- by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 6/1/2021
Well, they don’t necessarily make boats float, but they do make them go. Without a high-performing marine battery effectively powering your boat this summer, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment out on the open water. Learn which type of battery you need for your boat and how to care for it so you get the longest life possible.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that there are different kinds of marine batteries that work best for different applications. Starting batteries provide the initial burst of power needed to turn over your engine. These batteries are also best for powering an inboard or outboard motor, as well as accessories like marine lights and radio communications.
Deep cycle batteries feature a heavy charge and discharge cycle and provide long-lasting power. Deep cycle batteries are used to power trolling motors, live well pumps, depth finders and fish locators.
A dual purpose marine battery works as a kind of in-between option, providing the cranking power of a starting battery with the ability to power additional
applications.
In order to answer this, it's important to determine how much and what type of power you will need to power your boat and its accessories.
Which type of battery will be able to adequately handle your specific power needs?
Starting Needs | Deep Cycle Needs | Starting Battery | Deep Cycle Battery | Dual Purpose Battery | Dual Purpose AGM Battery |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moderate | None | x | x | x | |
Moderate | Moderate | x | x | x | |
Moderate | Heavy | x | x | x | |
Heavy | None | x | x | x | |
Heavy | Moderate | x | |||
Heavy | Heavy | x | x |
Summary: For smaller boats with minimal accessories, you may be able to get away with using just one starting battery. Larger motors and boats with accessories should consider using multiple batteries, including both starting and deep cycle types or upgrading to an AGM dual purpose battery for superior performance.
You should also consider the advantages of going with an AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) replacement option, regardless of your power needs. AGM batteries are completely sealed, enabling them to be mounted in a variety of positions. They also recharge faster, last longer and are more powerful than flooded battery options. Plus, they're more resistant to vibrations and extreme temperatures.
X2Power brand AGM batteries have a much higher lead content than other AGM batteries. This gives them more power and a higher reserve capacity, allowing you to turn over your engine faster while powering a larger number of onboard applications.
Looking for the best of the best? Batteries Plus’ exclusive X2Power brand lithium batteries outperform all other batteries on the market. These are a few of the advantages X2Power lithium batteries have to offer:
Now that you've determined which battery is right for you, here are a few tips to help you maintain it.
Make sure your boat is ready for hours of fun on the water. Shop our online selection of marine batteries and boat battery chargers or visit your nearest Batteries Plus location. Want to read more about this topic? Get our recommendations for the best boat battery brands, plus get tips on how to find the right charger for your boat.