Why You Need The Right Marine Battery After Upgrading Your Boat
Posted on: 6 February 2023
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Like with an automobile, your boat needs a battery to power your engine. However, your boat will need a more expensive and durable battery than what can be installed in a motor vehicle. While some motorists try to save money by installing car batteries instead, they will not last as long and won't be as reliable. If you are upgrading your boat or simply find that the battery isn't delivering as many amps as it should, it's time to find a suitable replacement.
Starter Batteries
The two main types of marine batteries are the starting battery and the deep cycle battery. The purpose of the starting battery is to give you a short jolt of electricity to get your battery going. This battery can only release a small amount of electricity and the alternator will recharge it so it can be used again.
Deep-Cycle Batteries
Deep-cycle batteries are meant to last a long time and are used to power various appliances, your audio system, and anything else that uses electricity. A trolling motor also uses a deep-cycle battery.
Dual-Purpose Batteries
You might need both types of batteries. If you do not have enough room for two, you may have no choice but to install a dual-purpose battery. This type of battery can perform the functions of both deep-cycle and starter batteries, though they are less efficient.
Your New Battery
When you have purchased a boat, it will likely already come with marine batteries. Therefore, you'll simply use the battery until it needs to be replaced and will then replace it with a similar type. If you're not sure if your current battery is serviceable, a battery specialty store will load-test your battery for you.
However, if you install new appliances on your boat, the original batteries might not be strong enough. Then, you'll need to find more durable and powerful batteries that can support the new features you have installed on your boat.
How to Choose the Right Marine Battery
The ability of your marine battery to supply enough power to your appliances is measured by the ampere-per-hour. This number simply needs to be higher than the number of amps used by all of your appliances and you will likely want a bit more than necessary. The reserve capacity is also important for deep-cycle batteries because you will then have enough power to last even if you go on a long trip.