Best Marine Batteries: Features, Selections, Maintenance & Others

Published on: March 31, 2022
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan

So you are reading this article!? That means you need to buy a battery for your boat. There are a number of factors you need to consider before buying one. A marine battery defers from your regular car battery in the way it discharges its current.

While the car battery used to crank the car engine discharges a large burst of current for less than 30 seconds, the marine battery discharges smaller currents continuously for over 2 hours. Unlike the marine battery, however, the car battery must always not discharge below 75% of its total capacity before charging again.

The marine battery, on the other hand, can discharge up to 45% of its total power before charging again without negatively affecting its lifespan. That is an important characteristic of the marine batteries, and it’s referred to as a deep cycle.

Yes, it is hard to select a perfect battery for your boat. But don’t worry, I’m here to help you with a proper guideline. You just need to go through the guideline carefully and pick the suitable one. Now see our top picks comparison.

Features of a Good Marine Batteries

When selecting the perfect marine battery, Application and Construction of the batteries are the two main factors we consider. We use these factors as a standard against which all marine battery products are compared. This method ensures that we not only get the best marine battery, but also those that perform a particular task better than the rest. It is important to keep in mind that marine starting battery cannot be deep cycle marine battery.

Why? Because these two types of marine batteries are better at performing different functions. You may wonder what if you want batteries that can perform both functions. You have to settle for a Dual-purpose battery. A dual-purpose battery balances between giving high charge bursts for starting a motor and discharging deeply to power devices for prolonged times.

Application

Each marine battery will be used as a single battery or a battery bank in your Boat or Recreational Vehicle, (RV). However, they will fall into three main categories.

These are:

• Deep cycle; 
• Starting battery;
• Dual-purpose;
• Deep Cycle Battery;

Deep cycle

These are the batteries that allow you to power your on-board equipment. A deep cycle marine battery discharges small currents for an extended period. You can use it until it discharges down to 45% of its total capacity before you can recharge. That is the lowest discharge capacity good marine battery can achieve before its cells get damaged.

A deep cycle marine battery also recharges much faster. It can charge up to 100% of its total capacity in 2 hours. This should be able to meet the above characteristics.

Starting Battery

A starting battery is designed to discharge huge bursts of current to crank your boat’s starter motor. The discharge period is in the range of 15 to 30 seconds. Within that short period, it should be able to fulfill about 800A, before its voltage drops below 10.5V. The voltage must not drop below 10.5V; otherwise, the battery will not be able to spin the motor properly. Most motors need a current of at least 10.5V for that to happen. The large burst of current is what makes the starting motor turn at very high speeds and successfully crank the boat engine.

Dual-purpose

Sometimes you may have a boat or RV that uses only one or two batteries. In such cases, you need to get a compromise between a deep cycle battery and a starting battery. That way, you can use it to start your RV or marine boat, and still be able to power your on-board devices. These batteries have lower storage capacities than deep cycle batteries and lower discharge currents than Starting batteries. They are best suited for small sailboats, RV battery banks, and marine boats with few and low powered equipment.

Construction

There are four main types of battery constructions. These four types perform better as either deep cycle batteries, starting batteries or dual purpose batteries. The five main types of marine battery chemical constructions are:

Lithium (LiNMC) Marine Battery

These are excellent deep charge cycle marine batteries. They can discharge up to 100% without damaging their cells for up to 800 times. They are suitable for high-performance battery tasks. You can have a (LiNMC) battery tank and install a high output alternator. That alternator will allow you to run your diesel engine for a short period to quickly charge the heavy load of (LiNMC) marine battery bank; something diesel engines are good at doing.

Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) Marine Battery

These batteries are deep cycle marine batteries. You can discharge/charge them for 400 cycles with a depth discharge of up 80%. They can accept a much higher amperage charging current for due to their pure lead with lower resistance, and thinner lead plates, which increase their surface area.

Flooded Marine Batteries

These have a reservoir where an electrolyte is held. The electrode plates are then positioned inside the electrolyte. They need to be placed on a stable surface to avoid shocks. They are good marine batteries regarding the initial cost of purchase, being very cheap. They are capable of undergoing about 500 to 1000 complete discharge and charge cycles.

They must be kept upright always and require regular maintenance. You have to top up the electrolyte with distilled water and recharge them periodically. They discharge at a rate of 6% to 7% per month when in storage. They must be installed in a well-ventilated environment because they discharge oxygen and hydrogen, hydrogen being explosive.

Gel Batteries

Gel marine batteries are sealed, and valve-regulated (SVR). They do not need any maintenance as the gasses released can recombine whey they exceed a certain pressure. Their valves open to allow the gasses to recombine or release the gasses if there is a need to.

They are spill-proof, leak-proof and can be submerged without being damaged. They, however, need to be smartly charged to prevent damage since they are sealed and manufactured to high standards.

AGM Batteries

They are the most common marine battery construction. They have an Absorbed Glass Matt between the electrode plates. The AGM absorbs the electrolyte and supports the plates to make them shock proof. They contain precision valves that allow the hydrogen from the negative plate to recombine with oxygen from the positive plate.

They are dual-purpose batteries. They can discharge down to 55% of their total capacity, and recharge much faster than conventional batteries. They have a long life due to a low discharge rate of 3% per month.

Things to Consider When Select

The following are the main factors to look for when comparing batteries. These battery features are easy to spot and can help you to make a fairly informed decision as long as the manufacturer was truthful when marking them. These factors are referred to as Starting Functions. They are:

Reserve Minutes

RM is the length of time in minutes that a battery can supply your boat equipment with 25A, without its voltage dropping below 10.5V, at a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The rating is indicated as 200RM, Where 200 is the number of minutes.

Size

The size of your motor, which is indicated in Watts or Voltage Amperes (VA) is critical in the type of battery you buy. A battery can only support your equipment if the current drawn is within its discharge capacity without ruining the cells. A marine battery with a rating of 150RM will discharge faster than one with a rating of 250 RM.

CCA vs. MCA

CCA or Cold Cranking Amperes is the number of Amperes that a marine battery can deliver for 30 continuous seconds without the voltage dropping below 10.5 Volts, while operating at a temperature of Zero degrees Fahrenheit. The MCA or Marine Cranking Amperes is the number of amperes a marine battery can discharge continuously for 30 seconds without its voltage dropping below 10.5 Volts. The MCA is always higher than CCA because a battery operates better at higher temperatures.

Longevity

It is one of the best baselines for comparing marine batteries to find a marine battery that is best for your boat. The longevity of a battery is measured in life cycles. A life cycle that is close to 1000 life cycles or more is the best.

This rating is achieved by charging a new battery to full capacity, then discharging it under controlled conditions till the voltage drops to 10.5 volts, at a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They repeat it until the marine battery can no longer hold half its rated capacity. Any marine battery review to find the marine cranking battery, dual purpose marine battery in 2018 should take this rating into consideration.

Deep Cycle Functions

The Deep cycle feature can be measured in Ampere-Hour (AH) or Reserve Minutes (RM). While the RM is the amount of time in minutes a marine battery can discharge a current of 25A without the voltage dropping below 10.5 at a temperature of 80 degrees; the AH is the energy a marine battery can discharge current continuously for 20 hours without the voltage dropping to 10.5 Volts.

Benefits of a Good Marine Battery

It is good for trolling motors. It can give you a longer discharge period. That is the only way you will be able to operate your trolling motor for hours without recharging. The deep discharge cycle without damaging the cells gives you the ability to use them as battery banks. Short discharge cycles on the other hand would require that you frequently charge the batteries.

The perfect battery will be able to do the following:

• Discharge for prolonged periods to allow you to work without interruptions;
• Have a deep discharge capacity, at least 45% of the total capacity;
• Have shorter charging periods to l you to resume work without unnecessary delays;
• Be Low maintenance, which means you do not need extra supplies to keep your battery bank working properly;
• Be resistant to shock, which means they cannot be damaged by the constant vibration of the Trolling Motor;

Maintenance of Marine Battery

Marine batteries require regular maintenance depending on their construction and nature. But the basic maintenance tips are-

• Always use the charger provided by the manufacturer to charge your battery. This will help you to avoid the possibility of a damaging unit.
• Recharge the battery immediately after every use.
• Clean the terminals using a thick solution of baking soda and water. It will keep aya corrosion from the battery.
• Maintain proper water level for flooded batteries.

Tips to Get the Best Performance

Everything needs care. The marine batteries are not out of the list too. If you maintain your battery in proper ways, it will serve you continuously for a long time and keep its great performance as well. Here are some tips that will help you to get longer time great performance from the marine battery-

• Always try to charge your battery regularly. Do not charge whenever you want. Continuous charging helps to keep the battery performance for longer. 
• Do not overcharge your battery; do not charge the battery with high or low voltage.
• If you use a lead acid battery, check the water level of the battery in time. Use only distilled water and avoid using tap water, or the battery acid that is found to be bought at local automotive stores. Always wear eye protection when you change the acid.
• Do not leave your battery in high or low temperature. It may decrease the performance.
• When you leave your battery idle, keep ongoing the tackle charge. It is the best way to keep the battery workable.
•  Charge your battery after each use, regular charge helps to keep the performance for a long time.
• When you find dust in the battery, clean it properly.
• Breaker and fuse are also important about your battery’s performance. Always try to use the recommended breaker and fuse.

Editor’s Speech

When choosing a marine battery for your boat, your recreational vehicle (RV), or trolling motor, the crucial factors to consider are the duration of use before recharging, discharge capacity, and longevity. Those factors will help you to estimate how much load your battery can support for a specified period, how deeply you can discharge the marine battery without damaging its cells, and its life cycle. With those features in mind, you will never go wrong when choosing a battery for your boat.

There are two basic battery alternatives from the beginning and these batteries rely upon your needs. Some extraordinary marine battery audits out there and we have taken a gander at them all to present to you the marine battery available.

So take note of the below features, select the one with the features you were looking for and you’ll get the perfect marine battery for your boat.

Our Recommended Top 10 Marine Batteries

1. Optima Batteries 8006-006 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery

• It is 10″ x 6.9″ x 7.8″ tall, Weight: 38.4 pounds;
• It is 12-Volt, 800 Cold Cranking Amps;
• Dual SAE & 5/16″ Stainless Steel Stud Posts.

Optima Batteries 8006-006 34M uses Spiral cell technology. It has a rating of 800 Cold Cranking Amps, 1000 Cranking Amps, and 12 Volts Nominal Voltage. When fully charged and not connected to a circuit, it has a voltage of 12.8. It has an internal resistance of 0.0030 ohms. It total capacity is 50Ah with a Reserve Capacity of 100 Minutes.

If you are looking for the perfect marine battery in the industry, it is one of them. Its spiral technology makes it highly resistive to shock. With a cold cranking of 800A, it can supply a motor with 800 amperes for 30 seconds, at a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit, without the voltage dropping to less than 10.5 Volts.

At a temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, it can supply a motor with 1000A, without dropping the voltage below 10.5V for 30 seconds. This marine battery is also capable of supplying 50A for one full straight hour without its voltage dropping below 10.5V.

What we liked

• Fast charging;
• Spill proof;
• Maintenance free;
• When fully charged it lasts longer;

What we didn’t like

• No Noticeable Cons;

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2. Optima 8016-103 Blue Top Marine Battery

• It is 10 inches x 6 7/8 inches x 7 13/16 inches tall, Weight: 43.5 pounds;
• The capacity of this battery: 55 Ah C20;
• It is 12-Volt, 750 Cold Cranking Amps.

This battery has a rating of 12V and CCA 750. It measures 10 inches, by 6 and 7/8 inches, by 7 13/16 inches tall. It weighs 43.5 pounds and has a stainless steel casing. It has an RC of 120 minutes. It is 15% more resistant to vibration. If you are looking for the top starting and deep cycle marine battery, this will definitely be on the list.

The above item can be operated for 30 seconds while delivering 750 Amperes, without the voltage dropping to 7.2 volts. With a reserve capacity of 120 minutes, it can be operated for 120 minutes, while giving out a current of 25 Amperes without its operating voltage dropping to 10.5 volts, even when the temperature is as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That is two full hours of heavy continuous use in your boat.

What we liked

• 120 minutes reserve capacity;
• Affordable price;
• Easy to carry because of its lightweight;
• Recharge very fast;

What we didn’t like

• Can’t withstand excessive vibrations;
• As it is sealed, you can’t add distilled water;

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3. VMAX857 HI Performance Marine Battery

• It is L=7.7″ W=5″ H=6.1″;
• Capability: Heavy Duty Grids;
• This is Maintenance Free Operation.

VMAXTANKS Vmax857 contains Absorbed Glass Matt between the plates and does not contain a liquid electrolyte in the sense of the lead-acid batteries. It does not spill the electrolyte and it’s non hazardous. It can recover easily from deep discharge. They are rated 12V 35AH.

This battery can continuously output a maximum of 35 amperes for one full hour. If the amperage is half, the duration will be extended to two hours. The operating voltage will not drop below 10.5 volts during that time. It is sealed and does not therefore need maintenance nor does it spill the electrolyte when tilted. It is shock resistant because it uses the Absorbed Glass Matt between the plates.

What we liked

• Very lightweight;
• Don’t affect by vibration;
• Long lasting life;
• Fast charging;
• No need to service it;

What we didn’t like

• Need a special charger to charge properly;
• You can’t add distilled water;

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4. Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) – DCM0035 Marine Battery

• It is L=7.68″ W= 5.16″ H=6.14″;
• The batteries Voltage: 12 Amps: 35;
• The batteries Weight (lbs): 23.1lbs;

The Interstate Batteries (AGM) – DCM0035 is sealed. It measures 7.9 inches by 6.10 inches by 5.13 inches. Is made in the USA and has a rating of 12 Volts 35 AH. It comes with a 30 days return policy and a 12 month exchange policy.

The above battery can provide your equipment with 35 amperes for a full hour without the voltage dropping below 10.5 volts. If it fails to do so, you can return it and get a full refund, if you do it within 30 days, or you will get an exchange if you return it within twelve months since the day you bought it.

What we liked

• An affordable price;
• Removable handles included;
• There is no risk of the electrolyte spilling as the battery is sealed;
• Vibration proof battery;

What we didn’t like

• Not suitable for cold temperature;

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5. Mighty Max 12V Wilderness Tarpon 100 Kayak Marine Battery

• It is 7.68 inches x 5.16 inches x 7.13 inches;
• It is 12V 35Ah;
• This battery SLA/AGM maintenance free & spill proof.

The Mighty Max Battery 12V 35AH Wilderness Tarpon is a sealed battery. It weighs 24 pounds and its rated 12V 35AH. It can be used by scooter, UPG, Alarm, and Wheelchair battery, and boats. It weighs 23 pounds and measures 7.68 inches x 5.16 inches x 7.13 inches. It can be used continuously for an hour, while providing a current of 25 amperes without the voltage falling below 10.5 volts.

It can power your boat’s instruments for over two hours if the items are not collectively drawing over 12 amperes. It can run a 55 pound motor with four people on board for 45 minutes at full speed.

What we liked

• Small in size but very powerful;
• Affordable price;
• Best for Fishing Kayak;
• Multipurpose usage;

What we didn’t like

• Doesn’t work for a long time;

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6. Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST Marine Dual Purpose Battery

• It is 6.88 x 10 x 7.8 in;
• This batteries Cold Crank Amp (CCA)- 880;
• Voltage: 12 volts.

Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST  has a Cold Crank Amperage (CCA) rating of 880. Its plates contain the Absorbed Glass Matt between them. It is sealed and can operate between a temperature of -40 degree Fahrenheit and 176 degree Fahrenheit. It can be stored for up to 2 years or 12 volts.

This is a low maintenance battery that is resistant to vibration and spillage. It can start your boat’s motor even at a temperature of zero degrees Fahrenheit. It can supply a voltage of over 10.5 volts for 880 Amperes for 30 seconds. It has 2 years of shelf life, which means you can comfortably use it and store it as long as the voltage does not drop below 12 volts. It is a deep cycle battery.

What we liked

• Work for a long time;
• Save charge while not using;
• Vibration and spillage resistant; 

What we didn’t like

• Bit Expensive;

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7. VMAX XTR8D-350 Upgrades Group 8D Heavy Duty Battery for Boat

• It is 20.8 x 9.8 x 11.1 inches;
• Voltage: 12V 350Ah;
• Terminals Posts: SAE+3/8″ STUD.

VMAX XTR8D-350 measures 20.8 inches in length, 9.8 inches in width, and 11.1 inches in height. It contains an Absorbed Glass Matt between the electrode plates and it is sealed. It is rated 350AH. It can power a 40 to 55 pound motor for up to 10 hours without its voltage dropping to 13.5 volts. It has a deep charge cycle of between 50 to 60 percent.

This marine battery can be used continuously for an hour while supplying your boat with an 350 ampere current. It does not spill the electrolyte since the AGM holds the electrolyte. That also makes it shock resistant. Which means its performance is not affected by normal operation shocks. Its deep charge cycle is suitable for prolonged marine use where it’s not possible sometimes to charge it regularly.

What we liked

• It has a longer life;
• Fast charging;
• No battery draining;

What we didn’t like

• No Noticeable Cons;

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8. Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M Marine Dual Purpose Battery

• Capable of 100 percentage recharge in 4-6 hours;
• Mounting flexibility;
• Non-spillable design;
• Tolerant operating temperatures -40 to 80 degrees celsius.

ODYSSEY Batteries trolling thunder marine dual purpose battery. It has both gigantic beginning power and astounding profound cycling ability, up to 400 cycles at 80 rate profundity of release. With twice the general power and multiple times the existence of customary marine batteries. It is great for trolling, beginning, and fueling the numerous locally available electronic extras normal in boats and sporting vehicles.

Its development comprises of unadulterated virgin lead plates for the greatest surface region and enhanced reusing, AGM plan that wipes out corrosive spills, high conductivity, consumption safe tin-plated metal terminals, high uprightness terminal seal, a fixed plan bringing about gases reused inside, an automatic help valve, extreme fire-resistant cell holders and vigorous inward cell associations with forestalling vibration harm.

What we liked

• High stable voltage for longer periods of time;
• It charges very fast;
• It has recombination technology.

What we didn’t like

• None.

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9. Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M BlueTop Marine Battery

• Size: 12 13/16″ x 6 1/2″ x 9 3/8″ tall;
• Weight: 59.8 pounds;
• Dual SAE & 5/16″ Stainless Steel Stud Posts.

An OPTIMA BlueTop high-performance AGM battery in your boat or RV implies remarkable running time and more re-energizes than you’d escape from a conventional battery. It’s the ideal marine battery for boats with savaging engines, broad electronic frameworks, and functions admirably as a RV battery for RVs with common luxuries that will generally deplete batteries rapidly. 

On top of giving remarkable vibration obstruction, the productive power conveyance and quicker re-energize time mean you’ll invest less energy stressing over your battery. This implies more opportunity for entertainment only. Over and over. This adaptable boat battery and RV battery is great for the people who need a definite beginning, solid turning, upkeep free power source.

What we liked

• Resistant to vibration;
• Spill proof;
• Free of maintenance;
• More rechargeable;
• Strong casing.

What we didn’t like

• None.

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10. Optima Batteries 8004-003 34/78 RedTop Starting Marine Battery

• No amperage limit;
• Size: 10″ x 6 7/8″ x 7 13/16″ tall;
• Weight: 38.8 pounds.

Optima 8004-003 34/78 RedTop battery weighs 38.8 pounds, and size 10″ x 6 7/8″ x 7 13/16 inches. It will endure hard send-offs, outrageous corners and its race demonstrated for each street consistently whether it’s utilized as a truck battery, car battery, or for different applications. It is standing as a truck battery or auto battery is unbeatable.

Multiple times more impenetrable to vibration for firmness. The convenient conveying handle can be remembered for simplicity of situation for a battery holder. The top marine batteries list wouldn’t be complete without it.

What we liked

• Strong starting burst;
• More than 15 times the vibration resistance;
• Maintenance-free.

What we didn’t like

• No cons just check the warranty before purchasing;

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FAQs About Marine Batteries

Can I Use It in My Car

Yes, you can. These batteries can be used for both cars and marine boats. But you can get the car’s battery at a cheaper rate than the marine battery. You can also use these batteries for other uses besides cars and marine boats.

Are They Dual Purposes Batteries? Do I Need to Buy Anything Extra

These batteries have dual terminals so you can use it for both automotive and marine without buying anything extra.

Do I Need a Special Battery Charger for Charging It

No, you don’t need. But always try to use an auto current limiting charger. It’s better for the battery.

How Would I Store Marine Batteries

Different kinds of batteries require fixed to a stirring of and capacity, so make a point to consistently follow the maker’s directions. Batteries ought to for the most part not be presented to water. 

In a perfect world, overflowed batteries ought to be put away and worked up. AGM and lithium batteries can likewise be introduced at a point or vertically.

Which is Better AGM or Gel Battery

AGM models beat gel batteries at around 100 to 1. The primary explanation behind this is because of the cost contrast. AGM is more affordable than gel batteries. AGM batteries additionally offer many valuable qualities to make them the one to choose.

There are two basic battery alternatives from the beginning and these batteries rely upon your needs. Some extraordinary marine battery audits out there and we have taken a gander at them all to present to you the marine battery available.

What Is the Correct Weight and Size for Your Battery?

As a rule, the weight and size of your battery indicate the size of the marine collection. You can choose the battery for your boat in advance or pick the battery details and assume that the size fits right. Smaller boats such as kayaks, sawing engines, and other comparative boats may require lighter weight and less battery.

We recommend choosing a 12-volt marine battery with at least a 110 amp hour rating, usually a group 27 size battery. And an average 100 Ah lead-acid battery weighs between 60 and 80 pounds, depending on the type of battery.

Which Battery Technology Do You Prefer?

Lithium-ion, or Li-ion, is the most useful battery development being used today. Li-ion parade high power thickness relative to more ready-made nickel-cadmium batteries, and lack a memory oscillation, resulting in the battery losing limits as it continues to use.

Read more:

• Generator Batteries Analysis
• Marine Battery Switch: Explain and Selection Guide