warehouse. I have one and will buy another once my other Everstart goes bad. I think I paid $100 for it. You can measure a deep cycle battery two ways. By Amp Hours or by Reserve Capacity. The higher these numbers are, the longer they will run you TM.

The battery I just purchased yesterday from Autozone is a 27DP-DL.I'm guessing the DP means Dual Purpose? I think the DL means Duralast(Autozone house brand) I got the largest battery I could afford.Specs are as follows:

Marine cranking amps 1000

Cold Cranking amps 800

Amp hours 115

Reserve capacity 180

Based on the info provided,is this a good choice of battery for a 12ft jon boat with a 55# Minn Kota Endura Trolling motor?

Yes that battery will serve you well. Should last for long days on the water. Just make sure that you charge it as soon as you get home and occasionally check the water level.

The number that means something in your list for trolling motors is the 180. That is the reserve capacity. You should be fine. I have been running 182 for the last 4 years and they are doing a good job for me. Before that I ran 200s but couldn't find any when I bought new ones.

BTW: I'd stay away from Walmart batteries. Things have changed and a lot of stores don't warranty the deep cycles any longer.

The number that means something in your list for trolling motors is the 180. That is the reserve capacity. You should be fine. I have been running 182 for the last 4 years and they are doing a good job for me. Before that I ran 200s but couldn't find any when I bought new ones.

BTW: I'd stay away from Walmart batteries. Things have changed and a lot of stores don't warranty the deep cycles any longer.

Jig Man, over the last four months I've purchased two deep cycle and, (can you believe it?) a cranking battery from my local Walmart here in Tulsa. All three came with a full one year warranty. I'm not doubting you, I'm just curious as to why one store would offer a warranty and another wouldn't.