Marine Battery and Deep Cycle

According to the demand of usage, there are different types of marine batteries:
Starting Battery - This type of marine battery starts your boat's motor. It's also called a cranking battery. These batteries are designed much like a traditional automotive battery, and are designed to provide power to start your boat. These batteries crank out a big dose of power in a short amount of time. Once the engine starts, the alternator takes over to provide power and recharge the battery. These should not be used to power a trolling motor, or other electrical accessories that require power while the engine is off.

Shop Advance for Starting Batteries.

Deep Cycle Battery - This type of marine battery is designed to discharge slowly over a long period of time and to withstand repeated discharge and recharge cycles. A deep cycle battery is designed to provide continuous power output over long periods of time. If you have an electric trolling motor, audio system, fish locator, bilge pump or other battery powered accessories that draw larger amounts of current you will need a deep cycle battery. The key factor to consider when selecting deep cycle batteries for your trolling motor is their reserve capacity - a larger number here means that your batteries will provide more power for more hours on the water.

Deep cycle batteries are often referred to as a dual purpose marine battery. In some smaller boats this battery can serve starting needs and power electronics. While a deep cycle (dual purpose) battery can perform the tasks of a starting battery, they are not as efficient or effective as two separate batteries. Some will not provide enough power to start certain engines. Other may last for far less cycles than your typical deep cycle battery. The exception here is for lithium batteries which overall have a higher performance rate and carry a deep charge allowing for a longer life cycle.

Shop Advance for DieHard deep cycle marine batteries.

An AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery and OPTIMA battery are both types of sealed lead-acid batteries that are commonly used in marine applications.

AGM batteries use a glass mat separator to hold the electrolyte in place, which allows for a maintenance-free, non-spillable battery that can handle rough marine conditions. AGM batteries are known for their deep cycling capabilities and long service life.

OPTIMA batteries are also a type of AGM battery, but they are designed with a unique SpiralCell design that provides a more efficient use of space and better performance. OPTIMA batteries are known for their high starting power, fast recharging capabilities, and resistance to vibration and shock. They are often used in high-performance marine applications, such as racing boats and yachts.

The advantages of AGM and OPTIMA batteries over standard lead-acid batteries include:

1. Maintenance-free: AGM and OPTIMA batteries are sealed and do not require maintenance such as adding water to the cells, which is necessary for standard lead-acid batteries.

2. Non-Spillable: AGM and OPTIMA batteries are designed to be non-spillable, so there is no risk of acid spills or corrosion damage to the boat.

3. Deep cycling: AGM and OPTIMA batteries can withstand deep cycling, meaning they can be discharged and recharged many times without losing their capacity or service life.

4. Faster recharge: AGM and OPTIMA batteries have a faster recharge rate than standard lead-acid batteries, allowing you to recharge your battery quickly and get back out on the water sooner.

5. Longer service life: AGM and OPTIMA batteries typically have a longer service life than standard lead-acid batteries, meaning you can use them for many years before needing to replace them.

6. Vibration resistance: OPTIMA batteries are designed to be more resistant to vibration and shock than standard lead-acid batteries, making them ideal for high-performance marine applications.

Overall, AGM and OPTIMA batteries provide better performance, longer service life, and greater reliability than standard lead-acid batteries, making them an excellent choice for marine applications.

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Watch this video to see how OPTIMA Batteries work.

What will this battery be powering?

• Solely starting your boat plus a few lights
• Significant amounts of electronics (trolling motor, audio system, fish locator or other battery powered accessories that draw larger amounts of current)

Smaller boats may be able to get away with one battery for both uses. But larger ones or ones with lots of power usage should opt for multiple batteries, one for starting the boat and additional deep cycle batteries to power electronics and appliances.

Sizing for a battery will depend on the application, either engine starting or deep cycle for energy use.

When choosing the size of a starting battery, consult the recommendations of the manufacturer of your engine. Primarily, you should be looking at the battery's marine-cranking amps (MCA).

To start your engine in all conditions, it is vital to ensure your starting battery has sufficient MCA.

Refer to owner's manual for specifications and choose a battery that meets or exceeds those specs.

When choosing the size of a deep cycle battery, you will need to consider all devices and applications that will be used and calculate your watt-hour usage. It is a good idea to go with a battery that is larger than your baseline watt usage.

Read this article for more tips on how to choose the best marine battery.

Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) - Rating system that defines a battery's ability to start or crank an engine in cold temperatures. CCA measures amps that are produced by a battery at a temperature of 0 degrees F.

Marine Cranking Amps (MCA) - Measures how much power your battery can deliver in a short burst, measured at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

The reason for the distinction in temperature between MCA and CCA is that the majority of boats will not be out on the water when it is below 32°F. Also, it's worth noting that MCA amps are generally higher than CCA because batteries can produce more current at 32°F versus 0°F.

Cold cranking amps are more important for those who live in places where the temperatures drop to freezing or lower, than those who are in consistently warmer climates.

A cranking battery ensures a boat can easily start and get out on the water.
When a cranking battery is subjected to continuous use, (e.g. trolling), it is subject to overheating and depletion of available capacity.

A deep-cycle (trolling) battery keeps it operating and runs electronics in any conditions.
When a deep cycle battery is called upon to provide the bursts of energy necessary to start an engine, it won't always perform.

It is very difficult to combine the performance of the two batteries into one. You will get the best results when you use two separate marine batteries.

Find the Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery in this article.

Deep cycle batteries are engineered to be discharged and then recharged to full capacity. The lifetime of your battery will be influenced by the typical depth of discharge. For example, a battery that usually reaches 50% depth of discharge will outlive a battery that is often pushed to a greater depth of discharge. The same goes for repeated shallow discharge. A battery that frequently reaches only 5-10% depth of discharge can contribute to shortened lifespans. In summary, you do not have to be too conservative with your battery when out on the water. Once back on land recharge your marine battery to restore them to full capacity.

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Types of chargers

Trickle Charger - Charges batteries at the same rate as the battery's self-discharge. The same voltage and current is applied regardless of the needs of the battery to reach 100%.

Float Charger - Recharges batteries in three stages.

Bulk Charging Phase - highest charge voltage and current are applied to reach ~ 80% of the battery's capacity.

Absorption Charging Phase - a constant charge voltage is applied while the charging current declines until 90-95% capacity is met.

Float Charging Phase - At the very end of the charging cycle, the applied voltage and the current fall until the battery reaches 100% capacity.

Charging Time
Charging time for your deep cycle marine battery is dependent upon the number of batteries that need to be charged and the number of amps/bank that your charger can output.

If you have only one battery you will need a 1-bank charger. If you have two batteries, you will need a 2-bank battery charger and so forth.

The larger the number of amps/bank offered by a battery charger means the faster the charge.

The lifespan of a boat battery depends on various factors such as usage, maintenance, and storage conditions. However, on average, a well-maintained boat battery can last anywhere from two to five years.

Choosing a Lithium-Ion battery for boating applications is an excellent choice. Not only are these marine batteries more efficient, but they weigh about 50% less and can last up to 10 times longer than your lead-acid batteries. Lithium batteries offer increased number of charge-discharge cycles and they are very low maintenance. These batteries can also allow for a higher depth of discharge % without harming the battery's life. While Lithium marine batteries are more expensive, they are worth the investment due to their longer lifespan. Depending on factors such as usage, charging and storage conditions, a lithium marine battery can last 10 years or longer.

1. Keep the battery clean and free from corrosion.

2. Store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.

3. Charge the battery regularly and avoid overcharging.

4. Use a battery maintainer or trickle charger when the boat is not in use for an extended period.

5. Limit the use of electronics when the engine is not running.

By following these steps, you can help extend the life of your boat battery.