Things To Consider When Buying Boat Batteries

September 30th, 2008 Posted in Boating

Buying a boat battery does not have to be a daunting decision. It is quite simple really. All you have to know is the make and model of your boat and what voltage battery the boat requires, and you are good to go. You need to know your boat’s specifications as some boat batteries cannot supply enough voltage to power bigger, more powerful boats. It is important to buy the correct boat battery to avoid any mishaps while at sea or on a lake. The last thing you want while enjoying a cruise is to end up stranded on the water.

Boat Batteries 101

You firstly need to learn about batteries. There are two types of batteries – primary batteries and secondary (storage) batteries.

Primary batteries are not used to power boats; secondary batteries are rather used as boat batteries for obvious reasons (as will be explained). Primary batteries (or dry cell batteries) are used to provide power for small electric devices, such as electric torches, portable radios, etc. Primary batteries are disposable as they cannot be recharged once that battery is used up. There is currently some opposition to the use of disposable batteries among environmentalists as they create rubbish that has to be dumped.

Secondary (storage) batteries are suitable for powering boats as they can be recharged with an alternator, and also supply more power. This type of battery is also used to power cars and other motorized equipment.

There are three types of storage boat batteries – a starting battery, a deep-cycle battery, and a maintenance-free or gel battery. Starting boat batteries provide enough starting current to power the boat initially. Once the boat engine is powered up, the alternator in the engine immediately recharges the starting boat battery. Although starting batteries are sufficient, most sailors prefer to use deep-cycle boat batteries instead. This is because this type of boat battery can withstand recurring intense discharges.

Maintenance-free or gel batteries are also used as boat batteries. As the name indicates, these batteries are maintenance-free as you will never have to check the electrolyte. They are, however, a bit pricier than the other two types of boat batteries due to this advantage. One downfall of a maintenance-free boat battery that you should take note of is that, since you never have to check on them, it is very easy to overlook any problems that might occur – you will not notice if something is wrong with your battery.

These are the three options that are available to you, each with their pros and cons. Most sailors prefer to make use of a combination of starting batteries and deep-cycle batteries, but it is entirely up to you which option you choose. As you can see, buying a boat battery is not a daunting task at all – you just have to know what to look for.