29 Jun 23
If your boat has electronic gizmos or lighting systems, you know they need to have a source of energy to function. And where do they get the energy, they need to power up? From a marine battery, of course. A marine battery is needed to make all your devices work. You can never use your GPS, navigation lights, and fish finders if your boat is not equipped with a marine battery. Plus, a marine battery can help crank up your engine.
A lot of people would find a lot of similarities between a car battery and a marine battery and some may opt to use a car battery for their boat just to save some cash. However, we discourage this practice. Marine batteries exist for a reason. They are created to withstand the harsh marine environment. A car battery will not tolerate the constant vibration and pounding that could happen in motorboats.
Although they might be expensive, investing in a good marine battery is worth the dollars when you find that it can power your needs no matter what environment it’s exposed to.
If you bought a new boat and need a marine battery to power up your gadgets or you need a replacement, it’s best to do a little bit of research to find the best quality marine batteries in the market. This article will discuss the factors and features you should consider when choosing a marine battery:
Battery Type
There are primarily three types of marine batteries:
Starting batteries provide a quick burst of power to start the engine. They are not suitable to power up appliances or maintain power for trolling motors.
Deep cycle batteries are designed for continuous, long-lasting power for trolling motors and onboard accessories.
Marine dual-purpose batteries offer a combination of starting and deep cycle capabilities.
Think of all the boating activities you’ll be doing. Consider your boating activities to determine the most suitable battery type for your needs.
Battery Capacity
Battery capacity basically indicates the amount of power a battery can deliver over a specific period. Obviously, you will need a battery that can power up various electrical devices and can sustain for a long period of time. Calculate the power you will need by considering the electrical devices you will be using onboard. Determine the total amp-hour rating by reading the user manuals of every device. If you can’t find a manual, you can use an electricity usage monitor. You can get them at hardware stores. We recommended getting a battery with a capacity that exceeds your estimated requirements to allow for unforeseen power needs.
Size and Group
Marine batteries come in various sizes and groups, each designed to fit specific boats, whether it’s a fishing tinny or a bowrider boat and its battery compartments. Consult your boat's owner's manual or consult with one of our specialists to determine the appropriate size and group for your boat. A battery must fit securely in its compartment to avoid getting damaged by the boat’s vibration.
Construction and Durability
You’re going to need durable marine batteries that can withstand the harsh marine environment. Look for batteries with robust construction and durable materials that can resist corrosion and other elements that will threaten their condition. We suggest getting sealed and maintenance-free batteries since they only require minimal upkeep and are less prone to leaks and damage.
Maintenance Requirements
You should also know that different types of marine batteries have varying maintenance needs. For example, traditional flooded lead-acid batteries require regular maintenance while gel batteries, don’t require a lot of maintenance since they are sealed and do not require fluid checks.
Compatibility with Charging Systems
Ensure that the marine battery you choose is compatible with your boat's charging system. Some boats have specific charging requirements, such as voltage or charging rates. Consult your boat's manual or one of our marine technicians to ensure compatibility and avoid damaging the battery or charging system.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
Choose batteries from reputable brands known for their quality products and customer loyalty. These brands spend a lot of time in research and development to provide their customers with the best products that have innovative battery technology and better performance.
Now that you know what factors to consider when you’re getting a boat, you might have an idea of what brand you will purchase the marine battery from. Before you do that, you might want to check out the warranties they offer.
A solid warranty with clear details on the coverage and limitations indicates the manufacturer's confidence in the battery's quality and may provide peace of mind in case of any issues. If you don’t fully understand how warranties work with marine batteries, feel free to consult our marine technicians for advice on what brand and model suits your needs. We are more than glad to assist you.
Selecting a good marine battery is vital for powering your boat's electrical systems reliably and efficiently. So, choose wisely and happy boating!