Sailing on a boat can be one of the best feelings in the world, but to properly enjoy it, you should have the confidence that you have a high-capacity marine battery in its best shape. To ensure this, you should know to pick one of the best models available to install on your boat.
To help you choose the right battery for your boat, we are going to cover the basics and even get into some technical details that will help you pick the best option for you. Here you will learn about marine battery applications, how to charge it to extend its lifetime, and much more. We even have a marine battery reviews section with the best available models and a buying guide to help you determine what is the best marine battery for you.
What Are the Different Types of Marine Batteries?
Marine batteries are especially designed to be used on boats. These batteries provide high currents – in many cases, a steady power source for electric motors – and several cranking amps. These batteries are manufactured with heavier plates and casings resistant to pounding and vibrations which are typical on boats.
There are multiple available marine boat batteries types. Here, we will review all of them.
Marine Starting Batteries
A marine starting battery or marine cranking battery is similar to a car battery and the most commonly used option for boats with alternator engines. This battery provides a short burst of cranking amps to the engine when the ignition is activated, allowing it to start the engine of the boat.
The marine cranking battery is designed to have a wider surface by including thinner plates, making it suitable to provide high currents. These batteries tend to have a relatively low capacity, but this is all that they need to properly start the engine of the boat. When the engine alternator kicks in, the boat battery is charged back up to its full capacity.
While the design makes them excellent in providing cranking amps, it limits their capacity and depth of discharge. Starter marine batteries should only be discharged at a small percentage of their capacity and never be used to power up appliances or as a trolling motor battery.
Marine Deep-Cycle Batteries
The deep-cycle or deep-cell marine battery is used to provide a steady power source for angling boats, kayaks, and other boats using trolling motors or other electric motors. This battery is similar to the RV battery and the golf cart battery, since it can be deeply discharged and has a high capacity.
The deep-cycle marine battery is designed with fewer but thicker plates, making it suitable to be discharged at a steady rate for longer periods at a higher depth of discharge. The thicker plates also allow these batteries to withstand high temperatures while providing high electrical currents. The deep-cell marine battery can be drained and recharged many times, while the starter batteries cannot. This is the reason why they are used to power electric motors as well as other devices.
Marine Dual-Purpose Batteries
The dual-purpose marine battery is the midpoint between deep-cell and starter battery and a similar model to the motorcycle battery. Dual-purpose batteries have an internal design that allows them to be deeply discharged and used as starter batteries at the same time.
When looking to save some money and space, you might consider replacing the deep-cycle and starter battery for a dual-purpose marine battery, since it can power the engine and appliances at the same time. This is only recommended for medium and small boats with short trips, since it cannot provide the same depth of discharge as a deep cycle battery nor the cranking amps that a starter battery does.
Marine Battery Group Sizes
Many boats these days have lighting systems, speakers, fish finders, and many other devices installed. While some batteries might not have enough power to handle them, some others can easily power all the devices at the same time. The marine battery group sizes divide all batteries into several categories, making it easier to pick the right option.
Here, you will learn what these marine boat battery group sizes are, what the difference between them is, how to read the marine battery size chart, and what group size battery you should pick your marine battery from concerning the needs of your boat.
What Are the Marine Battery Group Sizes?
The battery group size is a category used to divide the batteries to define their range of capacity, C-rate, and cranking amps in general. These categories were created by the Battery Council International (BCI) to help boat picking the right battery to suit their needs.
In the case of Gel and AGM deep-cycle marine batteries, the rule usually goes like this: the bigger the battery, the higher the capacity. This same criterion is not applicable for starter or dual-purpose batteries, which is why the marine group sizes are a really important criterion to choose a battery.
Marine Battery Size Chart
The marine battery size chart determines a battery category for each marine battery about its size. You might find batteries with slightly bigger or smaller dimensions, but each model should easily fit within a group size when determining its category.
Battery size chart
These are some of the most commonly used batteries for all types of boats. The “M” in the marine battery group size chart states that the battery is specially designed for marine applications.
Should You Consider Marine Battery Group Size When Buying a New Battery?
The marine battery group size makes it much easier for boat owners to choose their battery. In some cases, the boats already come with some predefined type of battery that can be installed, and these fall under some of the most common categories on the list.
Group 24 marine battery and group 27 marine battery options are among the most commonly picked and popular choices within the marine battery group size chart. The group 24 marine battery models tend to have a medium capacity, suitable for several marine applications with low- to mid-consumption boats. The group 27 marine battery options have a higher price but also a much higher capacity, making them excellent in powering the motor and several common devices.
Another excellent choice for marine applications is the 31M and 34M group marine batteries. These have relatively high capacities with an excellent C-rate, meaning that they can easily power medium and large boats alongside several electronic devices installed.
Review Section
To pick the best marine battery for your boat, it is important to check out the best available options. In our marine battery review section, we compiled some excellent low-, mid-, and high-end choices. The best thing is that these battery models have a really good performance-cost relation, so you can choose batteries that will cover all your needs within a decent budget.
1. Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST Marine Dual-Purpose Battery – Best Dual-Purpose Marine Battery
The Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST is one of the best dual-purpose marine battery options available. This is a dual-purpose battery with a great capacity, C-rate, and one of the best warranties you can get for marine application batteries.
This battery has a 103 Ah capacity at C20, meaning that to get its full capacity, you can discharge it at 5.15 amps for 20 hours. As a starter battery, the Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST provides 1150 cranking amps at 0ºF for 30 seconds (1150 CCA) or a 5-second pulse of 2,150 cranking amps at 80ºF (2150 PHCA).
2. VMAX XTR31-135 Trolling Motor Battery AGM Marine Deep Cycle Group 31 12V 135Ah – Best Deep-Cycle Marine Battery
Among the best deep-cycle marine battery models, we also find the VMAX XTR31-135. This deep-cycle marine battery has one of the biggest capacities and an excellent C-rate to provide you all the simultaneous amps you might need.
The battery has a capacity of 135 Ah at C20, meaning you can get up to 6.75 amps for 20 hours to enjoy its full capacity. The battery can be discharged faster, at a 75 amp rate for 75 minutes or a 25 amp rate for 265 minutes, but by doing this, you will not get to enjoy its full capacity.
3. VMAX MR127 12 Volt 100Ah AGM Deep Cycle Maintenance-Free Battery – Best Battery for Outboard Motor
The VMAX MR127 is the smallest battery option within the category of 100 Ah or superior capacity AGM marine battery models. This 27M 12V deep-cycle marine battery has an excellent capacity ideal for most boats, great overall performance, and a quality small-sized casing, making it the best battery for outboard motor boats.
This outboard motor battery has a capacity of 100Ah at C20, meaning you get up to 5 amps for 20 hours. You can also get 800 marine cranking amps at 32ºF (800 MCA) or up to 1580 PHCA to start the motor of your boat.
4. Optima 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery – Quality Optima Marine Battery
Optima is one of the best AGM marine battery manufacturers. The Optima 34M BlueTop is an excellent dual-purpose battery that works both as a deep cycle and starter battery at the same time.
This battery has a 50 Ah capacity at C20, so it provides a steady current of 2.5 amps for 20 hours when deep cycling. You can also power a 25-amp load but only for 100 minutes. The battery provides up to 800 CCA when starting engines, making it an excellent option for small, medium, and some large boats.
5. Mighty Max Battery 12V 55Ah Trolling Battery – Lightest AGM Deep-Cycle Marine Battery
The Mighty Max is one of the lightest and best deep-cycle marine battery models available. With this battery, you can easily power all types of devices on your boat for a fraction of the price.
This AGM deep-cycle battery has a capacity of 58 Ah at C20, meaning you can get 2.9 steady amps for 20 hours. You can also power a 35.2-amp load, but the capacity will drain within 60 minutes. If you require a 24-volt marine battery, you can just plug two of these batteries in series, and they will work flawlessly.
6. Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery 12 Volt 100Ah for RV, Solar Marine, and Off-Grid Applications – Cheapest AGM 12V Deep-Cycle Marine Battery
If you are looking for a high-capacity, deep-cycle battery at a really good price, the Renogy 100Ah is one of the best AGM marine battery options for you. This battery gives you superior capacity and operating amperage that other batteries provide for only a fraction of the price.
The Renogy battery has a 103 Ah capacity at C10, so you can get up to 10.3 amps for 10 hours. The battery can use a max discharge current of 1,100 amps for 5 seconds, but this regular practice will reduce its lifespan. Considering its steady amperage, you can use it as a trolling motor or outboard motor battery with great performance.
7. ExpertPower 12V 20Ah Lithium LiFePO4 Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery – Lithium Marine Battery
The ExpertPower EP1220 Lithium marine battery is one of the lightest models available. This LiFePo4 marine battery has a relatively low capacity but an excellent C-rate and a 100% DOD.
The battery has an installed capacity of 20, Ah and it provides a steady discharge current of 30 amps. The battery can also give up to 80 amps for 10 seconds.
What to Consider When Buying a Marine Battery – Buyer’s Guide
Whether you are trying to get the best battery for outboard motor boats, trolling motorboats, or any other marine application, it is important to know what to look for. In this buying guide section, we go over some important aspects that you should consider when choosing a battery. This will help you choose the best marine battery to suit your needs.
What Battery Capacity and C-Rate Do You Need?
The battery capacity determines how much energy you have available to power electric motorboats, accessories, and other devices with only one charge. The C-rate defines how much electrical current can be provided by a battery during a period of time. Generally, C-rates are given in terms of 20 or 10 hours. The electrical current provided at those rates gives you a reference of how much electrical current a single battery can give you. The higher the current, the faster the battery will discharge.
You might want to estimate the load and time of usage required from the battery in relation to the devices installed on your boat. With this list, you can do an estimation to choose the best battery for you.
What Is the Right Voltage for Your Boat?
Most motorboats require a 12V deep-cycle marine battery to properly function and power all installed devices. In some cases, high-end motors might require a 24-volt marine battery. You can install a battery with that voltage or get two quality 12V marine batteries and install them in series to get the proper voltage.
What Is the Right Weight and Size for Your Battery?
The weight and size of your battery usually refer to the marine group size. You can decide beforehand the battery for your boat or choose the specifications of the battery and consider if the size properly fits. Small boats like kayaks, trolling motors, and other similar boats might require lightweight and compact batteries.
Does It Work Well as a Starter Battery?
The battery you choose should provide the proper current or cranking amps to start the alternator engine or electric motor of your boat. This is why it is important to check the CCA, MCA, or PHCA when choosing a battery for your boat. The meanings of these acronyms are as follows:
- CCA – Cranking amps for 30 seconds at 0ºF
- MCA – Cranking amps for 30 seconds at 32ºF
- PHCA – 5-second pulse of hot cranking at 80ºF
How Fast Can You Charge the Battery?
The charging speed for your battery depends on the parameters set by the manufacturer. The best thing you can do to properly charge your battery is to get a marine battery charger that allows you to set the right charging parameters. By doing this, you will be extending the life span of your battery.
Most batteries on the list vary their charging currents from 10 amps to 30 amps. Considering an 80% DOD, this means a charging time of 480-120 min for 100Ah batteries, 240-80 min for 50Ah batteries, and 90-30 min for the 20Ah battery.
Which Battery Technology Do You Prefer?
The battery technology you choose will determine the advantages you get from it. Lithium batteries have excellent capacities, C-rates, and DOD, but they are also more expensive. Marine AGM battery options provide good discharge currents, have high capacities, and have the best performance-cost relation. Gel batteries have longer life spans than AGM models but are more delicate when charging. Wet cell battery models are robust, resistant to high currents, and have high capacities, but they require regular maintenance, have low DOD, and have shorter life spans.
Do You Know How to Take Proper Care of the Battery You Are Choosing?
Some batteries are more delicate than others. You should always properly charge a battery using a marine battery charger and only store it when it is fully charged. If you do not use your boat for long periods, check the battery every few months to check if it is properly working, and always remember to charge the battery before using your boat again as they can self-discharge over time if not used.
Conclusion
Marine batteries are specially designed to power the motor of your boat and some other devices that you might install on your boat. These batteries will provide you with hours of fun when angling, enjoying a good time at sea, or doing any other activity with your boat.
To have a carefree experience when navigating, it is important to have a strong and reliable ally to power up your boat. In the marine battery reviews section, you will find the best batteries available to pick from. To know what the best marine battery is for your boat, you can use the buying guide. This will help you choose a marine battery that covers all the power needs for your boat.
