Don’t let a dead battery cut your relaxing evening or weekend on the water short. Even the best marine battery options have a limited lifetime, so explore the steps necessary to get more out of your battery. Check out proper maintenance and the best brands before ordering a new one online.
How To Choose the Best Boat Battery
On average, a marine battery only lasts about 3 to 4 years. Some can last longer than 6 years, but that depends on the maintenance tasks performed and the type of battery you’re using. Consider investing in a battery tester or periodically taking your marine battery to an auto parts store location near you to estimate the condition of this component.
When it’s time to retire your old battery, it’s important to replace it with a reliable option. Start by checking the type of battery you have. Some are used for cranking the engine on your boat, similar to an automotive battery. Others are deep cycle, which power your marine electronics for hours at a time.
Once you’ve determined the correct type for your replacement task, it’s time to shop for styles of battery. Here are the main types that all offer their own pros and cons:
- Lithium ion
- Wet cell, or lead acid
- AGM
- Gel
A lead-acid battery is the most common and affordable. Other battery types add additional features. Gel units, for example, have a low self-discharge rate. Lithium-ion batteries are lightweight and have a long life cycle, but are more of an investment than lead-acid alternatives.
Verify that the battery you purchase is sized appropriately for your needs. A VIN decoder can help you find the right maintenance items for your car, but it’s just as important to correctly size your deep-cycle and cranking marine batteries.
Proper Boat Battery Maintenance
The most important task in marine battery maintenance is to prevent it from completely discharging. This typically ruins the battery and prevents it from being recharged by any means. Use a battery tester to spot the signs that it’s time to recharge your battery.
Your marine motor recharges the battery just like a car. You may know how to jump start a car, but this isn’t a practical solution for a boat if your battery dies in the middle of the water. Always test your battery before you leave to ensure it’s ready for a day on the water.
Connect your battery to a trickle charger during the winter months. If you aren’t going to be taking your boat out for a month or more, then the battery could dangerously self discharge. A trickle charger providers small amounts of power to keep it safely topped up.
Explore the Best Boat Batteries Online
Learn more about boat battery maintenance by comparing battery brands and types online. Shop from the comfort of your couch or from the deck of your boat as you take the necessary steps for safe marine maintenance. Use customer reviews and this guide to find the best battery type to keep your engine roaring and your electronics fully powered.
