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The Best Marine Batteries (2024 Guide)

Keep a charge in your fishing and boating adventures with these portable powerpacks

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Marine batteries are the unsung hero of the boating world. Just as boaters will go out of their way to find ethanol-free fuel and additives to keep their outboard running at peak performance, anglers will go to extreme lengths to keep the power flowing to their electronics and electric trolling motors . For those of us who constantly look to upgrade our angling experience, a top-notch power bank is just as important as the modern tools it supports.

Like all products, the market is flooded with a variety of marine batteries. Some of these are better than others. I waded through the sea of batteries to find the ones worth having. Here are the best marine batteries to keep your fishing boat going so you can concentrate on what really counts: catching fish.

• Best for Trolling Motor: Odyssey Extreme Trolling Thunder
• Best Dual Purpose: Optima Blue Top
• Best Lithium: Tracker Marine Lithium
• Best for the Money: Duracell Marine

How We Picked The Best Marine Batteries

As a boat owner for the last 30 years, I’ve had the opportunity to fish on a weekly basis with a variety of flooded lead acid cells and sealed AGM batteries. In addition to my personal experience with lead acid batteries I have consulted many competitive bass anglers who have taken the plunge into lithium battery technology. These choices are based upon my research with these anglers as well as my personal experiences purchasing and fishing with these battery styles.

The Best Marine Batteries: Reviews & Recommendations

• Group 31 AGM
• 92-amp hours
• Rugged construction
• Excellent lifespan
• Good performance at lower charge levels
• Expensive for a lead acid AGM battery

Odyssey Marine AGM batteries are built specifically to handle the repeated discharges of anglers who spend many days per week on the water. While not as highly touted by professional anglers as lithium batteries, these stowaways are found in the power banks of many fishing guides who charge and deplete their batteries on a near daily basis. The batteries are a bit heavier than other AGM marine batteries, but that weight comes from the commercial heavy-duty construction that helps these power packs fend off some of the beatings that running at full speed in rough water can dish out.

Larger than normal cell sizes and pure lead plates offer more capacity as well, meaning you can spend more time on the water before you begin to notice any battery fade in the trolling motor prop or see voltage drop. These batteries are some of the most expensive AGM’s on the market, but most anglers we talked to have praised the price as money well spent.

For even more choices, check out our roundup of top trolling motor batteries .

• 75-amp hours
• 900 cold cranking amps
• Extremely resistant to vibration and rough treatment
• Long lifespan
• A bit light on the listed capacity

Although it’s listed as a group 31 battery, the Optima Blue Top actually has the same dimensions as most 27 group batteries, making it an easy upgrade for anglers looking for a little more juice without rearranging their boat’s battery compartment. Optima also seems to be a bit more conservative than other battery manufacturers when it comes to listing their batteries’ capacities. Although they list the 31M at 75-amp hours, in-the-field performance of these batteries far exceeded many competitors’ models that list at 80-amp hours and above. The AGM design of Optima batteries includes separate coiled cells with fiberglas mats, making them 100 percent spill proof, even if you mount them on an angle or on their side.

This dual-purpose battery also pumps out an astonishing 900 cold cranking amps, which will offer ripcord-like performance on the starter on pretty much any size outboard an angler is likely to have his or her boat. While it’s always best to have separate batteries for the trolling motor and outboard, this battery could easily pull double-duty for anglers should their primary starting battery decide to die at a bad time. While Optima may have been seen as expensive two decades ago, their continued track record and extended lifespan has proven itself to be well worth the extra money over flooded cell batteries. And, it’s a mid-priced battery in today’s market.

• Group 27 Lithium Iron Phosphate
• 80-amp hours
• Fast recharge time
• Extremely long lifespan
• Not good for dual purpose use
• Lifespan may not be worth high cost

While lithium marine batteries are still in their infancy, the Bass Pro Shops Tracker Marine brand has definitely embraced the technology, offering a variety of lithium batteries produced by RelION technology. While other brands have also contracted with the company, Bass Pro Shops seems to have the best current price for comparable models. In addition to a lifetime boasting more than 5,000 discharges, these batteries offer a decent capacity of 80-amp hours. However, anglers may be pleasantly surprised that they will see a longer period of high-power output, as these batteries perform much differently than lead acid cells.

While lead acid will slowly lose efficiency as they are discharged, lithium batteries provide close to the same discharge rate until they are nearly gone, giving the user more time at peak power. And instead of needing a full night to recharge after being depleted, this battery will power back up in as little as an hour and a half after a full discharge. The real question to ask is whether you honestly fish enough to keep up with this battery’s potential. After all, 5,000 discharges are equivalent to fishing every day of the year for more than 13 years! A weekend warrior may never see the savings.

Best for the Money: Duracell Marine DC27M

• Group 27 Flooded Cell
• 90-amp hours
• Inexpensive
• Solid performance with proper maintenance
• Holds up to deep discharges as well as higher-priced brands
• Limited lifespan
• Maintenance and monitoring required

Call me a consumer, but I have just become accustomed to replacing my batteries once every three or four years. Even when I used AGM batteries, there was always a desire to upgrade or replace my old cells when they hit the four-year mark. As an average angler, I realistically average about 10 fishing trips per month, with spring and summer seeing many more trips than colder months. With that in mind, I’ve settled on the fact that I personally get the most bang for my buck out of Duracell deep cycle marine batteries. These batteries are made by Johnson Controls, the same manufacturer that produces most brands, including Walmart’s Everstart brand as well as AutoZone battery brands.

The 90-amp hour-rating of the 27 group deep-cycle marine battery gives plenty of power to keep a freshwater or saltwater trolling motor turning, and I’ve never gotten less than three years out of each battery. The battery does require monitoring, as the water in the battery’s acid solution will evaporate some if the battery overheats during charging. But, checking the water level is as simple as popping the top off each cell and visually inspecting it to make sure the lead plates are submerged in liquid. At less than $100 per battery, you can purchase three of these batteries before you reach the price of a comparable AGM, and twice that before you approach the price of a Lithium battery.

What to Consider When Choosing a Marine Battery

Electrical engineers may have designed today’s top-quality batteries, but you don’t have to have a degree to narrow down your choices. Here are some of the aspects of marine batteries buyers need to pay attention to before pulling out the billfold and making a costly mistake.

Construction

For decades manufacturers were content with the standard flooded cell battery. Sealed batteries offered an improvement over the originals, but it wasn’t until recent forays into electric vehicle design that battery manufacturers were given the incentive to develop batteries that were lighter, held a charge faster and lasted for thousands of discharges.

• Flooded Lead Acid: The basic battery your father probably used in his car, boat, and everything in between, flooded lead acid batteries have lead plates suspended in sulfuric acid that store and discharge electricity. Their simple construction makes them the least expensive option for marine batteries, and they tend to hold up for two to three years before needing to be replaced. Owners of these batteries should periodically check the level of the acid in the battery, as it can evaporate out during charging, leaving the lead plates dry. This damages the battery, making it less efficient, and eventually worthless.
• Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM): One step above the flooded cells, AGM batteries still use acid and lead to react and store electricity. But the acid contained in these cells is soaked into fiberglas mats to prevent it from sloshing around or evaporating when the battery is being recharged. These batteries tend to last slightly longer than flooded cells, but their main advantage is that they require no maintenance.
• Lithium Iron Phosphate: The latest technology for the modern boat, Lithium iron phosphate batteries have many advantages over flooded lead acid and AGM batteries, such as faster recharge times, less weight, and much longer lifespans. Those big-time benefits, however, come with a big-time price tag, sometimes costing as much as four or five comparably sized standard batteries. But even with the higher price, many consider these to be the best marine batteries.

Marine batteries, with the exception of some specialty batteries to power motors designed for kayaks and canoes, fall into one of three sizes, labeled groups. Pay attention to how much room you have in your boat’s storage area and make sure you don’t purchase a battery that ultimately won’t fit the layout of your cargo hold.

• Group Size 24: Typically reserved for starting batteries that won’t be required to handle larger battery drains. However, this battery group’s lighter weight and small dimensions makes it a favorite for small jonboats where space is at a premium.
• Group Size 27: The standard battery size for most bass boats for both the deep-cycle trolling motor batteries and dual-purpose starting batteries that also run basic boat electronics, bilge pumps and lights .
• Group Size 31: The larger dimensions of this battery group can mean more power capacity, but that capacity comes at the cost of weight and space. Many mid-sized boats may not have enough space to accommodate these large power cells.

If you have a kayak that you are looking to convert to power, check out our roundup of the best kayak motors . We also have a bunch of useful tips for do-it-yourself outboard repairs to keep your vessel ship-shape. Discover Boating also offers some helpful suggestions on boat maintenance to keep your time on the water trouble-free.

Batteries have three main uses on a boat: starting the outboard engine, fueling the electric trolling motor or powering all of the bilge pumps, aerators, lights and electronics found onboard. As fish finders have become larger and more advanced, they require much more power than previous flashers and basic graphs. Different uses call for different battery builds to get the most of each power cell stowing away in your boat.

• Starting Battery : Starting batteries are designed with many thin lead plates to maximize the surface area of the chemical reaction taking place to release stored electricity. The thin plates offer sudden bursts of high energy, but do not hold up well to being drained too deeply then recharged.
• Deep-Cycle Battery: The opposite end of the battery spectrum from starting batteries, deep-cycle batteries have fewer, but thicker plates suspended in the acid solution. This offers a lower output of current, which allows the battery’s energy reserve to last much longer. The thicker plates also resist damage caused by use, letting the user drain the battery’s power much further when operating electric devices such as trolling motors.
• Dual-Purpose Battery: Mister middle-of-the-road, the dual-purpose battery offers enough instant power to crank most outboards, but also has large enough plates to handle regular discharges from electronics and aerators that may run all day.

If you need a portable battery pack to keep your cell phones or other electronics going, check out our roundup of the best power banks .

For most boating purposes, capacity can be measured in one of two readings, depending upon the purpose of the battery.

For starting batteries, it’s all about instantaneous output, which is measured as Cold Cranking Amps (CCA). As long as the starting battery meets the CCA requirement of your outboard, it will perform as needed until it needs to be replaced. There’s really no need to spend extra money on higher CCA batteries than what your outboard needs.

For dual-purpose and deep-cycle batteries, a battery’s amp hours can offer a good indication of its reserve. While amp hours are actually a measure of how much charge goes into the battery during charging, it offers a relative number to compare batteries of different sizes and types. For most trolling motors, batteries of 80- to 100-amp hours will provide a full eight-hour day of use under normal conditions. Fighting high winds and current can deplete batteries quicker, cutting that usage considerably.

Q: Do I really need a marine battery for my boat?

Marine batteries are designed to withstand the wet environments found in boat cargo areas as well as the abuse pounding waves can deal out on a voyage. A boater might be able to get by with a battery intended for a car or other vehicle type, but that power source may suffer catastrophic failure from the extreme environments where anglers depend on their equipment. Lower output rates can mean higher amperage draws as well, which can cause damage to some marine electronics if used on a regular basis.   Anglers using a standard car battery to power a trolling motor also may find themselves wanting more capacity, as starting batteries are designed to deliver large amounts of current in short bursts, while trolling motors require lower amounts of energy spread out over a long period of time.

Q: Can you overcharge a deep-cycle battery?

Most modern battery chargers have safeties built in to shut off when a battery is fully charged, but it is still possible to overcharge a deep-cycle battery. When the battery overheats, the water in the sulfuric acid solution within its case will boil and escape, leaving dry lead plates behind, which sulfate and lose their capacity. If the overcharging continues or the water isn’t replaced, the battery can be a complete loss.   Overcharging often is the result of the user not choosing the correct setting on their battery charger. While rare, a charger or battery maintainer’s failsafe can malfunction, so it’s always best to keep an eye on your charging status and not rely too heavily on the charger handling it for you.

Q: Which is better, AGM or lithium battery?

If money were no object, lithium batteries would be the obvious choice over lead acid batteries. The lithium battery provides more power with less weight, a longer lifespan and a much more constant power output before it becomes weak.   However, all those benefits come at a higher cost. While lithium battery costs are slowly decreasing, they are still a bit more expensive than most of the AGM batteries on the market.

Best Marine Batteries: Final Thoughts

The value you experience in a marine battery ultimately depends upon the user and how often the battery is used. A lithium battery may allow up to 10 times the number of discharges as comparable flooded cell or AGM batteries, but if the buyer doesn’t use their boat and batteries on a weekly basis, they may never use the batteries long enough to offset the additional expense. Likewise, if a boater isn’t willing to put in the extra monitoring and maintenance standard flooded cells require, they may damage the less expensive option, requiring regular replacements.

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For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.

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Reviewing The Best Marine Batteries of 2024

Odyssey 31-PC2150S Heavy Duty Commercial Battery

Banshee LiFeP04 Deep Cycle Battery 100Ah 12V

Bass Pro Shops Pro Series Deep-Cycle AGM Marine Battery

Getting the best marine battery for your boat is the key to having a successful outing, whether you are fishing, sailing, or boating. The device might not be as huge as some other components of a boat, but you can be sure your battery-powered boat isn’t moving an inch without it unless you resort to paddling.

A marine battery doesn’t only start your boat’s engine . It also powers all onboard appliances.

It would seem like an easy thing to choose a marine battery considering the vital role it plays in a boat, but that’s always the case. You’re probably reading this article because you are faced with the seemingly difficult task of picking a suitable battery for your boat. We’ve rounded up some of the best options, as you’ll find out.

Best Marine Battery – Reviews

Odyssey might be a relatively new energy solutions company, but it has established itself as a force to reckon with when it comes to rugged, long-lasting equipment. There is a reason the Odyssey 31-PC2150S battery is called an extreme battery. That’s because it is specifically designed to meet the demands of heavy-duty vehicles from farming equipment, tractor-trailers, boats, and more.

This battery has enough power to start many powerboats without breaking a sweat, and its rugged construction protects it against vibration and impacts that can easily damage other batteries. It is fitted with pure virgin lead plates for maximum conductivity and power. The brass terminals are tin-plated and corrosion-resistant.

Specs and Features

• 100 amps, 12 volts
• 1150 cold crank amp
• Weighs 77.8 lbs
• Retains stable voltage for long periods
• 70% longer cycler life compared to many traditional deep cycle batteries (up to 400 cycles)
• Fast recharge (up to 100% recharge in 6 hours or less)
• Non-spillable design for flexible mount
• Vibration resistance
• – 40 o F to 113 o F operating temperatures
• 4-year full replacement warranty, 3-year limited warranty
• Buy on Amazon   →
• Buy on Walmart   →

Banshee did not exaggerate when it described this Lithium-ion LifePo4 battery as a super lightweight and long-lasting model. The deep cycle battery weighs 60% less than any typical lead battery and lasts up to three times longer than most SLA or AGM batteries.

Dual terminal marine posts effectively eliminate the need for adapters. Just in case the battery runs down for any reason, the emergency start function will get the juices flowing again.

Specs and Features:

• 100 amp hours, 12 volts
• Lightweight battery compared to other similar marine batteries (weighs only 24.2 lbs)
• Built-in LED voltage indicator tells you the battery voltage
• High power battery management system (BMS) to keep the battery from over-charging, excessive discharge, and short-circuiting
• Emergency start button (only activated when the battery is depleted)
• Dual marine posts
• Low self-discharge allows it to start after long periods in storage
• Green energy battery (non-toxic and does not contain lead)
• Up to 70% more cranking power
• Carrying handle
• 3-year warranty

Optima YellowTopD27F Dual Purpose Battery

We recommend the Optima YellowTop D27F Dual Purpose battery for boaters who want to install heavy electrical appliances in their boats. It is powerful enough to crank up the engines and also power demanding electrical accessories, including inverters, audio systems, winches, and more.

This option outperforms other traditional batteries when it comes to cranking power. In addition to faster-charging capability, the model has three times the cycling ability of most conventional batteries.

YellowTop D27F comes in a durable polypropylene case that is designed with durability in mind. It is completely spill-proof and mounts in virtually any position. Plus, it can handle vibration way more than most other models.

• 66 amp hour, 12 volts
• 830 Cold cranking amp
• 1026 cranking amp
• Weighs 54 lbs
• Spill-proof
• Can be mounted in all positions
• Over 300 recharge and discharge cycles
• Excellent vibration resistance
• Faster charging and maintenance-free

$372.24 Amazon  →

Only a few small to medium marine batteries combine a reasonable retail price with outstanding performance the way the Pro Series Deep-Cycle Marine Battery does. Bass Pros Shops packed quite some power into this model, with outstanding cold-cranking amps, reserve capacity, and marine-cranking amps, so you don’t need to load up on batteries.

It starts up your engines, and the deep-cycling function quickly kicks in to power your trolling motor and any other onboard appliance, including audio systems and fishfinder. The battery recharges very fast and can withstand lots of deep discharges.

Installing the battery is quite easy due to the dual terminal design, and you can be sure of long-term use because the AGM construction is engineered to resist shock and vibration.

• Weighs 56 lbs
• 545 Cold cranking amp, 25 amps (120 minutes) reserve capacity
• Hybrid engineering for dual-purpose use (cranking and deep cycle)
• Top-of-the-line vibration resistance
• Impact-resistant
• 0 to 12 months free replacement warranty, 13 to 36 months pro-rated warranty

$174.99 Bass Pro  →

Mighty Max ML35-12 - 12V 35AH Deep Cycle Battery 

The Mighty Max ML35-12 – 12V 35AH Deep Cycle Battery is proof that buying the best marine battery doesn’t necessarily leave a dent in your wallet. It is constructed with small trolling motors in mind and works well for small kayaks, canoes, and boats.

It might be very affordable, but it comes with the remarkable benefits of AGM construction, including maintenance-free and leakproof. Mounting can be done in almost any position, so it can fit in lots of tight spaces and around accessories.

• 35 amps, 12 volts
• Weighs 23.15 lbs
• Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) and Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) chemistry
• Wide operating temperatures
• Impressive performance in low and high temperatures
• High discharge rate with deep discharge recover
• 30-day refund policy, 1-year warranty

VMAX SLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle 12V 125Ah Batteries 

Adding more appliances to your boat may mean upping your battery power, and sometimes more output power means buying two separate batteries. If you ever find yourself in that situation, you may want to consider the VMAXSLR125 AGM Sealed Deep Cycle batteries.

These are not the typical marine batteries that die out after a couple of years. These batteries can deliver exceptional performance for up to 10 years in float mode. The twin-device is backed by a 12-month warranty policy.

• 125 amp hours, 12 volts
• Two deep cycle batteries (sealed)
• Weighs 75 lbs
• Between 8 and 10 years float mode lifespan
• VMAX BC1215 12V 15Amp 7-stage charger recommended
• Designed for 99% recombination capabilities
• Safe for use, does not contain dangerous gases or fumes
• 1-year warranty

XS Power D6500 XS Series 12V 3,900 Amp

When it comes to the best marine battery for boat racing, the XS Power D6500 takes the lead. It is one of the AGM batteries that use the highest energy density chemistry. You can mount this model in almost any position, and because it is both spill-proof and vibration-resistance, you can be sure of an extended lifespan.

• 75 amp hour, 12 volts
• Weighs 58.3 lbs
• Vibration-resistant, ultra-low internal resistance
• Comes with M6 terminal bolt
• Mounts in nearly all positions
• Sealed, valve-regulated
• Suspended electrolyte in fiberglass

Optima 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery

Shopping for a medium power cranking battery? You may want to consider buying the Optima 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery. This is an excellent choice for people who want to be absolutely sure that their boats will start no matter what.

You can rely on the Optima 34M BlueTop for cranking power, even in terrible weather conditions. A tightly wound construction ensures the plate movement is kept very low, with great vibration resistance. It also comes with a high reserve capacity for longer shelf-life. That means, even when your boat is not in use, you can be sure it will crank up easily with this marine starting battery.

The brand’s unique SpiralCell design offers clean power, making the battery safe for the environment.

• 800 cold-cranking amps, 12 volts
• 100 minutes reserve capacity
• Weighs 36.4 lbs
• Optimal starting power regardless of the weather
• Versatile use (for boats and RV)
• Maintenance-free

Marine Battery: Types and Maintenance Tips

It goes without saying that marine batteries are specifically meant for use on boats, making them more expensive than their automobile counterparts. These batteries are engineered with more robust designs to withstand the hard knocks that occur in boats.

It is never a wise decision to use a car battery on your powerboat. Even if it succeeds to power the engine, it is only a matter of time before it crashes under the heavy vibrations and demands of a boat.

Types of Marine Battery

Marine batteries fall into three broad categories, namely:

• Marine Starting Battery : As the name suggests, this battery type is designed to start the boat’s engine, providing quick bursts of power. The onboard alternator rapidly recharges the battery. If you ever need to power your appliances or troll motors, you should do so with another type of battery, as starting batteries are not suitable for these purposes.
• Marine Deep Cycle Battery : This is the ideal battery for powering onboard accessories, including fish locators, windlass, audio systems, thruster, depth finders, and more. The device is designed to discharge slowly over a long period. It goes through hundreds of charging and discharging cycles. Avoid using a deep cycle battery to power your boat’s engine.
• Marine Dual-Purpose Battery : Having one battery onboard for starting your boat and another for powering your appliances can take up space. A space-saving solution is a dual-purpose battery that combines the performance of deep cycle and starting batteries. Keep in mind, though, a typical dual-purpose battery will not provide the top-notch performance of either starting or deep cycling batteries separately.

Charging a Boat’s Battery

Unlike cars that are used almost daily, boats are less likely to be on the waterways every day of the year. This explains why an automobile battery tends to last longer in cars than even the best marine battery in a boat.

If you have to leave your boat in storage for a while, it is important to make sure the battery retains its charge. Trickle charging or regulated charging is recommended when the boat will be out of use for a long period.

Also, remember to properly charge the battery in a boat you just purchased, whether it is a new or used boat. The batteries that come with a new boat will typically lose most of their charge while in storage.

If you’ve had a battery for a while, and it suddenly goes dead when you go to start it one morning and will only come to life when you plug in the charger, you may need to start preparing to replace the battery.

Replacing the Battery

When it comes time to get a new marine battery, make sure to buy a new one that works for your boat. A good place to start is looking through your boat’s owner’s manual or consulting a marine dealer to find out the option for your specific boat. You need to pay attention to the battery ratings, including marine cranking amps, amp hour rating, and reserve capacity.

If you need to replace a starting battery, you should take particular note of the marine cranking amps and make sure it matches your boat’s engine specifications. If you are in the market for a deep cycle battery, your primary focus should be on the reverse capacity and amp hour rating. Shopping for a dual-purpose replacement battery will mean looking out for all three rankings.

Getting a replacement battery is not limited to only when you end up with a dead one. If you consider adding new electrical accessories to your boat, it is vital to upgrade to a model with an adequate ampere-hour rating. This is particularly important if you use your audio system a lot while your boat anchor is down or if you troll with the engine running at low speed.

Tips for Preventing Battery Problems

Marine batteries may not be particularly classified as very expensive, but no one enjoys shopping for a new one ever so often. However, even the best marine battery will develop problems if not properly maintained. Here are some easy-to-follow suggestions to keep your battery running smoothly and extend its life expectancy.

• While it may not be possible to use a boat every day, it is important to get it out in the water and give the electrical system some good exercise. This is one of the simplest ways to make sure your marine battery lasts for a long time.
• A maintenance-type charger is ideal for keeping the battery fully charged when you are not using the boat. Consider getting this type of charger if you use your boat once in a blue moon.
• You want to fully charge your marine battery before storing your boat for the off-season. Make sure to disconnect both terminals so that nothing drains the battery while in storage.
• Keep the battery secured with a tray specifically for that purpose. The tray should be tightly screwed to the boat with a locking strap to keep it in place. This should prevent it from coming loose as the boat vibrates in rough waters.
• Develop a routine of frequently checking the terminal connections. While a good battery try can keep the battery in place, wear and tear often happen with all the vibration and banging around on the water. Ensure the terminals are tightly connected and free of corrosion.
• Make sure the positive terminal of the battery is covered. If it is not, install a cover, regardless of whether the battery is inside a covered box. A terminal cover is your surest bet to prevent arcing, sparks, and possible explosion (a tool dropped on the terminal can cause an explosion in some cases).

My grandfather first took me fishing when I was too young to actually hold up a rod on my own. As an avid camper, hiker, and nature enthusiast I'm always looking for a new adventure.

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Choosing Boat Batteries

• By Ed Sherman
• Updated: September 4, 2019

It’s time: Your engine barely turns over to start and your cabin lights are getting dimmer faster, both signs that you might have a shortage of available electrical power. That means you’ll either need to replace your existing batteries or figure out how to improve on your current power supply.

What are your options? A trip to the West Marine website is telling. Currently, it lists 56 different battery options. Of those, 17 are flooded-lead acid; 36 use absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology; there are seven gel-cell batteries; and three lithium choices that are proprietary and dedicated replacements for Torqeedo products. If you have any faith in market-driven inventory control, then the choice is clear: AGM is the way to go today. If the buyers at West Marine select twice as many AGM battery options as compared with traditional flooded cell devices, that speaks to me. Further, the only lithium choices West Marine currently offers are dedicated to a specific product that has always used high-quality lithium technology as its power source.

So let’s look at where we are with each of these technology choices and what you need to consider if you are thinking about shifting from one to another.

It’s a System

To really dig into this whole matter and get it right today requires thinking about batteries as part of an onboard system. This system includes the batteries, an alternator, voltage regulator, a shore-power-driven battery charger, maybe an onboard AC generator and, for the cruising sailor, water, wind and/or solar chargers. The system also includes both the AC and DC wiring needed to properly interconnect all the other equipment. The prudent sailor will probably want to add a battery-monitoring system as well to act as a fuel gauge for the electrical power supply.

Let’s begin this analysis by answering the question: What are we trying to achieve?

Value for your battery dollar is the most likely answer. Historically, I’ve always used cost-per-amp-hour of power as my guide. This is determined by knowing the average cycle life and using the battery’s amp-hour rating and either a 50 percent or 80 percent discharge, depending on the recommended levels of discharge per cycle. Next, multiply the amp hours by the number of cycles, and then divide the battery price by the number of amps derived earlier, and you’ll have a value for the cost per amp hour. The problem with this approach is that it relies heavily on battery-cycle life, which is controlled in large part by all the elements in the system that I described above.

When I wrote the first edition of my Power Boater’s Guide to Electricity back in 2000, the numbers looked like this:

• Flooded-cell lead-acid: 0.00065 cents per amp hour
• Gel cell: 0.0027 cents per amp hour
• AGM: 0.0013 cents per amp hour

Keep in mind that these figures were based on manufacturers’ estimated cycle life for their respective products, so there may have been some “optimism” in their advertised cycle-life expectations. Also, because we really didn’t know any better at the time, I assumed an average 50 percent discharge level for each cycle for all three technologies; deeper discharge levels hadn’t been recommended.

Today’s numbers look a bit different because they take into account current pricing and 80 percent discharge levels for both gel-cell and AGM technologies. Here’s how today’s cost-per-amp-hour values add up:

• Flooded-cell lead acid: 0.015 cents per amp hour
• Gel cell: 0.010 cents per amp hour
• AGM: 0.016 cents per amp hour

Clearly, prices have changed for all three types of batteries, but it appears that large disparities between them have been reduced considerably. (Cycle-life data for this analysis came from both West Marine and civicsolar.com.) Add to these prices the cost of the equipment needed to properly charge these batteries to ensure maximum cycle life, and I think you’ll find a significant jump in the gel-cell cost per amp hour. Read on, and I’ll explain.

Gel-Cell Potential

Battery technology has improved considerably in the past 20 years, in part because of the interest in electric cars and trucks, so a change in the cost-per-amp-hour numbers is to be expected. Even back when I originally looked at them, I remember talking with the folks at East Penn manufacturing, makers of the popular Deka brand of marine batteries. They told me their warranty data indicated that their gel-cell line of batteries would outcycle flooded-cell or AGM technology in deep-cycle applications. Their position remains the same today.

But there’s more to consider than just the number of cycles. Because of their construction, gel-cell batteries are the most finicky about their recharge regimen, and in my own experience, improper charging is what kills them—and it can happen rather quickly, typically in one sailing season or less. So, if you want to go the gel-cell route, be prepared to upgrade your engine’s alternator to one with a remote, programmable voltage regulator. Also, make sure that your shore-power charger, if you have one, has a gel-cell setting or adjustable voltage levels for its various phases of charging. Any solar- or wind-charging units must be run through a charge controller that can handle the lower voltages required by the gel batteries.

Here’s why: Depending on the manufacturer requirements, gel batteries should never be subjected to a recharge voltage greater than 14.7 volts, and some vendors state no more than 14.1 volts for any sustained period. Therein lies the problem: Internal voltage regulators on engine-driven alternators are of the constant-rate variety and typically produce in excess of 15 volts. So, in a nutshell, whenever your engine is running, you are rapidly destroying a gel-cell battery unless a programmable regulator has been installed in the system and set appropriately.

Now, don’t get me wrong—gel-cell batteries have some real advantages. They are sealed-valve-regulated, meaning they will vent, but only under overcharging if excess pressure builds up. They require essentially zero maintenance, and have excellent deep-cycling capability and a very low self-discharge rate (3 percent per month). But again, they must be connected to a properly calibrated charging source. If your boat is already equipped with gear that can be adjusted to meet the need, this could be a great choice. Otherwise, some detailed cost analysis is needed, and you might find that your cost-per-amp-hour is too high after all the upgrades are factored in.

A Look at AGM

AGM batteries have come a long way over the past two decades as well. Spiral cells and thin plate pure lead (TPPL) are two of several examples of how battery-makers have worked to optimize the amount of power they can squeeze into a battery of a given size. Like their gel-cell brothers, AGM batteries are sealed-valve-regulated, low maintenance, and can be discharged to extreme levels—80 percent of their capacity versus 50 percent for conventional flooded-cell batteries. AGMs also have a significantly higher recharge acceptance rate—35 to 45 percent of capacity in amperes versus 25 to 30 percent for traditional flooded-cell batteries. And they have a very low self-discharge rate, similar to gel cells.

Unfortunately, like their flooded brethren, AGM batteries are prone to sulfation when left in a partially charged state for extended periods of time. Sulfation is a natural occurrence that over time will coast the cell plates with nonconductive lead-sulfate crystals. This effectively reduces the plate’s exposed surface area to electrolytes in the cell, and in turn reduces the capacity of the battery, ultimately rendering it useless.

This is a common cruising-boat issue that a conscientious captain can easily overcome with a little bit of diligence. The fix here is to make sure these batteries frequently get a full charge.

The good news is that unlike gel cells, AGM batteries can take regular and higher ampere and voltage amounts when recharging, with minimal fear of damage. In fact, one potential problem is that the alternator will be working so hard, it might overheat and be damaged. In the case of a shore-power-supplied charger, just make sure its capacity rating is adequate so it’s not running at 100 percent output constantly. If the charger was marginal when used with flooded-cell batteries, replacing old batteries with AGM technology could force the need for a new charger, again skewing that cost-per-amp-hour number.

Another thing to consider, if you’re replacing traditional batteries with AGMs, is their size and shape. Because of the way in which these batteries are made, they do not necessarily conform to traditional Battery Council International group sizes. Understand that the internal components for these batteries are compressed to maximize the amount of plate contact area with the glass-mat medium before being dropped into the outer case. The advantage here is that these batteries will typically have higher current densities, meaning more power for a given physical dimension; the disadvantage, however, might be the way that space for batteries was engineered into your boat. You might find that the battery storage area is going to need extensive modification to fit your new-age powerhouses. That’s another factor that could skew the cost-per-amp-hour calculation.

The advantages to both AGM and gel-cell batteries include their mechanical prowess. The pressing together and inherent rigidity of the gel in the gel-cell case creates batteries that can withstand vibration and rough-sea pounding much better than their flooded-cell counterparts. Mechanical failure of batteries is not that uncommon.

Ready for Lithium?

Over the past decade, the buzz in the world of batteries has centered on lithium ­technology. Here we have all the advantages of AGM technology, plus an opportunity to have even more current density coupled with an exponential reduction in weight.

What’s not to love?

Well, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve also heard about boats using ­lithium batteries that have burned to the waterline. There are a lot of factors to understand here, which is why you need to think about a battery installation in a system context, and also consider the technology itself.

At least some of the fires caused by lithium batteries were due to the actual chemistry used. But there have also been issues with how they were manufactured (cleanliness when making the individual cells is imperative) and with the design—or lack of it—when it comes to battery management systems, or BMS as they’re called in the trade.

Today, virtually all the vendors I’m familiar with are using lithium-iron-phosphate or lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide chemistries, both of which have good track records.

It’s important to understand that if a lithium battery does catch fire, conventional fire-extinguishing systems will not put out the blaze. Once the electrolyte catches fire (regardless of actual chemistry, all of the electrolytes are flammable), the only way to extinguish it is to cool it with water—lots of water! That said, the reputable manufacturers seem to have figured out all of this and do absolutely everything possible to ensure that a fire is ­extremely unlikely.

To keep things in context, consider this: Liquefied petroleum gas is extremely flammable and explosive, yet we use it aboard cruising boats quite regularly. If recognized standards for installation and maintenance are followed, any inherent danger is minimized to the point where we hardly give it a thought. The same thing needs to happen with lithium-battery technology. The American Boat and Yacht Council is working on ­developing a technical information report covering lithium-battery installations, and it is in draft form and being reviewed as I write this. Hopefully we can get a published document in place in 2020.

But I digress—back to the systems approach, which I can’t emphasize enough. If you are the technical type and determined to have the latest and greatest technology on your cruising boat, be prepared to spend some real money on all the elements required for the system to operate safely.

First, you will have trouble with your engine alternator running too hot as it works hard to keep up with the charging needs of these batteries. It makes sense to install a thermal sensor that shuts down the alternator if it gets too hot. Balmar offers this option with its alternator/­programmable-voltage-regulator combination.

Next, make sure your shore-powered battery charger has appropriate settings for lithium batteries. Then provide as much cooling as possible to the alternator; I’ve seen electric blower fans employed for this purpose.

Then, be sure you understand how the BMS on your boat functions. You might discover that the BMS is engineered to electrically shut down the battery/batteries if it senses a problem. Well, if the engine is running, this sudden shutdown could cause a voltage spike in your DC-electrical system, possibly damaging expensive and mission-critical electronics. Yanmar recommends installing a conventional battery as a system backup in case this happens. That’s yet another expense and one more thing to worry about.

On the plus side with either lithium or AGM technology, with careful planning and load analysis, the recharge absorption rate is so high that you might just be able to eliminate that AC generator to recharge batteries when offshore. Add some solar- and wind-­generated power, and engine run time with the alternator can be reduced dramatically.

Bottom Line on Batteries

I’m of the opinion that we are at an interim phase in technological development when it comes to batteries and the systems that surround them. We are seeing cities around the world that are mandating no fossil-fueled vehicles within city limits. Initiatives like this will force the play toward more and more electric vehicles. With that comes engineering investment that will pay off in the form of better batteries, enhanced safety protocols and trickle-down technology useful to the marine sector.

For now, though, I’m going to follow the suggested directive from the West Marine ­buyers’ group and go with AGM technology. An AGM TPPL battery is mechanically rugged, requires minimal maintenance, will probably work with my existing battery charger and alternator ­combination. Better yet, they can be heavily discharged and and recharged quite rapidly. That’s good enough for me.

Ed Sherman is vice president of education at the American Boat and Yacht Council, and is a frequent CW contributor on ­technical issues, as well as a longtime Boat of the Year judge.

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The 6 Best Marine Batteries in 2022

By: Kye Cardinalis Editor

If you are looking for a starting battery or deep cycle battery for your boat, you must choose a battery that can provide you with the power and performance you need for your engine or appliances.

At the same time, you will also need to consider additional features such as the battery management system, leak and vibration resistance, battery cycle life, and more. In this post, we will share our recommendations with you for the best marine batteries for trolling, cold climates, portability, and other categories.

To learn more about important considerations when choosing a marine battery, scroll down past the product overviews for the buying guide.

Best Deep Cycle Marine Battery

1. LOSSIGY Lithium Battery 12V 100Ah Lifepo4 Deep Cycle Battery

What we like

• Grade A cells.
• Light and portable.
• Built-in BMS.
• Nice customer service.

What we don’t like

• Rarely, a short-life battery may appear.

Our top recommendation for a house battery is the LOSSIGY Lithium Battery 12V 100Ah Lifepo4 Deep Cycle Battery. This also is our top pick for a lithium battery, offering high discharge efficiency compared to a traditional lead-acid battery. We could also list it as our top pick overall, as we are impressed with its waterproof construction, built-in BMS, and extremely long potential lifespan.

Key Specifications

• Available in 12.8V or 25.6 volts
• Available in 8-400 Ah
• Built-in BMS
• 4000-7000 cycles
• IP 68 waterproofing

What We Like

• This battery provides the reliable power you need to keep your boat appliances powered at sea. You’ll be impressed with the high energy density of the Grade A cells.
• This battery is fairly lightweight and features a convenient carrying handle, making it more portable than some competing batteries.
• BMS is built right into the battery, so it is safe from overcharging, short-circuiting and overheating.
• If you take good care of this lithium battery, you can get up to a decade of life out of it. You can receive free service for 5 years after you purchase it.
• You probably will not need to avail yourself of customer service, but if you do, you will be pleasantly surprised by how responsive, friendly and helpful the team is.

What We Don’t Like

• Occasionally this product seems to quit after around six months. Most users do not report this, so it could be either a rare quality control issue or the result of user error.

Best Marine Starting Battery

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

• Vibration-resistant design.
• Versatile mounting options.
• Practically requires no maintenance.
• Sometimes, for some reason, Optima appears to send out outdated batteries.

The Optima Batteries 8006-006 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery provides the cranking power you need to start your boat engine. What we really like about this battery is how good a job it does holding a charge between uses (especially if you remember to disconnect it). They are a great choice for a starting battery all around, but those who only take their boats out occasionally will really appreciate the excellent charge holding.

• 800 cold-cranking amps
• 10″ x 6 7/8″ x 7 13/16″
• 38.4 pounds
• 100-minute reserve capacity
• This starting battery is very robust thanks to its vibration-resistant design. It is also spill-proof.
• The versatile mounting options should be a fit for just about any situation.
• The spiral-wound continuous lead plates make for excellent precision in the manufacturing of the battery.
• If you use the battery properly, it should require no maintenance.
• Occasionally for some reason, Optima seems to ship out old batteries when you order these. It is worth checking the date on your starting battery before you install it.

Best Dual-Purpose Battery

3. Optima OPT8016-103 Batteries D34M BlueTop

• Vibration resistance and a spill-proof design.
• Zero-maintenance design.
• Multifunctional.
• Some short-life battery may appear.

The Optima OPT8016-103 Batteries D34M BlueTop is similar to the Optima Batteries 8006-006 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery, with many of the same basic features. But unlike that battery, this one can be used as a starting and house battery.

• 750 cold-cranking amps
• 10 inches x 6 7/8 inches x 7 13/16 inches
• 43.5 pounds
• 120-minute reserve capacity
• As with the other Optima battery we featured, this one offers superior vibration resistance and a spill-proof design.
• The zero-maintenance design lets you focus on boating and not on battery upkeep.
• The reserve this battery can hold is impressive given its lightweight design.
• While a lot of dual-purpose batteries are not as good for either application as sole-purpose starting or house batteries, this one admirably pulls its weight in both departments.
• Now and again, one of these batteries will die around the 1-year mark. Thankfully, this is not common.

Best Trolling Motor Marine Battery

4. Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual-Purpose Battery

• Long-lasting.
• Vibration-resistant build.
• Extreme temperatures resistant.
• Requires zero maintenance.
• Rarely malfunctioned batteries may ship.

Looking for a battery for a trolling boat? The Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST TROLLING Thunder is designed expressly for that purpose. With its high cranking power and reserve capacity and its impressive dual-purpose design, it can get your motor running and power your appliances for longer than many competing products.

• 880 cold crank amps
• 13.25 x 11 x 9.5 inches
• 49.5 pounds
• This battery can last for up to a decade. It also can go 2 years without recharging in storage.
• The manufacturer states that this product features the “ highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market.”
• The vibration-resistant build offers excellent durability. It has a US Department of Transportation classification as being spill-proof as well.
• You can use the battery in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit or as high as 176 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for all climates.
• You never have to worry about putting water in this battery; it requires zero maintenance.
• As seems typical with marine batteries, there is sometimes a dud that will not hold its charge after some months go by. But most of these Odyssey batteries will stand the test of time.

Best Portable Marine Battery

5. ECO-WORTHY Portable 12V Lithium Battery

• Lightweight.
• Fast charging.
• 3-year warranty.
• Can be lacking the documentation to register the warranty.

If you are looking for a marine battery that is compact and easy to carry, the ECO-WORTHY Portable 12V Lithium Battery may fit the bill. At under 5 pounds, it is astonishingly lightweight and portable. Consider pairing it with one of the 60W or 100W solar panels the manufacturer makes.

• 7.8 x 4.1 x 4.3 inches
• More than 4,000 cycles
• This battery is ridiculously lightweight. If you are carrying it in a backpack, you could easily forget it is even in there. Nonetheless, it can replace some heavier batteries on the market and offer just as much power.
• Rapid charging means this battery is ready to use when you need it.
• The clever design has holes built into it that allow heat to escape, preventing the battery from overheating during use. BMS is also built-in for added protection.
• The product is backed by a 3-year warranty.
• When you receive this battery, it can be lacking the documentation you need to register for the warranty or get up and running with comprehensive instructions.

Best Marine Battery for Cold Climates

6. JITA Low Temperature Charging (-31°F) LifePO4 Lithium Battery

• Smart heating function.
• You can connect these batteries in parallel.
• IP65 waterproofing.
• Up to 10 years of life and 5-year warranty.
• Occasionally, a dud ships out.

If you need a battery you can charge in cold conditions, you can consider the JITA Low-Temperature Charging (-31°F) LifePO4 Lithium Battery. This product contains a heating film. When temperatures are below freezing, the BMS directs power to a heating film. It then switches the heat function off at 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an excellent premium feature that you will not find in just any marine battery.

• Available in 12, 12.8, or 24 volts
• Available in 18 to 300 Ah
• Up to 5,000 cycles
• Thanks to the smart heating function, you can count on this marine battery even on the coldest days.
• The exact weight of the battery depends on the size you get, but in general, these are quite lightweight.
• You can connect these batteries in parallel if you require more voltage.
• The ABS hard case and IP65 waterproofing make for a rugged battery that can withstand rough seas.
• You can get up to 10 years of life out of this marine battery, which is backed by a 5-year warranty.
• Occasionally, a dud ships out. The good news is that customer support is awesome about arranging swift exchanges if necessary. So, be sure to test your batteries when they arrive.

What to Look for in a Marine Battery

You have now had a chance to check out some of the most durable, powerful, versatile marine batteries on the market.

But if this is your first time shopping for a marine battery, you might not be sure which of the options we recommended you need. Below are some key considerations that can help you narrow down your choice.

– Marine battery purpose: The two main types of marine batteries are starting batteries and deep-cycle batteries ( 2 ). As you would guess, a marine starting battery is what you use to start the engine of the vessel. A marine deep cycle battery, on the other hand, is also called a “house battery.” Use it to power onboard appliances. Don’t have room for two batteries? Consider a dual-purpose battery that merges both functions.

– Battery type: You can choose between lithium, lead-acid wet-cell batteries, and absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries for your boat. You can go with lead-acid wet-cell batteries if you are on a budget, but AGM batteries are zero maintenance and last longer. Lithium batteries last the longest and are lightweight and powerful.

– Weight and Size: Make sure the marine battery you are thinking of buying will be the right size to fit in your vessel. Also, consider the weight; it is not uncommon for a marine battery to weigh in excess of 50 pounds. But some models weigh under 30 pounds or even less. A compact, lightweight design may also be important if you plan to move the battery around a lot (i.e. to use it for different applications such as your boat and your RV).

– Power: Choose a marine starting battery that has enough cranking power to get your engine running, even if it is cold. If you are shopping for a deep-cycle battery, pick one that will be sufficient to power your appliances. You will need to check your individual power needs to know how much power you require in a battery.

– Mounting requirements: Depending on the product you buy, there may be different mounting options available. Choose a product that is compatible with your needs.

– Vibration resistance: The more vibration a battery can withstand on a boat, the more durable its construction will be.

– Leak resistance: Get a battery that has a leak-resistant design so toxic chemicals will not escape the casing.

– Battery management system (BMS): Some batteries include a built-in system for battery management that helps to prevent overheating, short-circuiting, and other potential issues that could fry your battery. A BMS can protect the life of your battery and increase the safety of its use.

– Operating temperatures: If you live in a climate that regularly gets to be very hot or cold, it is important to know not all batteries will necessarily operate in your climate conditions. Be sure to check the full range of operating temperatures so you can get a marine battery suited to your region.

– Cycle life: The number of cycles tells you how many times you can charge and discharge the battery before its performance declines. The more cycles, the longer the lifespan of the product.

– Warranty: As batteries can sometimes quit a year or two in, the warranty is particularly important. If it is several years or longer, you can use your marine battery with greater peace of mind.

– Marine battery prices: Most marine batteries sell in the range of $100-$400, though some are more or less expensive. There are some surprisingly good budget options out there, but the best marine battery for the money often will fall into the mid-price range. You may need to purchase a premium battery for high Ah.

You might also be interested in:

• The 5 Best Solar Battery Chargers for Boats in 2022
• The 5 Best Electric Anchor Winches

Frequently Asked Questions About Marine Batteries

Anywhere from 2-5 years is a typical lifespan for a marine battery. If you want your batteries to last as long as possible, you must take care to set them up and maintain them properly. Oftentimes, it is the mistakes of boat owners rather than manufacturers that cause marine batteries to fail early (2).

That depends on the type of marine battery you have. For a deep cycle battery, you will need a deep cycle charger. For a lithium battery, you need a lithium battery charger, etc. Once you have the appropriate charger, clean the battery terminals, hook up the cables, plug in the charger, and turn it on. Once charging is complete, disconnect the charger from the battery.

Consider choosing a reputable brand like Odyssey, Optima, or another from this list.

The best marine battery from a longevity standpoint is a lithium battery. These may last up to 10 years, depending on use.

That depends on your engine and how much power it requires for you to start it. This varies from one engine to another, so you will need to check your engine specs before you choose a marine starting battery.

MCA stands for “marine cranking amps.” It tells you how many amps your engine will receive at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. A related rating is CCA, which stands for “cold cranking amps.” This rating tells you how many amps your engine will receive at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Which rating you should pay attention to depends on the conditions in which you expect to need to start your engine. What is most important is simply not to mix up the two ratings.

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Best Marine Batteries of 2024

By: Pete Robbins

Updated on February 5, 2024

8 minute read

Optima Blue Top

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Choosing the best battery for your boat used to require relatively few brain cells or discretion, as there were few choices. That led many anglers and boaters to take a defeatist attitude—they’d choose the cheapest one, believing that just about all of them would die prematurely, so they factored a replacement (or multiple replacements) into the calculus. That’s no longer a wise tact. Not only are there exponentially more specialized choices, but also different needs for every boat. 

Say, for example, you use a small kayak or canoe. A 90-pound lead battery will take up space and compromise maneuverability, so size and weight may be your main considerations. Meanwhile, someone running three or four 12-inch graphs and a livewell all day needs max power. Add into this the proliferation of lithium options, and batteries can do more with less (weight) than ever before and maintain their strength for more cycles, but all of that comes at a cost. 

Figure out what you need, what you can afford, and then consider stepping up to your max range. Sure, those cheapo batteries get replaced numerous times for the cost of the more premium models, but that doesn’t help you when you’re 30 miles up the lake or out at sea. It also can’t give you back the lost time. Batteries may not be as sexy as high-tech graphs or a new trolling motor , but those two accessories—and many others—are useless without them.

• Best Compact Battery :  Optima Blue Top
• Best Lead Acid Deep Cycle Battery :  Deka Marine Master
• Best Kayak Battery :  Dakota Lithium
• Best AGM Battery :  Pro Guide AGM
• Best High-Tech Lithium Battery :  Newport Bluetooth Lithium Battery
• Best Lithium Battery for Multiple Features :  Don’t Die Lithium Ion Battery

How I Chose the Best Marine Batteries 

For years it was almost a parlor game among boaters to see who could get the most while spending the least—with a side hustle of complaining about how quickly their batteries went down. Now most of us have wised up, and buy purpose-driven power sources with less regard (but not none at all) for cost. With more options, though, it’s easy to overspend.

I’ve gone from lead acid to AGM to a combination of AGM and lithium batteries in my boats. That last step was a tough one, because it required a four digit outlay to get properly outfitted. The nice thing in this case was that not only do I have more power, but it takes less weight to get there. Your equation may not have the same variables, but it’s nice to know that there are ample choices, and some very good ones, at just about every price point. I used my experience trying various batteries with over a decade of boat ownership to make my choices for the best marine batteries.

Best Marine Batteries: Reviews and Recommendations 

Best compact marine battery:  optima blue top.

Key Features

• 38 to 59 pounds
• 10 to 155 minutes reserve capacity
• Maintenance free
• Can be mounted in almost any position
• Resistant to vibration
• Smaller footprint than many comparable batteries
• Easy to mount, but not light for its size

The Optima was the first “premium” battery to attract a wide swath of recreational boaters, capturing their attention with its atypical, colorful looks, and earning their loyalty with long-lasting performance. It comes in a variety of sizes and strengths and is particularly attractive if you have limited space to mount it, as it has a small footprint and can be mounted in virtually any position. They’re also readily available from wide variety of sources, so if you do run into an issue it can be taken care of pronto.

Best Lead Acid Deep Cycle Battery:  Deka Marine Master

• Sizes 24, 27 and 31
• Molded in offset posts
• Stainless steel studs and wing nuts
• 12-month warranty
• Time-tested design
• Plenty of reserve capacity
• Easy to install and set up

I ran Dekas for years because they were easy to find and always seemed to exceed my expectations. In fact, while I typically planned to replace them every three to four years, oftentimes they were still at near 100 percent abilities at that point, and the only reason I swapped them out was fear that I was taking my chances. I don’t believe I ever ran one of their lead acid batteries to its death. They’re readily available through all sorts of marine dealers, auto parts stores, and even hardware big boxes, so if you do run into a problem, a replacement is never far away. You can get cheaper batteries in this category, but several of the best known have crapped out on me, and I’d bet my best day on the water on this cost-effective option.

Best Kayak Battery:  Dakota Lithium

• Small footprint – approximately 6” x 2.5” x 4”
• Less than 3 pounds
• Works in extreme temperatures
• Standard F2 terminals
• Extremely lightweight
• Flat voltage curve
• Up to 80% capacity for 2,000 cycles in recommended conditions
• Not ideal for powering multiple hungry accessories outside of the kayak venue

Dakota Lithium’s kayak-sized 12 volt batteries may not be able to handle three big graphs and a livewell, or cranking up a 250-horse outboard, but they do what they’re meant to do perfectly and without obstructing your range of motion or slowing you down. They’ll easily power kayak fish finders and trolling motors. They’re ideal for squeezing into any small boat, including but not limited to kayaks, and then forgetting about them. The last longer and weigh less than a lead acid battery, and have an 11-year warranty against manufacturer defects. Put one in your small boat and prepare to have more power than you need.

Best AGM Battery:  Pro-Guide AGM

• 24, 27 and 31 sizes
• 24 month replacement
• Up to 500 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge
• Less expensive than lithium
• Can be discharged 500 times with no appreciable loss of power
• Extremely heavy

These batteries are knuckle busters if you need to remove them from a tight bilge compartment, but the good news is that you won’t have to do so for a long time. I found that out the hard way when my 4-year-old propeller threw a blade six miles from the ramp. I fished my way back with the trolling motor at a pretty fast clip and still had more than enough juice to spare when I got to the dock, so of course, I fished some more. Pro Guide is a smaller company, so they may not get the press of some others, but everything they make has been exceptional. I’m tough on batteries by using crappy hotel power sources, fishing late in to the evening, and driving in rough water, but nothing I can do seems to take a toll on these AGMs. If you have some reason not to move up to lithiums, this is the next best thing, and it’s proven technology.

Best High-Tech Lithium Battery:  Newport Bluetooth Lithium Battery

• 24 volt and two 36 volt options
• Integrated charging circuitry
• Bluetooth monitoring
• All less than 30 pounds
• Worth with both iOS and Android systems
• Water-resistant design
• Reasonably priced for lithium
• Price may be more than some boaters can bear

Increased power demands mean that anglers constantly live in fear of being unable to operate their accessories or, worse yet, getting stuck. Newport handles that by pairing an easy-to-use app with a battery management system. The latter not only reports back on how much power is available, but also optimizes performance. That means more time on the water using all of your power-sucking accessories. Extremely short charging times enhance that benefit. If you want more time on the water but also constantly need to know what you have in reserve, this is your best choice. It also comes with a five-year warranty, so if the cost may be a deterrent, that should provide a certain level of comfort.

Best Lithium Battery for Multiple Features:  Don’t Die Lithium Ion Battery

• 36 volt options of 50AH, 60AH and 120AH
• Ultra lightweight
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Cellular
• 11-year warranty
• Over 2,000 charge cycles expected
• All under 35 pounds
• Might be more than most boaters need

The first Space Shuttle may not have had as much computing power as this new lithium battery, and if you have the bucks and your livelihood depends on constant reliable power, then it may be a wise investment. With optional Wi-Fi connectivity and 4G cellular service, you can truly trick it out, but even the most “basic” versions come with a matching Bluetooth app to keep you constantly informed. There are also automatic firmware updates, a reset button that precludes the need for jump starts, and 24/7 technical support and cloud monitoring of all functions. In the highly unlikely case that something goes wrong, it’s probably operator error more than anything. There’s even GPS tracking so if someone steals your batteries, or the boat they’re mounted in, the authorities can track them. 

Things to Consider Before Buying a Marine Battery

Purpose  

Different batteries do different things well. For example, a cranking battery provides short bursts of heavy-duty power, while a deep cycle battery gradually discharges with small expenditures. There are dual purpose options but don’t get something that compromises on all fronts. Figure out what you need it for and buy the tool that’s built for that task.

Power Needs 

The right type of battery is a good starting point, but you’ll have to figure out how much juice you’ll need to generate, whether in quick bursts or over a longer period of time. If you go for the bare minimum, expect to be let down. Assume that some power is lost in transmission, too, so make sure that you have the proper types of connections and wire of an adequate gauge.

Budget 

There are still sub -$100 batteries out there that are good for some purposes and ideal for some users, but with newer lithium models extending up into the thousands, it’s easy to stretch your wallet. Remember, there’s not just the initial cost, either. If you have to replace them every year while others last 10 years, there’s the convenience factor plus replacement costs. Don’t forget to factor in the proper charger, either. Different types may require altogether different units – failure to use the right one can damage or undercharge your power plants.

Space Constraints 

The space available on a center console is likely far different than that on a canoe or kayak, as are the power needs. Even within the same class of craft, however, all battery compartments are slightly different. You’ll want to be able to get to your batteries for easy rigging or replacement, and mount them in a safe and secure position, because a 60-pound hunk of lead flying around your bilge compartment in 6-footers is not a good situation.

To maintain a marine battery, keep the connections clean, fully charge it, and keep your battery box dry with good ventilation.

Lithium batteries are more expensive, but they are also lighter and more compact that lead acid.

Final Thoughts on the Best Marine Batteries

Whether you need the best marine battery with features like app connectivity, or a budget-minded lead acid option, one of the above marine batteries will keep your boat and electronics running for years.

The 5 Best Marine Batteries of 2024

Keep your boat juiced up

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Tripsavvy / Chloe Jeong

Whether you're a bass fishing pro or a scuba diving fanatic, if you have your own boat then a marine battery is right up there on your list of must-have equipment. Choosing the correct marine battery is a difficult task and one that takes into account several factors. The first step is deciding whether you need a cranking or deep-cycle battery. The former’s sole job is to provide the short, sharp burst of power required to start your inboard or outboard engine. A deep-cycle battery delivers less energy over a long period and is used to power your trolling motor and/or onboard electronics (like a marine stereo). Alternatively, some marine batteries fulfill both purposes.

Key features to look out for include the battery’s cold-cranking amps or CCA, its reserve capacity, and its amp hours. There are different types of marine batteries, but the best are generally AGM or absorbed glass mat batteries. We researched the top options, considering these features as well as weight, size, and price.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, odyssey 31m-pc2150st-m marine battery.

Good for winter

Long battery life

Odyssey’s Marine Dual Purpose Battery fulfills the twin roles of a cranking and deep cycle battery with incredible efficiency. It offers 1150 CCA, giving it a massive cranking power capable of starting any recreational inboard or outboard motor, even in cold weather. It also has impressive deep cycling capability, lasting up to 400 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge with a reserve capacity of 142 minutes. Rated to 100Ah, it should deliver 5 amps of current per hour for 20 hours, giving you plenty of time to troll your local lake, river, or ocean without recharging.

A full recharge takes just four to six hours. The battery’s AGM design means that you don’t have to top it up with distilled water or worry about spilled battery acid as you would with traditional wet-cell batteries. AGM batteries are also more resistant to shock and vibration and have a lower self-discharge rate. Although expensive, it’s still cheaper than purchasing separate cranking and deep cycling batteries of the same quality.

Dimensions: 13 x 6.8 x 9.4 inches | Weight: 77.8 pounds

Best Budget (Dual Purpose)

Bass pro shops deep-cycle marine battery.

Bass Pro Shops

Great warranty

Not good for high horsepower engines

If you have a small to medium horsepower engine that doesn’t need all the cranking power provided by the other dual-purpose batteries on this list, you can save big bucks with the Bass Pro Shops Pro Series Deep-Cycle Marine Battery. Despite a retail price of around $200, it has a CCA rating of 545 amps and a reserve capacity of 120 minutes at 25 amps.

Once your engine has started, the battery’s deep-cycling capabilities power your trolling motor and other electronics (your fish finder or electric radio, perhaps). It is built to withstand repeated deep discharges and is conveniently quick to recharge. You can rely on the durability and vibration resistance of the AGM construction, while the dual terminal design makes installation easy. A one-year free replacement and a 36-month pro-rated marine battery warranty back your purchase.

Dimensions: 6.75 x 8.75 x 10.87 inches | Weight: 56 pounds

Best Budget (Trolling)

Mighty max battery ml35-12 deep cycle battery.

Low maintenance

Shock resistant

For small boats only

Well under the $100 price point, the Mighty Max ML35-12 Deep Cycle Battery costs less than a sixth of the price of the most expensive battery on this list. It is made with small-thrust trolling motors like the Minn Kota Endura C2 in mind and is rated to just 35Ah.

Some customers recommend wiring two batteries together to provide 70 amp hours for less than the price of a top-brand single battery. Despite its affordable price, the battery offers all the benefits of AGM construction, including zero leaking or maintenance. It doesn’t require any ventilation and can be mounted at almost any angle—making it easier to fit it around other accessories when deck space is limited. Its durable calcium-alloy grid promises excellent performance and extended service life.

Dimensions: 5.16 x 7.68 x 7.13 inches | Weight: 23.25 pounds

Best Trolling (Small Motor)

Mighty max battery 12v 55ah trolling battery.

Long lasting

Functions in warm and cold weather

The deep cycle Mighty Max Battery 12V 55Ah Trolling Battery is an affordable, effective option for those that want to power a small to medium trolling motor. Depending on the size of your motor and the speed at which you plan on traveling, it can last for a weekend-long fishing vacation without needing to be recharged. It's ideal for tenders, inflatables, fishing kayaks , and canoes.

The battery has a 55Ah amp hour rating, 350 CCA, and AGM technology. Sealed, spill-proof batteries are a reliable, environmentally conscious choice that require zero maintenance and can be stored at any angle in an unventilated battery box. The Mighty Max battery has a wide operating temperature range, making it a good choice for year-round use. The manufacturer's one-year warranty protects you if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.

Dimensions: 9 x 5.4 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 38.58 pounds

Best Cranking (Medium Power)

Optima 34m bluetop marine battery.

Quick recharge

If your sole reason for buying a marine battery is to start your medium-power inboard or outboard engine, the Optima 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery is a trustworthy choice. It has a 100-minute reserve capacity, 50Ah amp hour rating, and a CCA rating of 800 amps—more than enough to start most recreational engines, even in winter. The battery’s patented SpiralCell technology delivers more power in a single burst than conventional flat-plate batteries and allows for triple the number of recharges. It also recharges faster.

The battery’s tightly wound construction keeps plate movement to a minimum and offers 15 times the vibration resistance for reliable cranking power even in rough conditions. The sealed AGM batteries are spill-proof and maintenance-free (a win for vulnerable marine ecosystems like coral reefs ), and you can mount them in whatever position best suits your boat’s configuration. Infrequent boaters will appreciate the battery’s super-low rate of self-discharge, which means that it can hold its charge for up to a year as long as it’s kept at room temperature or lower.

Dimensions: 6.88 x 10 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 38.4 pounds

Though it requires an investment upfront, the Odyssey Marine Dual Purpose Battery boasts impressive efficiency, AGM construction, and keeps your motor going all day long. If you're looking to power a smaller rig and want to save a bit of cash, we recommend the Bass Pro Shops Power Series Marine Battery .

What to Look For in Marine Batteries

There are three types of marine battery: cranking, deep cycle, and dual. Cranking is perhaps better known as the starting battery, while deep-cycle batteries supply the devices (think lights, fans, plumbing, GPS, etc.) on your boat with constant, even power. A dual, as the name suggests, does both. You can't substitute a cranking for a deep cycle or vice versa. It's best to install separate batteries, but if your boat is small and there's only room for one, go ahead and get the dual-purpose battery.

Weight and Size

Marine batteries come in a myriad of weights and dimensions. Sizes are usually categorized by groups, including 24, 27, 31, 4D, and 8D. You should check the dimensions of your existing battery to see which group your new battery should fall into. Making sure you pick the right one for your boat sets you up for a good day on the lake. Without the proper power, you likely won't be able to start your engine or run gadgets like GPS.

Marine batteries can cost upwards of a few hundred dollars. However, they're worth investing in if you use your boat often. Cheaper batteries may not have as much power or last as long and may need more repairs than expensive ones.

Generally speaking, marine batteries will last anywhere between two to five years. However, that's entirely dependent on how well the battery is maintained. You can extend the life of your boat's battery by connecting it to a charger when not in use.

It's best to start by switching the battery off and removing it from its box. From there, ensure you have the correct charger for your battery size and connect the charger clips to the terminals. Then switch on the battery—it should start charging. Smart battery chargers with LED displays will let you know when your battery is fully charged. When it is, switch it off, disconnect the clips, and place the battery back in its box. It's as simple as that.

Jessica Macdonald is TripSavvy's Africa travel expert and Commerce Updates Editor. As a professional scuba diver (and part of a fishing-mad family), she's spent many, many hours at sea and knows the importance of a reliable marine battery. Products included in this article were chosen to meet a wide range of requirements, according to extensive industry research and the comparison of real-life customer reviews.

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Everything You Should Know About the Marine Battery

Sailing on a boat can be one of the best feelings in the world, but to properly enjoy it, you should have the confidence that you have a high-capacity marine battery in its best shape. To ensure this, you should know to pick one of the best models available to install on your boat.

To help you choose the right battery for your boat, we are going to cover the basics and even get into some technical details that will help you pick the best option for you. Here you will learn about marine battery applications, how to charge it to extend its lifetime, and much more. We even have a marine battery reviews section with the best available models and a buying guide to help you determine what is the best marine battery for you.

Marine Starting Batteries

Marine deep-cycle batteries, marine dual-purpose batteries, what are the marine battery group sizes, marine battery size chart, should you consider marine battery group size when buying a new battery, 1. odyssey 31m-pc2150st marine dual-purpose battery – best dual-purpose marine battery, 2. vmax xtr31-135 trolling motor battery agm marine deep cycle group 31 12v 135ah – best deep-cycle marine battery, 3. vmax mr127 12 volt 100ah agm deep cycle maintenance-free battery – best battery for outboard motor, 4. optima 34m bluetop marine starting battery – quality optima marine battery, 5. mighty max battery 12v 55ah trolling battery – lightest agm deep-cycle marine battery, 6. renogy deep cycle agm battery 12 volt 100ah for rv, solar marine, and off-grid applications – cheapest agm 12v deep-cycle marine battery, 7. expertpower 12v 20ah lithium lifepo4 deep cycle rechargeable battery – lithium marine battery, what battery capacity and c-rate do you need, what is the right voltage for your boat, what is the right weight and size for your battery, does it work well as a starter battery, how fast can you charge the battery, which battery technology do you prefer, do you know how to take proper care of the battery you are choosing, best selling marine batteries, what are the different types of marine batteries.

Marine batteries are especially designed to be used on boats. These batteries provide high currents – in many cases, a steady power source for electric motors – and several cranking amps. These batteries are manufactured with heavier plates and casings resistant to pounding and vibrations which are typical on boats.

There are multiple available marine boat batteries types. Here, we will review all of them.

A marine starting battery or marine cranking battery is similar to a car battery and the most commonly used option for boats with alternator engines. This battery provides a short burst of cranking amps to the engine when the ignition is activated, allowing it to start the engine of the boat.

The marine cranking battery is designed to have a wider surface by including thinner plates, making it suitable to provide high currents. These batteries tend to have a relatively low capacity, but this is all that they need to properly start the engine of the boat. When the engine alternator kicks in, the boat battery is charged back up to its full capacity.

While the design makes them excellent in providing cranking amps, it limits their capacity and depth of discharge. Starter marine batteries should only be discharged at a small percentage of their capacity and never be used to power up appliances or as a trolling motor battery .

The deep-cycle or deep-cell marine battery is used to provide a steady power source for angling boats, kayaks, and other boats using trolling motors or other electric motors. This battery is similar to the RV battery and the golf cart battery , since it can be deeply discharged and has a high capacity.

The deep-cycle marine battery is designed with fewer but thicker plates, making it suitable to be discharged at a steady rate for longer periods at a higher depth of discharge. The thicker plates also allow these batteries to withstand high temperatures while providing high electrical currents. The deep-cell marine battery can be drained and recharged many times, while the starter batteries cannot. This is the reason why they are used to power electric motors as well as other devices.

The dual-purpose marine battery is the midpoint between deep-cell and starter battery and a similar model to the motorcycle battery . Dual-purpose batteries have an internal design that allows them to be deeply discharged and used as starter batteries at the same time.

When looking to save some money and space, you might consider replacing the deep-cycle and starter battery for a dual-purpose marine battery, since it can power the engine and appliances at the same time. This is only recommended for medium and small boats with short trips, since it cannot provide the same depth of discharge as a deep cycle battery nor the cranking amps that a starter battery does.

Marine Battery Group Sizes

Many boats these days have lighting systems, speakers, fish finders, and many other devices installed. While some batteries might not have enough power to handle them, some others can easily power all the devices at the same time. The marine battery group sizes divide all batteries into several categories, making it easier to pick the right option.

Here, you will learn what these marine boat battery group sizes are, what the difference between them is, how to read the marine battery size chart, and what group size battery you should pick your marine battery from concerning the needs of your boat.

The battery group size is a category used to divide the batteries to define their range of capacity, C-rate, and cranking amps in general. These categories were created by the Battery Council International (BCI) to help boat picking the right battery to suit their needs.

In the case of Gel and AGM deep-cycle marine batteries, the rule usually goes like this: the bigger the battery, the higher the capacity. This same criterion is not applicable for starter or dual-purpose batteries, which is why the marine group sizes are a really important criterion to choose a battery.

The marine battery size chart determines a battery category for each marine battery about its size. You might find batteries with slightly bigger or smaller dimensions, but each model should easily fit within a group size when determining its category.

Battery size chart

These are some of the most commonly used batteries for all types of boats. The “M” in the marine battery group size chart states that the battery is specially designed for marine applications.

The marine battery group size makes it much easier for boat owners to choose their battery. In some cases, the boats already come with some predefined type of battery that can be installed, and these fall under some of the most common categories on the list.

Group 24 marine battery and group 27 marine battery options are among the most commonly picked and popular choices within the marine battery group size chart. The group 24 marine battery models tend to have a medium capacity, suitable for several marine applications with low- to mid-consumption boats. The group 27 marine battery options have a higher price but also a much higher capacity, making them excellent in powering the motor and several common devices.

Another excellent choice for marine applications is the 31M and 34M group marine batteries. These have relatively high capacities with an excellent C-rate, meaning that they can easily power medium and large boats alongside several electronic devices installed.

Review Section

To pick the best marine battery for your boat, it is important to check out the best available options. In our marine battery review section, we compiled some excellent low-, mid-, and high-end choices. The best thing is that these battery models have a really good performance–cost relation, so you can choose batteries that will cover all your needs within a decent budget.

• Cold Crank Amp (CCA)- 1150. Better warranty: Limited 3 and 4 year full replacement warranty: not pro rata; Longer service life: 3-10 years of service life: save consumers time, money and aggravation
• Longer cycle life: 70 percentage longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries, up to 400 cycles at 80 percentage depth of discharge- high stable voltage for longer periods of time
• Recharge: Highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market, capable of 100 percentage recharge in 4-6 hours; Mounting flexibility: Non-spillable design

The Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST is one of the best dual-purpose marine battery options available. This is a dual-purpose battery with a great capacity, C-rate, and one of the best warranties you can get for marine application batteries.

This battery has a 103 Ah capacity at C20, meaning that to get its full capacity, you can discharge it at 5.15 amps for 20 hours. As a starter battery, the Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST provides 1150 cranking amps at 0ºF for 30 seconds (1150 CCA) or a 5-second pulse of 2,150 cranking amps at 80ºF (2150 PHCA).

• Especially designed casing for marine applications
• Superior CCA and PHCA compared to other batteries
• Ideal for all types of boats
• Superior warranty of 4 years
• Higher price compared to other batteries on the list

• Group 31 VMAX XTR31-135 12 Volt 135Ah AGM Marine Deep Cycle Maintenance Free Battery, ideal for powering electric motors
• Dimensions: 13"L x 6.8"W x 8.4"H (8.7H including terminals); Weight: 77lbs Each.
• High Performance AGM Deep Cycle, Maintenance Free Batteries provide relaible power delivery, vibration and shock resistance, and excellent recovery.

Among the best deep-cycle marine battery models, we also find the VMAX XTR31-135. This deep-cycle marine battery has one of the biggest capacities and an excellent C-rate to provide you all the simultaneous amps you might need.

The battery has a capacity of 135 Ah at C20, meaning you can get up to 6.75 amps for 20 hours to enjoy its full capacity. The battery can be discharged faster, at a 75 amp rate for 75 minutes or a 25 amp rate for 265 minutes, but by doing this, you will not get to enjoy its full capacity.

• It provides an excellent maximum current of 75 amps.
• Biggest capacity on the list for an AGM marine battery.
• Resistant to shocks and vibrations.
• You can fully use 108 Ah without compromising the battery.
• Only 1-year warranty.
• One of the bulkiest and heaviest models.

• 12 Volt 100Ah Group 27 Deep Cycle Heavy Duty AGM Marine Deep Cycle Maintenence Free Battery (Includes carrying handles)
• Electrolyte Suspension system VMAX tanks utilize an electrolyte suspension system consisting AGM (Absorbed Glass Matt) of a high porosity that totally absorb and contain the electrolyte. No silica...
• Heavy Duty Grids: VMAX heavy duty lead tin alloys provide an extra margin of performance and service life in either float or cyclic applications, even after repeated over discharges.

The VMAX MR127 is the smallest battery option within the category of 100 Ah or superior capacity AGM marine battery models. This 27M 12V deep-cycle marine battery has an excellent capacity ideal for most boats, great overall performance, and a quality small-sized casing, making it the best battery for outboard motor boats.

This outboard motor battery has a capacity of 100Ah at C20, meaning you get up to 5 amps for 20 hours. You can also get 800 marine cranking amps at 32ºF (800 MCA) or up to 1580 PHCA to start the motor of your boat.

• Excellent capacity compared to its size.
• Great cranking amps for marine applications.
• Steady current ideal for powering extra devices.
• The quality casing is specially designed for marine applications.

• 12-Volt, 800 Cold Cranking Amps, Size: 10" x 6 7/8" x 7 13/16" tall, Weight: 38.4 pounds, Dual SAE & 5/16" Stainless Steel Stud Posts

Optima is one of the best AGM marine battery manufacturers. The Optima 34M BlueTop is an excellent dual-purpose battery that works both as a deep cycle and starter battery at the same time.

This battery has a 50 Ah capacity at C20, so it provides a steady current of 2.5 amps for 20 hours when deep cycling. You can also power a 25-amp load but only for 100 minutes. The battery provides up to 800 CCA when starting engines, making it an excellent option for small, medium, and some large boats.

• Quality casing designed to withstand all types of marine applications.
• Half the weight of other quality 12V deep cycle marine battery models on the list.
• Great C-rate.
• 2-year warranty.
• Relatively medium- to low capacity for deep-cycling applications.

• ML55-12 SLA is a 12V 55AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) rechargeable maintenance free battery - UL Certified
• Dimensions: 9.06 inches x 5.43 inches x 8.98 inches. Listing is for the Battery and Screws only. No wire harness or mounting accessories included
• SLA / AGM spill proof battery has a characteristic of high discharge rate, wide operating temperatures, long service life and deep discharge recover.

The Mighty Max is one of the lightest and best deep-cycle marine battery models available. With this battery, you can easily power all types of devices on your boat for a fraction of the price.

This AGM deep-cycle battery has a capacity of 58 Ah at C20, meaning you can get 2.9 steady amps for 20 hours. You can also power a 35.2-amp load, but the capacity will drain within 60 minutes. If you require a 24-volt marine battery, you can just plug two of these batteries in series, and they will work flawlessly.

• Extremely lightweight when compared to other AGM batteries.
• A great max current of 35.2 amps.
• Excellent capacity for such a lightweight option.
• The casing is not specially designed for marine applications.

• Renogy AGM Batteries: Trusted Worldwide, Exceptional Safety, Extreme Performance!
• 【Leading AGM Batteries】Renogy Deep Cycle AGM batteries have earned widespread trust with over 230,000 units sold worldwide in the past six years.
• 【Exceptionally Safe Chemistry & Minimal Troubleshooting】Compared to batteries made of other chemistries, Renogy Deep Cycle AGM batteries offer exceptional safety due to their higher chemical...

If you are looking for a high-capacity, deep-cycle battery at a really good price, the Renogy 100Ah is one of the best AGM marine battery options for you. This battery gives you superior capacity and operating amperage that other batteries provide for only a fraction of the price.

The Renogy battery has a 103 Ah capacity at C10, so you can get up to 10.3 amps for 10 hours. The battery can use a max discharge current of 1,100 amps for 5 seconds, but this regular practice will reduce its lifespan. Considering its steady amperage, you can use it as a trolling motor or outboard motor battery with great performance.

• High capacity of 103 Ah.
• Really low price when compared to other AGM marine boat batteries.
• You can use up to 82.4 Ah when deep cycling.
• High C-rate of C10.

• Trusted by Industry Professionals and Installers: With a proud legacy of 36 years in the industry, now our LiFePO4 batteries have earned widespread adoption across various industries, endorsed by...
• Unmatched Cell Technology: Our LiFePO4 batteries are crafted using state-of-the-art cells, setting a new standard in battery design. Our cells recently ranked #3 globally in shipping by volume. Held...
• Cutting-Edge BMS for Superior Battery Performance: With our proprietary Battery Management System (BMS), precisely optimized to complement our specific cells, you can expect maximum useful life and...

The ExpertPower EP1220 Lithium marine battery is one of the lightest models available. This LiFePo4 marine battery has a relatively low capacity but an excellent C-rate and a 100% DOD.

The battery has an installed capacity of 20, Ah and it provides a steady discharge current of 30 amps. The battery can also give up to 80 amps for 10 seconds.

• Great price considering its technology
• Max steady current of 30 amps
• Maximum DOD of 100%, even though we recommend you go as low as 80% to extend its life span
• Very small capacity
• Only 1-year warranty

What to Consider When Buying a Marine Battery – Buyer’s Guide

Whether you are trying to get the best battery for outboard motor boats, trolling motorboats, or any other marine application, it is important to know what to look for. In this buying guide section, we go over some important aspects that you should consider when choosing a battery. This will help you choose the best marine battery to suit your needs.

The battery capacity determines how much energy you have available to power electric motorboats, accessories, and other devices with only one charge. The C-rate defines how much electrical current can be provided by a battery during a period of time. Generally, C-rates are given in terms of 20 or 10 hours. The electrical current provided at those rates gives you a reference of how much electrical current a single battery can give you. The higher the current, the faster the battery will discharge.

You might want to estimate the load and time of usage required from the battery in relation to the devices installed on your boat. With this list, you can do an estimation to choose the best battery for you.

Most motorboats require a 12V deep-cycle marine battery to properly function and power all installed devices. In some cases, high-end motors might require a 24-volt marine battery. You can install a battery with that voltage or get two quality 12V marine batteries and install them in series to get the proper voltage.

The weight and size of your battery usually refer to the marine group size. You can decide beforehand the battery for your boat or choose the specifications of the battery and consider if the size properly fits. Small boats like kayaks, trolling motors, and other similar boats might require lightweight and compact batteries.

The battery you choose should provide the proper current or cranking amps to start the alternator engine or electric motor of your boat. This is why it is important to check the CCA, MCA, or PHCA when choosing a battery for your boat. The meanings of these acronyms are as follows:

• CCA – Cranking amps for 30 seconds at 0ºF
• MCA – Cranking amps for 30 seconds at 32ºF
• PHCA – 5-second pulse of hot cranking at 80ºF

The charging speed for your battery depends on the parameters set by the manufacturer. The best thing you can do to properly charge your battery is to get a marine battery charger that allows you to set the right charging parameters. By doing this, you will be extending the life span of your battery.

Most batteries on the list vary their charging currents from 10 amps to 30 amps. Considering an 80% DOD, this means a charging time of 480–120 min for 100Ah batteries, 240–80 min for 50Ah batteries, and 90–30 min for the 20Ah battery.

The battery technology you choose will determine the advantages you get from it. Lithium batteries have excellent capacities, C-rates, and DOD, but they are also more expensive. Marine AGM battery options provide good discharge currents, have high capacities, and have the best performance–cost relation. Gel batteries have longer life spans than AGM models but are more delicate when charging. Wet cell battery models are robust, resistant to high currents, and have high capacities, but they require regular maintenance, have low DOD, and have shorter life spans.

Some batteries are more delicate than others. You should always properly charge a battery using a marine battery charger and only store it when it is fully charged. If you do not use your boat for long periods, check the battery every few months to check if it is properly working, and always remember to charge the battery before using your boat again as they can self-discharge over time if not used.

Marine batteries are specially designed to power the motor of your boat and some other devices that you might install on your boat. These batteries will provide you with hours of fun when angling, enjoying a good time at sea, or doing any other activity with your boat.

To have a carefree experience when navigating, it is important to have a strong and reliable ally to power up your boat. In the marine battery reviews section, you will find the best batteries available to pick from. To know what the best marine battery is for your boat, you can use the buying guide. This will help you choose a marine battery that covers all the power needs for your boat.

2 thoughts on “ Everything You Should Know About the Marine Battery ”

Well explained, A very clear explanation of marine battery. Cleared doubt about the marine battery. Thanks for the detailed analysis.

Thank you for the pretty comprehensive overview

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7 Best Sailboat Batteries

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Are you looking for the best sailboat battery? In this insightful article, you'll find the best sailboat batteries currently available on the market today.

The sheer amount of marine power demands across modern boats can be quite overwhelming, to say the least. Whether your boat needs multiple levels of starting power, deep cycle power to keep everything from the lights and appliances working, or a combination of both, a boat battery is, without a doubt, one of the most important components of your boat. A boat battery is of great importance in starting your boat's engine and can also provide the necessary power required to run various pieces of electrical equipment when you're sailing on open water. With that in mind, it's fundamental that you choose the best sailboat battery.

Unlike car batteries, marine batteries are made specifically to be used on boats. They have robust construction, heavier plates, and are designed to endure the vibration and pounding that can occur when out there on the water. The best marine battery should also be reliable and last longer, especially when compared to car batteries. In essence, a boat battery is specifically designed to start a boat's engine or power a boat and the electrical appliances onboard.

Of course, there are different boat batteries out there on the market. As such, it can be quite difficult to find the best sailboat battery that matches your needs. Fortunately, this guide is here to help. We've done thorough research and narrowed down the best boat batteries that are currently available on the market. At the end of this read, finding the best marine boat for your sailing and boating needs should be a walk in the park.

Table of contents

How to Choose the Best Sailboat Battery for You

Here are the most important factors when choosing the right marine battery for your boat.

The Type of Battery that You Need

The type of battery that is ideal for your boat will very much depend on what you need the battery to do. Let's go into the details.

Cranking Battery  - The main purpose of this boat is to start the boat's engine by delivering a quick burst of energy. However, such a battery may not be ideal to keep your boat's accessories going all day long.

Deep Cycle Battery  - This is ideal for keeping your boat going throughout the day. It offers a low but steadier rate of power than a cranking battery so it can run all your equipment and accessories without having to charge your battery while out there on the water.

Dual-Purpose Battery  - Offers a combination of both cranking and deep and is a good option if you have a boat with less room for two batteries. However, such a battery may not perform both roles as efficient as separate batteries.

Design and Build

While most marine batteries are built with AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) to make them maintenance-free and spill-proof, you should go for a battery that is robust and sturdy. This is because the seas are always rough and you need a battery that can withstand the worst weather conditions, vibrations, and impacts.

Battery Capacity

The battery capacity is one of the most important things to consider when looking for the best sailboat battery. Generally, a battery that has a rating of 100-amp hours can deliver 5 amps for 20 hours and this should be more than enough for your daily escapades on the water.

We have to note that marine batteries are more expensive than car batteries. But if you're looking for the best marine battery, you should consider your budget and look for a battery that is within your budget.

Best Sailboat Batteries

Odyssey 31m-pc2150st marine dual purpose battery.

This marine dual-purpose battery incredibly and efficiently achieves the double role of a cranking and deep cycle marine battery. Offering 1,150 CCA, this battery is capable of providing an enormous cranking power that can perfectly start an inboard or outboard engine or motor. And it doesn't matter whether you're sailing deep in the winter season; this battery is designed to be extremely temperature tolerant. In other words, it can operate in temperatures ranging from -40 degrees Celsius to 80 degrees Celsius.

As far as deep cycling is concerned, this battery can last for up to 400 cycles while discharging at 80% depth. This means that it can provide 5 amps of current per hour for about 20 hours. Needless to say, this is more than enough time to go out there on the water and enjoy yourself without recharging or worrying about your battery running out and leaving you unable to operate.

It can take between four and six hours to charge to full capacity. Its AGM design makes it far much different from the conventional wet-cell batteries. Simply put, you do not have to worry about spilled battery acid or the stress of having to top it up with water. Better still, its AGM design enables it to be more resistant to vibration and high impact. This battery may be a bit pricey but it's cheaper than buying separate deep cycle and cranking batteries of the same quality.

• ‍ Offers both cranking and deep cycle power
• Very efficient and reliable
• Very durable and comes with a limited 3 and 4-year full replacement warranty
• Offer longer life cycle
• Very high recharge efficiency
• Resistant to vibration and high impact
• ‍ Quite expensive

Optima 8006-006 34M BlueTop Marine Cranking Battery

Are you looking for a reliable marine battery that offers medium power for starting an outboard or inboard engine? Look no further than this dependable Optima option . Designed with 800 amps CCA rating and a 100-minute reserve capacity, this is extremely more than enough to start most types of boat engines, even at the height of the coldest winter season.

This battery relies on one of the latest battery technologies: SPIRALCELL, which is widely revered for providing more power in a single burst than any of traditional flat-plate batteries. This is not only essential in ensuring that the battery recharges faster but also allows for tripling the number of recharges.

In terms of its construction, this battery is tightly wound and is one of the strongest and most robust marine batteries. This is essential in mitigating the plate movement, thereby offering a vibration resistance that's 15 times more reliable than most marine batteries. In essence, you won't have to worry about this battery even if you're sailing in the roughest of conditions.

Like most boat batteries, it is designed with AGM to make it spill-proof and maintenance-free. All you have to do is mount it in whatever position that's perfect for your boat's configuration and you'll be good to go.

• ‍ Comes with a super-low rate of self-discharge
• Can hold a charge for up to a year in room temperature or lower ‍
• Q uite affordable
• Robustly constructed to withstand vibration and rough conditions
• Very powerful
• ‍ Not ideal for a deep cycle as it doesn't offer a dual-purpose role 

VMAX XTR31-135 AGM Marine Deep Cycle High-Performance Battery

If you're looking for a top-quality deep cycle marine battery that promises reliable power while out there on the water, this is the right option. Thanks to its AGM design, this battery is maintenance-free and spill-proof and can be installed at any position of the boat as you see fit. Better still, this design means that it can survive in the roughest of conditions without getting damaged. Imagine a battery that can be temporarily submerged in water without causing any damage!

This battery is robustly constructed with superior plates and float service application to give it a lifespan of between 10 to 12 years. As far as power is concerned, this battery provides 6.75 amps per hour for over 20 hours and has a 135Ah rating. In essence, this battery can last for 265 minutes when fully charged and can provide 10.5 volts when delivering a continuous current of 25 amps. This battery may be meant for deep cycle, but can also be used for starting medium-sized engine motors in emergencies. Well, this is because it has a 730 amps CCA rating.

• ‍ Very powerful
• Maintenance-free and spill-proof
• Robustly constructed and very tough
• Resistant to vibrations and shock
• Comes with an incredible reserve capacity of 265 minutes
• Has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years
• ‍ Only has a one-year replacement warranty

Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery for Solar Marine and Off-grid Applications

Even though it has a very simple design, don't be duped into thinking that this is just another normal sailboat battery out there. Well, this is a quite powerful marine battery that's bound to serve you exceptionally well during your open water escapades. All you have to do is follow the simple instruction on how to use it and it will power your boat like never before.

In addition to its high quality, this battery is robustly built to withstand anything that the rough seas throw its way. It's designed with the improved electrolyte formula, which not only offers it a stable battery capacity but also an incredible discharge performance even at the lowest of temperatures. With its high battery capacity, this battery can hold the charge from your solar panels so that you have a continuous level of power that you need for your sailing adventures.

This battery can be used to power virtually everything in your boat including the TV, lights, refrigerator, ventilation, and many more. No matter your needs, this battery will serve you reliably well.

• ‍ Its AGM design makes it maintenance-free and spill-proof
• Highly resistant to vibration and impacts
• Offers a very high power capacity
• Very versatile and can be charged using solar panels
• Quite affordable
• ‍ Very large and heavy

Mighty Max Battery ML35-12 Deep Cycle Marine Battery

As one of the most affordable marine boat batteries out there, this battery is not only reliable but can be a great option if you're on a tight budget. Designed for small-thrust trolling motors, this battery is perfect for small-sized boats, canoes, and kayaks.

It can provide 70 amp hours at much less than the top brands. Despite its affordable price tag, this battery doesn't compromise on efficiency and reliability. It's designed with AGM to ensure that you don't have to worry about maintenance or spillage. The fact that it doesn't need any ventilation to perform efficiently means that you can mount it just about anywhere on your boat and you'll be good to go. In other words, it can easily fit in around other accessories, especially if the deck space is limited.

In terms of durability, this battery is built with a calcium-alloy grid that not only guarantees top performance but also extended service life and durability.

• ‍ Very Durable
• Maintenance-free and zero leaking
• Can be fitted anywhere on the boat and doesn't require any ventilation
• Great for small-sized boats
• ‍ May not be ideal for larger boats

Universal Power Group Solar Wind AGM SLA Deep Cycle Marine Battery

This is unquestionably a great marine battery to consider if you're looking for something that provides extended life and versatility. The fact that it doesn't need any ventilation to operate means that you can mount it on any position within your boat and it will serve you just right. This is, of course, one of the main features to look for if you are worried about having enough space for accessories on your boat.

With an installation process that's simple and straightforward, this marine battery is well designed to resist vibration and shock impacts. It can operate extremely well in the worst of weather conditions. It doesn't matter whether you're planning to sail in tropical climates or during winter, this battery won't be affected by such weather conditions.

Like many marine batteries today, this battery is maintenance-free and spill-proof as it is designed using the AGM battery technology. Although this battery isn't lightweight, this shouldn't be a problem if your main priorities revolve around affordability, versatility, durability, and efficiency.

• ‍ Very durable and versatile
• Powerful and efficient
• Resistant to vibrations and shocks
• ‍ Quite heavy

Bass Pro Shops Pro Series Deep-Cycle AGM Battery

Delivery professionally-tested balance of superb performance, great power, and extended battery life, this battery is unquestionably an excellent option for those looking for a dual-purpose marine battery. It has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes at 25 amps and a CCA rating of 545 amps, which is enough for your dual-purpose needs. Simply put, this battery is outstanding in its role both as a cranking and deep cycle battery, so you don't have to worry about overloading your boat with numerous batteries. All you have to do is buy it at the nearest store or online, fix it on your boat and you'll be good to go for both operation modes.

While it comes with one of the best warranties in the marine battery industry, its best warranty is perhaps its rugged and robust construction. This means that it will perform without you having to worry about what impacts the rough seas and weather conditions can have on it. In other words, this battery gives you a worry-free performance as it can work excellently in any type of weather condition. That's not all; this battery is designed with AGM to make it resistant to vibration and impacts while also remaining leak-proof.

• ‍ Offers one of the best warranties ‍
• R esistant to vibrations and impacts
• Excellent reserve capacity, cold-cranking amps, and marine-cranking amps
• Can be used for both cranking and deep cycle
• Offers great power and performance
• ‍ Its dual terminal design isn't quite effective

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Deep Cycle Marine Battery Test

The best deep-cycle marine batteries - agm and gel batteries: trojan, mastervolt agms keep the lights burning..

Updated April 11, 2017

The term lead acid battery usually conjures up the image of a standard flooded cell battery commonly found in cars and 80 percent of all production boats. There are three basic types of storage batteries used in the marine industry that is constructed of lead and acid: flooded or wet-cell batteries, AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries, and gel (gelled electrolyte) batteries. Lead acid batteries are further sub-grouped into three application-based categories: starting, deep-cycle, and dual-purpose. We’ll focus here on deep-cycle AGM and gel batteries to find the best deep cycle marine battery.

The most widely installed battery on new, entry-level, production boats is still the flooded cell battery. This is primarily because of its low initial cost when compared to similarly sized AGM and gel batteries. Even though most flooded cell batteries require electrolyte maintenance, contain spillable corrosive acid, and vent explosive gasses when severely overcharged, they still provide an energy reserve that is tolerant of a wide range of recharging voltages and is universally available.

However, boat technology and boating habits are changing. Bow thrusters once reserved for only the largest mega-yachts are now routinely found on vessels under 40 feet, and DC power inverters are almost as common as windlasses. What all of these accessories have in common is an incredible appetite for DC power. As boat manufacturers build larger house battery banks to keep up the load demands, they are faced with two choices: Build a battery bank out of traditional flooded cells, or embrace new technology and opt for a battery bank that is as progressive as their boat design.

Batteries we tested : Deka SeaMate/Deka Dominator | Energy 1 Marine Battery | Lifeline AGM | Mastervolt AGM/Gel | Optima Spiral Cell | Trojan AGM | SeaVolt SeaGel

The Pros and Cons of Valve-regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries

Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries, because of their sealed spill-proof design, can be mounted in any position, except inverted. If you plan to mount a gel battery on its side, expect to lose 10 percent of its amp-hour (Ah) capacity. When faced with a flooded bilge situation, VRLA batteries will continue to operate submerged up to a 30-foot depth. After the first fathom of water, the point is probably moot.

VRLA batteries’ low self-discharge rate is far superior to that of flooded lead-acid batteries, making lay-up time maintenance-free.

Unlike most automotive-grade flooded lead acid batteries, AGM batteries will not drop a plate or disintegrate when subjected to pounding in rough seas or excessive hull vibration. This is because the internal plates on an AGM battery receive additional physical support from the compressed fiber mats sandwiched between each lead plate.

Deep cycle VRLA batteries can cost about double what an average-grade deep-cycle flooded cell battery costs, or about 20 percent greater than a premium-grade flooded cell. If you decide to upgrade, remember to factor in the additional costs required to modify your vessel’s battery charging system to satisfy the VRLAs demanding charging regime, unless you are going to install spiral cell AGM batteries, which are compatible with most alternators.

It is not recommended to discharge your deep-cycle battery below a 50-percent depth of discharge, which is half of your battery’s reserve capacity rating. Each time a deep-cycle battery is discharged 100 percent, the battery will lose at least one cycle of the battery’s total lifecycle rating.

How We Conducted Our AGM Battery Test

We selected 10 of the most popular VRLA deep-cycle batteries in the groups 27-31 (about 100Ah) case size. The test field consisted of three gelled electrolyte batteries, six traditional flat-plate AGM batteries, and one spiral cell AGM battery. Our intent was to evaluate each battery’s deep cycle reserve capacity.

Because AGM and gel batteries have a sealed case design and lack liquid electrolytes, the use of a hydrometer to test the charge status of a battery electrolyte was not an option. Knowing that we would be unable to crack open the batteries containment cases and evaluate each product from the inside out, for obvious reasons we had to come up with our own non-destructive test.

In consultation with the Rolls/Surrette Battery Co. (a respected battery manufacturer that is neutral to our test as they currently do not manufacture a VRLA battery), we decided to follow the SAE J537 Standard Test Procedures for Storage Batteries that is endorsed by the Boating Council International. Though written for flooded cells, we felt that it was fair and would return some real life data.

Step One: “Conditioning” the Battery

First we conditioned each battery at room temperature by discharging it to a 50-percent depth of discharge (DOD), and then waited six hours for the battery to cool before recharging the battery with Xantrexs new XC5012 series three-bank/50-amp digital battery charger. Each battery underwent four discharge/charge cycles. Most battery manufacturers state that their products need to be cycled 10-25 times to achieve maximum performance. We opted to scale back the number of pre-conditioning cycles so that we could complete the testing in a reasonable amount of time. Seeing that we had a large number of batteries to test and that each battery that was delivered to us was new in the box, we were satisfied that all of the products were starting out on equal footing.

Step Two: Testing the Batteries’ Reserve Capacity Discharge

After the batteries were conditioned, fully charged, and rested overnight at room temperature, we started the first round of our reserve capacity discharge test. The SAE J537 storage battery Reserve Capacity Test states in Sec 3.5, Discharge the battery at 25A (+/- 0.1A). During the discharge, using any convenient method, maintain electrolyte temperature within the range of 75 F -90 F. End the discharge when the voltage across the battery terminals has fallen to the equivalent of 10.5V, noting the discharge duration in minutes. When a VRLA battery voltage falls to 1.75V per cell (a 12V battery has six cells x 1.75V per cell = 10.5V) then its depth of discharge (DOD) is said to be 100 percent.

For our discharge device, we built several racks of 100W 12VDC incandescent light bulb sockets wired into large, wire-wound voltage rheostats. The rheostat potentiometers allowed us to adjust the discharge rate and to compensate as the incandescent load drew less current toward the end of the test cycle due to the falling voltage potential. After each battery was drawn down to 10.5V, the testers removed the battery from the test rack and allowed it to cool overnight before we recharged it. After it was recharged and allowed to cool for six hours, we ran the 25A load test again. The testers took the average of both numbers and logged it as the observed discharge duration.

A continuous 25A load on a Group 27 or Group 31 battery is a little on the heavy side, and since not all of the batteries are of the same size and amp-hour capacity, we opted for whats known as a 20-hour rate draw. This leveled the playing field for the smaller Group 27 batteries that don’t store as many amps.

The math on this test procedure is easy. If the battery is rated at 100Ah of reserve capacity, you divide 100 by 20 hours. and arrive at 5 amps of current draw. So we repeated the charge, cool down, discharge sequence and noted the 20-hour reserve rate as calculated for each of our batteries. This particular test procedure took a long time-but the data yielded was worth the effort.

Popular Deep Cycle Marine Batteries Reviewed: Which is Best for Me?

Deka seamate/deka dominator ( best for budget ).

East Penn Manufacturing in Pennsylvania manufactures and markets these batteries. East Penn also manufactures the West Marine SeaVolt (AGM) and SeaGel (gel). East Penn is said to be the world’s largest single-site manufacturing facility. They smelt their own lead, mold their own plastics, and reclaim 98 percent of the raw materials (lead plates, plastic cases, and acid) when processing an old battery through their state-of-the-art recycling facility.

We like companies that are self-sufficient and have direct quality control over the entire manufacturing process. An active recycling program is also laudable.

Bottom Line: The performance numbers on both of the Deka VRLA batteries were adequate, but not stellar. The West Marine batteries are more readily available than the Dekas, and the West SeaVolts warranty is 24 months longer than the Deka SeaMate. However, both Dekas are less expensive than the West Marine versions.

Energy 1 Marine Battery

Manufactured by the Northstar Battery Co., Springfield, Mo., the Energy 1 is listed as a Group 27 size battery that weighs 63 pounds, which we verified. Yet this batterys factory-rated reserve capacity is only 72.6 Ah, which would account for its poor performance during our 25-amp load test. The voltage level in the Energy 1 battery fell below 10.5V in less than two hours when subjected to our 25-amp load. This is a full 1.5 hours sooner than the Trojan, which is also a Group 27 battery but has a 100 amp-hour rating.

Energy 1s Allen Harris said the NSB-G-2700 has deep-cycle characteristics but is used mostly as a starting battery. The Energy 1 210FT would have been better suited for our test. We checked the specs on the 210FT and the sheet shows that this model weighs 128 pounds and is 22 inches long. This hardly qualifies it to be included in our test of Groups 27 and Group 31 batteries. Plus, the specification sheet that was provided with the Energy 1 NSB-G-2700 battery describes the battery as having a long life, 800-plus cycles at 50 percent discharge, 500-plus cycles at 80 percent discharge. – characteristics that we would use to describe a deep-cycle battery, not a starting battery.

During the initial cycling of the Energy 1 battery, we had an incident that almost allowed us to look inside of the batterys case. The carrying handles on the Northstar are not as strong as they look. Instead of the carrying strap that is provided with most of the other batteries in our test, Northstar uses two retractable plastic lift handles, one on each side of the case.

While we were moving these 65-plus pound batteries on and off our bench, one of the handles disconnected from the Energy 1 case, and it almost went crashing to the floor. We could easily duplicate the motion that causes a handle to dislodge, which would be similar to the motion exhibited when trying to wrestle a battery out of a battery box. As soon as you twist the battery into place, the handle will flex and disengage from the case.

Bottom Line: This battery tested poorly among the Group 27s, and its carrying handles are inadequate.

Lifeline AGM

The Concorde Battery Co. manufactures Lifeline batteries, a recognizable and trusted trade name in the marine market. Concorde has a long history of providing batteries to the custom motor coach (land yacht) market. Lifeline also has a good relationship with many of the top-tier boatbuilders from coast to coast, which is affording Lifeline a good share of the new-boat market.

The Lifeline Group 27 AGM battery that was shipped to us made a good first impression as we unloaded it from the shipping container. The unit arrived almost fully charged and was shipped with an owners manual and a warranty card. The battery posts on this battery are high quality, and the specification sticker on the battery clearly states what charge voltages should be applied to the battery. The color of the Lifeline battery-gray case with a black top – black carry strap, and silver specification plate – are all nice extra features.

Bottom Line: Lifeline batteries are quality products that are readily available nationwide and come with a good 5-year pro-rated warranty. The Lifeline performed better than the Deka / West Marine batteries and the Optima and Energy 1 batteries, but it fell short of the Mastervolt and the Trojan AGMs.

Mastervolt AGM/Gel (Best Group 31 Battery!)

The Mastervolt VRLA batteries are installed on some of the world’s finest custom yachts. From our initial experience with two of its entry-level products, we can see why. Mastervolt manufactures the normal range of VRLA battery sizes, the same as Lifeline and Trojan, but the company also manufactures a line of high amp-hour, marine-grade, two-volt cells. Some of these two-volt units have capacity ratings of more than 2000 Ah per cell, which can yield a 12V storage bank with an excess of 12,000 Ah. That’s a serious amount of stored energy.

There are colored polarity rings under each of the battery posts. These rings take the guesswork out of which terminal is the positive one. This is helpful particularly when you are working with a battery that is installed in an area with restricted vertical clearance and you cannot get a good look at the polarity symbols stamped on a battery case.

Bottom Line: Both the AGM and the gel racked up excellent performance numbers. The Mastervolts are pricey for most applications, but if we were building a high-capacity, multiple battery banks, and wanted a product that had the highest probability of delivering the longest cycle life, Mastervolt would be our choice, hands down.

Optima Spiral Cell

Optima manufactures three different base models of its spiral cell AGM battery. The Red Top spiral for starting applications, the Yellow Top spiral as an automotive deep cell, and the Blue Top spiral as a marine deep cell.

We tested a Yellow Top Optima, but the product specifications are identical to the Blue Top Optima, with the exception that the Blue Top Optima comes with both SAE post and stud connections, whereas the Yellow top has only SAE studs.

The Optima is a physically large battery (Group 31) with a meager 75Ah reserve capacity rating. Although the spiral design looks good on paper, this battery does not have enough reserve capacity to be a serious contender for a house bank.

Bottom Line: Because the spiral design is tolerant to a wide range of recharging voltages, this battery would be a good choice for a daysailer that needs its flooded cell batteries replaced. The strict charging profiles of the conventional flat-plate AGM batteries could be disregarded and the vessel would benefit from Optima’s low self-discharge rate. This would be extremely beneficial when the vessel is set on a mooring for extended periods of time.

Trojan AGM (Top Choice Honors!)

Founded in 1925, the Trojan Battery Co. is a third-generation family business that specializes in the design and manufacture of deep-cycle batteries. Trojan makes a complete line of deep-cycle batteries in both flooded cell and VRLA (AGM and gel) chemistries, in sizes that range from the smaller Group 24 to the heavyweight 8D battery. Although Trojan batteries are well identified by their trademark maroon case, the latest line of AGM batteries (which went into production in 2004) is manufactured with standard black cases.

There is nothing standard about the Group 27 AGM Trojan we tested. This battery smoked every Group 27 battery in our test group and it even went toe-to-toe with the larger Group 31 Mastervolt AGM.

Bottom Line: This battery is powerful and priced right. It appears that Trojan’s new line of AGM batteries are well engineered and supported by a company that knows battery design and technology. We are a little disappointed by the short one-year warranty, but from what our test numbers showed a warranty should not be too much of an issue with this battery.

SeaVolt SeaGel

Private labeled by the East Penn Manufacturing Co. exclusively for West Marine, the West batteries are clones of East Penns Deka line of VRLA cells. Although the SeaVolt and SeaGel each come with a 5-year pro-rated, No-Hassle warranty, the extra warranty when compared to East Penns Deka line will set you back approximately $60 per battery.

Bottom Line: When the Group 27 SeaVolt battery is compared to the Group 27 Lifeline battery, the SeaVolt stores a little less capacity. Given that both batteries are priced right around the $200 mark, and the Lifelines warranty is also 5 years pro-rated, wed opt for the LifeLine. We feel that the Lifeline is manufactured to a little higher standard than the East Penn, and as a result should yield a little longer life cycle.

The Best Deep Cycle Battery Marine Battery, Close Runner-Up, and Our Top Budget Buy

When we evaluated the numbers from our performance test, it became clear that both Mastervolt batteries and the Trojan battery easily exceeded their factory reserve capacity ratings. Although battery reserve capacity is the primary component for determining the merits of a good deep-cycle battery, we also ran an amps-per-pound ratio for each tested battery and then factored in the battery’s cost and warranty period.

In the end, we felt Trojans 100Ah Group 27 AGM earned the Best Choice honors, though in testing it performed slightly below the Mastervolt AGM, which was our best Group 31 battery. Our Budget Buys, the Deka batteries, will satisfy money-conscious sailors who want to upgrade, but don’t need the very best.

The Optima would be a good choice as a house battery for a small sailboat with an outboard or only a basic charging system. And Optimas are a nice alternative to a flooded battery for some applications (a big RIB, for instance) because they’re spill-proof and can better take a pounding at high speed. A battery, unlike an engine, cannot be opened up and overhauled or repaired.

Also With This Article “Battery Life” “Value Guide: VRLA Deep Cycle Batteries” “Battery Terms” “Battery Technology”

Contacts Deka, East Penn, 610/682-6361, www.Dekabatteries.com Energy 1, 757/673-7200, www.energy1batteries.com Lifeline Battery, 626/969-6886, www.Lifelinebatteries.com Mastervolt, 207/354-0618, www.mastervoltusa.com Optima, 888/8optima, www.optimabatteries.com Trojan, 800/423-6569, www.trojanbattery.com

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Just a note on Optimas. When my house bank died three years ago 6 Optimas were installed in parallel, just like the Lifeline batteries I had before for 6 years. The change to Optima was a surprise to me but the marina said they were great batteries so I said fine. They have been well maintained and used only 5 months of the year, but after only three years in the north east, they have died. I talked to Optima today and the tech said Optimas cannot be used in a parallel charging profile unless each battery is charged separately. How do you do that? I was very disappointed.

Without a table with the actual test numbers the observations are not objective. It’s rather odd not to see a data table from PS. Although these are deep cycle batteries I would like to see a CCA test too in addition to reserve capacity. Thanks for reading this!

Rolls/Surette is now making AGM batteries. I’m interested in knowing how theirs stack up.

“Some of these two-volt units have capacity ratings of more than 2000 Ah per cell, which can yield a 12V storage bank with an excess of 12,000 Ah.”

I don’t see how you could do that. 6 batteries would give you either 12000Ah@2V (parallel) or 2000Ah@12V (series).

I suppose you could buy 6×6=36 batteries, then you could get 12000Ah@12V!

Hope you are fine and staying safe.

We are sourcing for:

12V 245 AH 8D AGM DEEP CYCLE NON-SPILLABLE BATTERY

Kindly provide us with a quote with the availability of these items, the best competitive price, lead time for delivery, and payment mode.

Note: In addition to the above, the standard payment duration of our organization is Net-30 days from the date of delivery with the supplier’s invoice.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

Best marine batteries: 6 12V leisure batteries

• Duncan Kent
• March 31, 2022

Duncan Kent investigates a range of the best marine batteries for quality deep-cycle usage available today

Good quality, deep-cycle house batteries are not only a sound investment, but also an important safety factor when cruising. There’s a great deal of misleading nonsense spoken and written about batteries, so be wary when you buy – especially online. Many so-called ‘leisure’ batteries are a poor compromise between a cheap starter battery and a heavy-duty one and are not suited to regular deep cycling so it can be hard to find the best marine batteries for these purposes.

Traditionally, heavy-duty Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) batteries were always used for the house bank, but they’re very heavy and require regular topping up. They can also produce dangerous quantities of hydrogen gas whilst charging.

Today, some boat owners are fitting Lithium-ion batteries (usually LiFePO4), for their capacity to recharge quickly and ability to be almost totally discharged without damage. However, they’re expensive and often require a system redesign, so good quality Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) sealed batteries are a sensible compromise.

With their electrolyte absorbed into matting rather than free flowing, AGMs are virtually maintenance-free. They will accept a higher charge current than FLAs, shortening recharge times, and they’ll survive many more charge/discharge cycles. They also have a lower self-discharge rate, so can be left without charging for a considerable time.

Buying a known brand from a UK supplier should ensure you obtain sound advice and a genuine guarantee. A proper deep-cycle battery will be labelled with a capacity rating such as 120Ah (C20). This means (theoretically) it could endure a 6A draw for 20 hours, although there are other factors to consider. The number of deep cycles a battery can survive is another key factor. Some quote ‘up to 3,000 cycles’ in the blurb, failing to add, ‘when only discharged 20% each cycle’.

‘Can be discharged 80%’ is another common quote for AGMs, without mentioning that if you do you could halve its lifespan. Not discharging them below 50% will extend the lifespan of all LA battery types considerably.

Best Marine Batteries

Firefly oasis carbon foam.

Said to be able to discharge regularly to 80% DoD without damage and to be left semi-charged for long periods, Oasis carbon batteries have a high resistance to sulphation so are less affected by partial charging commonly found in marine applications.

Having a very low internal resistance means they can be recharged more quickly than most regular AGMs and their Microcell foam grid design has been specially developed to allow maximum energy throughflow.

Oasis batteries are also robustly built and highly vibration resistant, as well as very temperature tolerant, which is ideal for the vagaries of a marine environment. Being a relatively new technology, however, these claims of durability and longevity have yet to be entirely proven, although current tests results look promising.

Currently available in 4V (450Ah) and 12V (116Ah) versions only.

Stated cycles to 50%: 3600 Capacity range: 116Ah or 450Ah Warranty: 2-6 yrs RRP: £499.00 (12V/116Ah)

Buy it now at Amazon

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Leoch pure lead-carbon.

One of the more recently launched, high energy-density AGMs, which utilise carbon in their plates to reduce sulphation and extend their overall lifespan.

Thin-plate, pure lead and carbon technology with advanced, punched-plate construction and double electrolyte pasting, allow the LDC range to perform better than many regular AGMs, even in a partially charged condition. It also means they can be more rapidly recharged than standard AGM batteries.

The makers state these batteries can be safely discharged down to 80% DoD, although 50% will give you a more impressive (and economic) lifespan of around 2,000 cycles.

Cycles to 50%: 2000 Capacity range: 210-400Ah Warranty: 5 yrs RRP: £269.99

Tronjan Motive

Renowned worldwide for its deep-cycle marine batteries, Trojan has been developing and tweaking its AGM range for many years and is now a goto brand for reliability in marine electrical installations.

Its latest Motive AGM range incorporates C-Max technology wherein the active plate material adheres to its thick, heavy-duty grids to supply concentrated slow-burn energy, while double-insulated, multi-ribbed separators maximise the charge flow between the plates for optimal power.

Their maximum charge rate is 20% of their C20 capacity, enabling a considerable reduction in charge time over many budget AGMs, and they can also provide sufficient cranking amps (CCA600 for the type 31) to start a small to medium size marine diesel if required.

Stated cycles to 50%: 1000 Capacity range: 89-140Ah Warranty: 1 yr RRP: £279.99 (100Ah)

Buy it now from Tronjan Batteries

Rolls S-Series

Rolls batteries have long been recommended by cruising yacht owners for their reliability and endurance.

Purported to be capable of a 60%-80% discharge depth, the Rolls S-Series deep cycle AGM batteries feature thick, heavy plates with a high density of active material and microporous separators, allowing plenty of reserve energy to be stored deep within the battery.

These shock-resistant batteries are said to give up to 1400 cycles when discharged down to 50%, or a massive 3,500 cycles if only discharged by 20% before fully recharging. Their low resistance allows rapid, high-current charging and they can also safely be used as an occasional cranking battery for emergencies, without damage.

Stated cycles to 50%: 1400 Capacity range: 95-160Ah Warranty: 3 yrs RRP: £223.65 (105Ah)

Buy it now from Barden

These AGMs have been around for a couple of decades and have proven themselves successful in the commercial, military and leisure marine markets the world over.

Made in the USA, they are robustly constructed using fully sealed polyethylene separators and welded intercell connectors, making them ideal for sea-going boats.

Being low-resistance, they are quicker to charge than FLAs, and can be safely deep-cycled to their lower DoD threshold regularly, even below if only occasionally and fully recharged soon after. Their self-discharge is also one of the lowest at around 2% per month.

Not the cheapest AGM around for sure, but certainly one of the toughest and most dependable.

Stated cycles to 50%: 1000 Capacity range: 33-255Ah Warranty: 5 yrs RRP: £396.00 (100Ah)

Buy it now at Tayna Batteries

Fullriver batteries are robustly manufactured using 99.9% pure lead cast grid plates and partition-locked bus bars. This gives them the ability to provide up to 1300 deep cycles to 50% DoD, although they can be discharged lower without damage, but at the expense of a reduced overall lifespan.

Having a very low resistance they will happily accept a high charge rate of up to 35% of their C20 charge capacity (0.35C), making them much quicker to recharge than standard FLA batteries.

Epoxy-sealed Fullriver AGMs incorporate recombinant technology that eliminates off-gassing, so they can be installed in non-vented lockers.

Good value for money and gradually becoming more easily available in the UK.

Stated cycles to 50%: 1300 Warranty: 5 yrs RRP: £279.99 (105Ah)

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Pick the Best Battery for Your Boat

• By Jim Hendricks
• Updated: September 7, 2021

Saltwater boating anglers have a positive-negative relationship with marine batteries from brands such as Deka, Die Hard, Duracell, Dura Last, Discover, Interstate, Odyssey, Optima and West Marine. We’re positive when a boat battery proves fresh, fully charged, and pumps out plenty of DC electrical juice. Our perspective turns negative when a marine battery grows tired and low on the electrical power we so desperately need to start engines, spin pumps, run marine electronics, illuminate onboard lights, propel trolling motors and more.

To continue the current analogy, you can help keep things on a positive note by selecting the best marine battery for the job, maintaining it and monitoring battery health. To help readers make the right choices, we queried Matthew Campbell, director of marketing at Solv4Ex, parent company of Discover Battery, which offers a full spectrum of marine batteries, including Mixtech flooded cell and Dry Cell AGM lead-acid batteries, as well as Lithium Blue LiFePO4 batteries.

Marine Batteries Only

Some boaters might think that a marine battery is basically the same as one used in an automobile with a different label, but that’s far from the truth, Campbell says. “An automotive battery is not built to withstand the rigors of being at sea,” he explains. “Vibration and jolts from waves can damage and separate the internal plates, significantly reducing the battery life and capacity.”

Marine batteries tend to cost more because they feature more robust construction to cope with pounding in heavy seas while maintaining structural integrity. “Discover marine and Lithium Blue batteries, for example, all have plates that are epoxy-bonded on both the top and bottom or, in the case of Lithium Blue, mechanically bonded to prevent the plates and cells from separating in rough sea conditions,” Campbell points out.

Purpose-Built Batteries

Marine batteries come in three basic types: starting (aka cranking), deep-cycle and dual-purpose. Which battery type should you select for your boat?

The distinctions boil down to the purpose of the marine battery. For example, as the name implies, a marine starting battery is purpose built to fire up the boat engine(s). It’s good for short bursts of high energy, and is charged directly by the alternator when the engine is running.

A marine deep-cycle battery, on the other hand, is designed for a “house” circuit that’s separate from the starting battery, and is engineered to power equipment with low to moderate electrical DC-current needs over extended periods of time. A deep-cycle house battery bank powers elements such as marine electronics, livewell pumps, refrigerators, audio systems, and air-conditioning. Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries can be deeply discharged (drained by much as 50 percent) and brought back to full charge (aka “cycled”) up to 400 times.

Dual-purpose marine batteries represent a compromise between starting and deep-cycle applications. “Dual-purpose batteries are well suited for smaller boats without enough room for separate starting and house battery banks,” Campbell explains. A dual-purpose battery can serve both cranking and house function, but is essentially a compromise between the two.

Flooded-Cell vs. AGM

Conventional lead-acid marine batteries come in two basic choices: flooded-cell or AGM (absorbed glass mat). A flooded-cell battery such as the sealed Discover Mixtech has the advantage of lower cost compared to AGM, and has patented technology to combat acid stratification, the enemy of every flooded battery. These batteries must be mounted upright (terminals on top) to operate properly. Also, old-school batteries that are not sealed can spill corrosive acid if the battery tips over.

An AGM, on the other hand, contains no liquid acid and can be mounted on its side if necessary in order to fit within a tight space or provide easier access to the terminals. “AGMs such as the Discover Dry Cell marine batteries also provide longer battery life than comparable flooded-cell batteries,” Campbell says. “This is largely because AGMs are not as severely affected by ‘acid stratification’ as are most flooded-cell batteries.”

Well-maintained AGM batteries can last as long nine to 10 years in marine applications, though each case is different. Well-maintained flooded-cell batteries, on the other hand, generally possess a useful life of three to five years aboard a boat, but again, this can vary depending on the amount of use and level of maintenance.

While AGMs win every time on longevity, they cost anywhere from 40 to 50 percent more than a comparable flooded-cell battery. As a point of comparison, a West Marine 27-series AGM dual-purpose marine battery retails for $310, while a West Marine 27-series flooded-cell dual-purpose marine battery retails for $180.

Anatomy of a marine battery. Courtesy Discover Battery

Lithium Revolution

Today, the newest and best choice for a house battery-bank is lithium technology such as that found in the Discover Lithium Blue series, says Campbell. Lithium batteries, no matter what the brand, require a new way of thinking about marine DC systems, including the means by which these batteries are charged. They require specialized chargers and must be completely isolated from the engine starting circuit. Though there are some lithium automotive starting batteries, most marine lithium batteries, including the Lithium Blue, cannot serve as starting batteries.

As deep-cycle house battery-banks, however, lithium technology offers 10 times or more battery life than any comparable lead-acid system. “Our Lithium Blue battery provides 4,000 cycles versus 400 cycles for an AGM lead-acid battery,” Campbell says.

Lithium batteries also are far more expensive than lead-acid batteries. For example, a Lithium Blue 12-volt DC 200 amp-hour battery retails for about $1,200. “While the purchase price is hard to overcome, with the greater longevity of lithium batteries, they can pencil out to be better buys in the long run than less-expensive, but shorter-lived lead-acid batteries,” Campbell points out.

Lithium batteries are also much lighter than other types of batteries. For example, a Discover Dry Cell DCM27 AGM deep-cycle battery that offers 105 amp-hours (AH) weighs 71.5 pounds, while a Discover Lithium Blue with DLB-G24 12-volt deep-cycle battery that provides 100 AH weighs just 25.3 pounds. Concerns about the flammability of lithium batteries have largely dissipated with the advent of safe, reliable lithium-iron, colbalt-free technology.

Given the relatively new technology and specialized charging requirements, boaters should seriously consider consulting a qualified installer when switching a house battery-bank to lithium technology.

To learn more about lithium technology, take a look at this video on the Lithium Blue batteries. Courtesy Discover Battery

Battery Size

Marine 12-volt battery sizes vary widely from big, bulky 8D-series batteries for diesel-powered sportfishers to relatively small 24-series batteries for skiffs with 50 hp outboards. What size is best for your boat?

“The best bet is to replace your boat battery with the same size that is already in the boat,” Campbell says. “If that’s not possible, look for the battery specifications in the owner’s manuals for your marine power and boat.”

If in doubt, the bigger the battery, the more cold cranking amps (CCA), reserve capacity (RC) and AH it will provide. So bigger is better, but with a caveat. “Size hinges largely on the available onboard space for batteries, and so this may well dictate the size” Campbell advises. “Weight is also a consideration with a lead-acid battery.” Smaller boats might not be well suited to big, heavy batteries.

If in doubt, consult your boat dealer or service shop about the best battery sizes for your boat and style of fishing.

Number of Batteries

When it comes to the number of onboard marine batteries, much depends on the number of engines and the power demands of onboard equipment. As with determining the size of batteries, a good rule of thumb is to stay with the same number of batteries as were in the boat originally. However, as you add equipment such as an audio system, windlass or electric trolling motor, you might need to change the number and configuration of marine batteries to meet new power demands.

Read Next: Battery Selection and Charging for Fishing Boats

Saltwater trolling motors, for example, can often require a dedicated bank of two or three deep-cycle batteries wired in series to create a 24- or 36-volt system, respectively. Such systems can be complicated to configure, and so it’s a good idea to consult qualified boat dealers or marine technicians to handle these installations.

Time for Replacement

How do you know when it’s time to replace batteries? “Most boaters know intuitively when a battery bank is running low,” Campbell says. “For instance, onboard equipment such as a trolling motor might not run as long and strong as it used to.”

You can also test a battery with a multi-meter or load tester, but if you don’t feel confident with such test equipment, you can take your batteries to an auto parts store or boat dealer to have them load tested. “If in doubt, talk to a battery professional about whether your batteries need to be replaced or not,” Campbell advises.

New Technologies

Though lithium technology represents a mighty advancement in marine DC power, it might be just be one step in the accelerating evolution of batteries. Solid-state batteries, for example, represent a burgeoning technology that holds promise for the boaters of tomorrow, but no one can predict if or when this might become available to boating anglers.

“There are new battery technologies being developed regularly,” Campbell points out, but observes that many never make it to commercialization for a variety of reasons. “In some cases, the newer technology is simply too expensive or not able to be made into smaller battery configurations to fit in a boat,”

More Information

To learn more in-depth information about batteries and which ones are right for your boat, Campbell suggests visiting discoverbattery.com and downloading the Battery 101 PDF document that contains a wealth of information and frequently ask questions about selecting and configuring battery systems of all types.

For additional information, visit westmarine.com for advice on battery installation.

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6 Best Deep Cycle Marine Batteries – (Reviews & Guide 2021)

The arrival of the fishing season brings with itself a lot of preparation. You need to check on your boat, equipment, and make sure that everything is in order. The most important thing, besides the overall tools and fishing tackles, is to have your boat ready to take on long days of fishing. Having the best deep cycle marine battery is just the thing that will help you do that.

Having a reliable deep cycle marine battery is essential as it is not only a matter of good performance but is often a matter of safety as well.

As this is a significant device, it requires lots of research, and this is not as easy as it sounds. Our job, however, is helping our readers, that’s why we have made the scrutiny for you. Our buying guide consists of many tips, helpful information, and most importantly reviews on the best deep cycle marine batteries.

Best Deep Cycle Marine Batteries Comparison Chart

Best deep cycle marine batteries (newest models), 1. vmaxtanks solar deep cycle rechargeable battery.

The battery is built with military-grade custom made plates to ensure high performance and long life span. Being an AGM sealed battery, it is maintenance-free and gives you flexible mounting options. Moreover, it has the benefit of recharging quickly. The battery is quite durable as it can withstand the impact of excessive vibration and shocks.

There is an option to acquire an additional battery calculator. It will be useful in determining the number of batteries needed for your specific AC or DC power requirements.

• 12 months warranty
• 8 to 10 years service life span in float mode
• Build with military-grade custom made plates
• Quite heavy weighing 77 pounds
• Liable to overcharge which will cut the service life span

2. Mighty Max Battery Deep Cycle AGM Battery

This is an AGM sealed battery and requires no maintenance. Moreover, it gives you the freedom to mount the battery anywhere that suits your surroundings without fear of leakage. It is able to resist shocks and vibration. The battery can withstand both low and high temperatures making it a great choice as a marine battery.

The ML-35-12 uses a calcium-alloy grid to store more energy and boosts its performance for a longer time. Having said that, it is worth noting that once the battery is drained, it takes time to recharge.

• High discharge rate
• Ideal for boats due to the compact design
• One-year warranty
• Takes time to recharge
• Minimal amp rate

3. Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery

The product is rated deep cycle AGM battery and thus comes with the typical features of AGM batteries such as leak-proof, spill-proof and maintenance-free. It is also shocks and vibration resistant which will result in higher durability.

The manufacturer recommends avoiding over-discharging batteries, especially when they are in series or parallel connection for a longer life span. It should be discharged to a maximum of 50%. The battery packs a lot of power and has a capacity of 100 amp-hours.

• Two- year warranty
• High capacity 100 Ah marine battery
• Sealed, maintenance-free operation
• Even though it is spill-proof and leak-proof, mounting is difficult due to its heavy weight
• Requires a special charger

4. Optima 8016 Bluetop Starting And Deep Cycle Marine Battery

The Bluetop Optima 8016 has a dual purpose, meaning it serves both deep cycle application and the starting application. It is maintenance-free and works well even in harsh weather. The unique spiral-cell technology ensures not only clean power source but also efficiency, high output and long running time. Moreover, it is 15 times more resistant to vibration making it extra durable.

Another great feature of this battery is that it has a reserve capacity of 120 minutes which gives you an ample amount of time to recharge it before reducing its amps to a minimal level.

• Optimal starting power even in harsh weather
• Highly durable as it is 15 times more resistant to vibration
• Reserve capacity of 120 minutes
• 99% pure lead plates for more energy storage
• Risk of overcharging

5. Interstate Batteries Sealed Lead Acid Replacement Battery

A product of Interstate Batteries, this deep cycle battery requires no maintenance as it is a sealed lead acid-SLA battery. This also means that there will be no room for leakage and hence gives you great options for mounting in any position.

Like any deep cycle battery, it has a decent long-running service life but needs an ample amount of time to recharge fully once it is drained. Full recharging can take up to 12 hours or more.

Another advantage is that the battery can resist vibration and shocks. This will result in increasing the longevity of the cell.

• Modest size and lightweight makes it an excellent choice
• Maintenance-free
• Resists vibration
• Takes too long to recharge
• Not powerful enough for a golf cart

6. Optima 34M Bluetop Marine Starting Battery

The battery has a reserve capacity of 100 minutes for consistent performance and long running time. It boasts having 3 times more recharges than other marine batteries. With no maintenance required, you can mount the battery in almost any position as it is sealed and resists against vibration.

The patented spiral cell technology is environmentally friendly and ensures safe usage. It also gives you the advantage of higher reserve capacity resulting in longer shelf-life.

• Highly durable as it is 15 times more resistant to vibration and shocks
• Excellent for starting application even in harsh conditions.
• Environmentally friendly
• Cannot be used for deep cycle application
• Not compatible with all types of chargers

What is a Deep Cycle Marine Battery?

To understand what exactly a deep cycle battery is, how it works and what it does, we need to start with marine batteries in general, and their three basic types: Cranking/Starting Marine Battery, Dual Purpose Marine Battery, and the subject of our article – Power/Deep Cycle Marine Battery. Let’s have a closer look at the deep cycle marine batteries, as they are the type that we are actually interested in, and then say a few words for the other two types.

Power/ Deep Cycle Marine Batteries

We could say that these batteries are the equivalent of ‘marathon runners.’ A deep-cycle battery is a device meant to be routinely discharged all the way down. The majority of deep cycle batteries on the market nowadays are lead-acid batteries. It is important to remember that the number of discharge and charge cycles a battery can perform and the depth of discharge (DOD) are inversely proportional. A depth of discharge that is around 50% is considered to be the most optimal choice when it comes to expenses and storage.

Unlike cranking marine batteries, power/ deep cycle marine batteries are perfect for providing power to electronics and appliances, without the risk of overheating. For this reason, these are the types of cells that we are most familiar with.

The lead battery plates are what sets the deep-cycle batteries from the cranking ones. Deep cycle plates have separators and their active plates are also thicker. The plates of a deep-cycle battery are made of alloys that have more antimony compared to that of cranking batteries. For this reason, this type of cells resists corrosion through extended discharge and charge cycles.

Nowadays, newer technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries are getting more and more common in this same form factor. However, they are too expensive.

Cranking/Starting Marine Batteries

If we continue with our comparison, while the deep cycle marine batteries were the marathon runners in our contest, the starting marine cells can be referred to as the ‘sprinters.’ They will not provide a steady, consistent stream of power. On the contrary, for a brief period, these devices give you a high power discharge to get your engine started, and then they turn over the powering duties to an alternator.

As starting marine batteries are vulnerable to overheating they cannot be used to provide a reliable source of power to appliances. Their primary purpose is to ignite the motor of your boat and to regularly make sure that you can navigate and go slow or full throttle.

Dual Purpose Marine Batteries

As their name hints, these ‘players’ know both how to sprint and how to run a long distance. In other words, a dual purpose marine battery is a hybrid that can provide a boost of power to crank, start your engine and at the same time provide a steady stream of energy to your appliances.

Now we know this sounds great, but we are sure you have heard the old saying ‘To do two things at once is to do neither.’ This is precisely the case with dual purpose marine batteries- they can do neither of the tasks mentioned above exceptionally well. Their lifespan is also not as long as the one of an actual deep cycle battery.

Benefits of Using a Deep Cycle Marine Battery

• Deep Cycle Marine Batteries can be discharged down to 80 percent (deep cycled) without causing damage.
• They provide power to electronics and appliances.
• Low risk of overheating.
• They have solid lead plates.
• Long lifespan.
• There is a wide range of applications:

–    Cathodic protection (might include marine usage)

–    Other underwater usages, especially on sailboats that lack power. (generally smaller vessels)

–    Fishing boats with trolling motors

–    Industrial machinery that is electrically-propelled

–    Energy storage schemes for wind or polar power

–    Power for equipment and instruments, and more.

Drawbacks of Using a Deep Cycle Marine Battery

When you choose a product it is essential to know its weak sides as well, so let’s have a look:

• Heavier than Starting Marine Batteries.
• Deep Cycle Marine Batteries require regular maintenance and depending on the type of battery you choose you will need to do different things. For example, if you decide on a flooded battery, you will need to provide distilled water every time you refill it.
• Many of the batteries can be permanently damaged by incorrect charging, so there is no place for mistakes with such devices.

Battery Composition Types

Generally, deep-cycle marine batteries fall into two major categories: FLA (flooded) and VRLA (valve-regulated lead-acid). However, the VRLA category is further subdivided into two types- Gel batteries and AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat batteries).

Flooded Batteries

It is not that hard to understand what a flooded battery is and how exactly it works. These batteries contain a quantity of electrolyte fluid that makes sure that the plates are entirely submerged. That’s also why their name is ‘flooded’ batteries. The electrolyte level has to be above the tops of plates. That means that such cells require regular addition of water and inspection of the electrolyte level.

Flooded batteries are really popular as their lifespan could extend beyond 1,000 deep cycles, with the proper maintenance, of course. Of all composition types, their up-front cost is also the least prohibitive. However, as we already said, the interior of the battery is accessible to the elements, and therefore such cells require constant upkeep.

Another disadvantage of using flooded batteries is the fact that they do not handle vibrations well. That restricts the places they can be used since leakage of the acid cell is really dangerous. Such units also require a proper ventilation for they emit hydrogen gas.

Keep in mind that although flooded batteries are the most cost-efficient option at the outset, they will undoubtedly increase the overall investment required for operations, as each time you refill them you need to provide distilled water.

Gelled Batteries

Gelled batteries have a lot in common with the flooded ones. However, as they are not filled with liquid, they have far fewer restrictions. When composed properly, a gel battery offers exceptional resistance to vibration.

Such batteries are also very durable. They can be saved away for long periods without being charged since they have a self-discharge rate of roughly 1% per month. Their most significant pro is that they are sealed and maintenance-free.

However, as with any other thing in our life, gelled batteries also have some disadvantages. They are indeed very few. One of them is the fact that you can’t investigate the inside of the cell and therefore you can never know if the liquid gels properly. This can be really dangerous, especially if we talk about lower-quality Gelled batteries.

The second drawback that is worth mentioning is the special charger many Gelled Marine Batteries require. This means that even if you already have a marine battery charger  to die for, you may need to buy a new one – so check out our article about it. The reason for this is that they need to be charged at a much lower voltage than the average marine battery. In addition to the fact, the unit itself costs more, gelled batteries are definitely not for everyone.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)

Many people believe that AGMs are the future of Marine Batteries. Absorbed Glass Mat Batteries are also called Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) Batteries . They boast a unique technological backbone as they use electrolyte absorbed mats which allow hydrogen and oxygen to combine in a manner that creates its own water. The result is a battery that can be placed pretty much anywhere, regardless of mounting angle and vibrations.

AGMs are also convenient when it comes to maintenance. However, they might not be a good option when weight restrictions are a consideration as they are much more massive than their counterparts. These batteries have a self-discharge rate of about 3% per month, so their lifespan is not as long as the one of Gelled Marine Batteries.

Their most significant disadvantage is the fact that they are vulnerable to being rendered completely defective should they accidentally be overcharged. Still, despite the risk these units carry, most of the popular batteries on the market nowadays are of the Absorbed Glass Mat variety.

Important Battery Ratings to Look For

This is the first number most people look for. Amp-hours (Ah) expresses the total amount of chemical energy your battery will be able to store and release as electricity. Simply put, Amp-hours show the length of time your battery will operate before recharging is required. The formula by which Amp-hours work is 20 x (amps per hour). So, for example, if your battery has a 150 Ah, that means it will be able to generate 7.5 amps per hour.

Our advice to you is always to overestimate the Amp Hour rating requirement. This is because a battery is never guaranteed to discharge its entire amperage each cycle.

The Voltage indicates the electromotive power/ force of the current that is supplied by the battery.  When replacing batteries, it is essential to ensure the voltage is correct.

Marine Batteries can be found in 12, 18, or 24 volts. 12-volt batteries are perfect for small vessels with lightweight outboard motors  and these products have also been covered by our team in a separate piece. Larger boats that have plenty of space might be better suited for 18 or 24-volt batteries. However, they can also be operated with a bank of 12V units.

Marine Cranking Amps

This is the crucial metric for cranking batteries. MCA is the amount of amperage that is generated when starting the engine, in 32 degrees Fahrenheit conditions.

It is essential that before you buy a battery, you go check the recommended MCA of the engine with which you plan to use the battery. Then, choose a battery with a higher MCA rating as it is better to have a bit more amperage than you actually need. However, be careful! If you are starting a small engine, you don’t need a battery strong enough for a freighter.

Cold Cranking Amps

The climate in which you plan to use your battery is an essential factor. If you live in a tropical environment or somewhere that is rarely too cold, CCA, or Cold Cranking Amps, is not so outstanding. However, when it comes to more freezing temperatures, you have to look for a battery that has a CCA rating of at least 500.

The CCA rating is defined as the amount of amperage your battery will provide to maintain around 7.2 volts for 30 seconds at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. CCA rating of 500 would be good enough to sustain 10 volts over these 30 seconds.

Reserve Capacity

When shopping for a Deep Cycle Marine Battery, this is the most significant metric. RC is defined as the number of minutes your battery requires to discharge 10.5 volts by 25 amps. Therefore, the higher the RC of the cell, the longer it will be able to charge your appliances and electronics.

We recommend that you look for a Deep Cycle Marine Battery that has an RC in the range of 60-120 minutes. The most reliable Deep Cycle Marine Batteries, however, will have a rating of 180+.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Deep Cycle Marine Battery

Battery ratings.

As this is something we already discussed, we won’t get into details again. Just remember that when shopping for a Deep Cycle Marine Battery the two most essential battery ratings are reserve capacity and ampere-hour rating.

It is essential to be sure that your battery can fit in the available space. There are different battery sizes, such as 27, 31, 6D, and more. The size of the cell is also closely connected to the output and the power holding capacity.

Now we all know that weight is a byproduct of how large the battery is. However, it is still something you need to consider because if you want, for example, to minimize weight for efficiency and speed, you will have to get a single battery, and not one of the Absorbed Glass Mat kind.  

Date of Manufacture

Now, this is essential, especially if you decide to get yourself a second-hand battery. Over time, cells start to lose their effectiveness and are no longer able to maintain the same charge as they once could. Even if your battery is unused and new, if it is one-year-old, for example, it will not perform as well as one that has just been delivered from the factory.

Therefore, it is imperative to check the manufacturing date of the battery. Units which are less than six months old would offer reliable performance, with little or even no loss of starting power or reserve capacity.

Maintenance and Design

The design you choose will determine the maintenance of your product. Older lead-acid batteries are a nuisance to own as they require regular maintenance. Newer cells, such as absorbed glass matt ones require zero maintenance, and many people prefer them.

Special Functions

Some batteries can be installed in any position. Others are water-proof or can be inverted upside down. These are all features that could be very useful for the marine field. Many deep cycle batteries come with thicker plates so that they could tolerate deeper cycles. When choosing a product, always look for these particular functions as they could really make your life so much easier.

Battery Maintenance

Maintaining your deep cycle marine battery the right way is essential. Here are some simple tips you can follow to extend the life of your battery to its maximum:

• You must not discharge your battery to below 20% capacity too often, as recharging a flat battery generates accelerated sulfation and heat and therefore, damages the electrodes. Nowadays, many cells have automatic cut-off switches to prevent excessive discharging.
• Remember that batteries left in storage will slowly self-discharge. If you want to prevent them from going completely flat and get damaged, you will need to give them an occasional top-up. Some batteries have a low self-discharge rate, which means that they could be safely stored up for a more extended period without charging. However, most of the cells will need topping-up more often.
• You need to charge your lead-acid batteries correctly. Overcharging or charging too quickly might cause an acid leak, hydrogen fire, short-circuit, and even a battery-case explosion. Using a smart digital float charger that has an electric current and temperature regulation is always a good idea.
• Keep your battery and cable connections clean. Dirty connections are the main reason for many battery problems.
• The fact that the gases from the battery that condense on metal parts are the main reason for most corrosion is unknown to many people. To prevent cable corrosion on top-post batteries, follow these steps:
• At the base of the post, use a little silicone sealer.
• Place a battery washer over the sealer.
• Use high-temperature oil or even Vaseline (petroleum jelly) to coat the washer.
• Having done that, place the cable on the post and fasten it.
• The last step is to smear the cable visible end with some grease.

  Safety Tips:

• Do not add new electrolyte.
• Do not use an unregulated high output battery charger.
• Do not detach the battery cables when the engine is operational.
• Do not put off recharging your battery.
• Do not add tap water.
• You should not discharge a battery any more profound than you actually have to.
• If your battery is way too hot while charging- something is not okay.
• Regular maintenance and inspection is a must, especially in hot weather.
• A good rule of thumb is to recharge your battery immediately after discharge.
• Look for batteries with the highest RC and Ah measures to fit your configuration.
• If you purchase a used boat, always change the battery!

Installing Your Deep Cycle Marine Battery

If you don’t know how to install your battery just follow these simple steps:

• Switch your old marine battery switch to ‘off.’ Disconnect the cables, starting with the negative one. Gently lift the battery and remove it.
• Make sure that the terminals of your new battery are lined up with the cables. Put your new battery into the battery compartment or box.
• Before attaching the cables, apply a small amount of Vaseline to each terminal. This way you will ensure a robust and reliable connection.
• Reconnect the cables, starting with the positive terminal. Use a wrench to make sure that the wires are firmly attached to the terminals.
• Place the lid back on the battery box.

When Should You Replace Your Battery?

Your battery will not last forever, even with the proper maintenance. Therefore, it is essential to know when it’s time for a replacement. If you see any of the signs below, then it may be time to go shopping.

• You have to jumpstart your battery.
• Your battery finds it really difficult to turn the starter over.
• The electronics and lighting dim or go out while starting.
• Your battery finds it hard to hold a charge.
• Your battery is submerged.
• Your battery discharges too often between uses.

Well done! You have successfully finished our buying guide on finding the best deep cycle marine battery . Having read our reviews on the best deep cycle marine batteries and our additional information and tips, you now realize that finding a reliable product can be a bit hard.

We hope that with this article, we have stirred you in the right direction and you have found a product that will fully satisfy your needs. If that is indeed true, don’t forget to show this piece to others because they might also find it helpful. If there is anything, you would like to tell us, feel free to pop us an email or just write down a comment in the comment section.

If you enjoyed this article, you would be pleased to know that we have many other pieces devoted to finding the most reliable product. Go check them out! Thanks for reading, and as always- stay put!

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Best Marine, Lithium and Trolling Motor Batteries

Jason sealock.

• Feb 29, 2024

Marine batteries for electronics, starting outboards and powering 24-volt or 36-volt trolling motors have come a long way in the last 20 years. Where we basically had a cranking battery and a deep cycle lead acid battery for our trolling motors, now we have a plethora of options from AGMs to Lithium and of course still lead acids. The marine batteries of today are some of the best trolling motor batteries and best marine electronics batteries we’ve ever had at our disposal.

With all this new technology in batteries, especially around lithium options, it’s created a lot of misinformation and made it more complicated to find the right battery for your setup and budget. This piece will share a ton of hands-on experience on the best marine batteries and trolling motor batteries out there today and how each one and each company handles their batteries. We will give you a bunch of good options you can trust.

We have also interviewed several of the engineers for today’s batteries and will follow up with a comprehensive guide to lithium power in another piece shortly. In addition, we have individual reviews of each battery coming shortly as well.

OUR PICKS FOR BEST MARINE / TROLLING MOTOR BATTERIES

• BEST OVERALL – MillerTech Lithium 12V 135 Ah Dual Purpose Battery
• BEST LITHIUM OPTIONS  – Dakota Lithium / MillerTech Lithium
• BEST TROLLING MOTOR BATTERY – RELiON Lithium 36V 40Ah / MillerTech Lithium 24V 100Ah
• BEST KAYAK BATTERY – ZPRO Lithium 12V 50Ah / Dakota Lithium 12V 46Ah
• BEST ELECTRONICS BATTERY – Powerhouse Lithium 16V 80Ah / Precision Sonar Lithium 12V 100Ah
• BEST BUDGET LITHIUM MARINE BATTERY – Goldenmate Lithium 12V 100Ah Orion 1000
• BEST BUDGET LEAD ACID MARINE BATTERY  – Everstart Marine 29DC

DAKOTA LITHIUM 12V 100AH

Best Selection of Lithium Marine Battery Options

Of all the lithium options out there, we have the most experience with Dakota Lithium. I have run Dakota Lithiums for the last two years. I have used the 12V 100AH batteries and have charged them with both the Dakota Lithium 10A charger and the Minn Kota MK550PCL LiFePO4 compatible charge r. Our team in Minnesota has run multiple configurations of Dakota Lithiums on the ice, in boats and in kayaks.

What we have loved is how well these batteries manage their power and how consistent they always are. I have tested them to several extremes: fishing hard on hot above 100-degree days as well as fishing on below freezing days. I’ve gone up to four trips without charging them and had them finally go to sleep on my fifth trip. And I’m always able to wake them easily by just plugging them up to their Dakota 12V charger. 

The best part is I now charge them after every use and they are never below 75% on my trolling motor batteries or my electronics battery. They are charged and ready to rock in under an hour most days. It’s pretty incredible how well they hold up and provide clean, consistent power. Additionally, they make some great lithium chargers in 12V, 24V and 36V options. 

Dakota Lithium has been providing stable lithium power for longer than a lot of other brands, and their batteries are some of the most proven in a wide plethora of applications. They offer some of the most robust options as well as, considerably, the widest array of options to fit any scenario or need you could have in fishing. Even their smaller batteries are solid choices for kayak fishing and ice fishing applications as we’ve used them a bunch for both.

• Longtime Proven Platform
• Tons of Options
• Great Chargers
• Great Warranty
• Smack dab in the middle of the high end on price

Buy at FishUSA

MILLERTECH LITHIUM 12V DUAL PURPOSE 135Ah 

Best Dual Cranking and Electronics Battery / Best Service

Millertech is one of the more impressive lithium battery options out there with more than 15 different options of lithium batteries for anglers and boaters with more in design now. They have a battery to fit every application a fisherman may need. Their prices range from $329 up to $1,499 covering a lot of bases in batteries that will last you 5-10 years, sometimes much longer depending on usage.

We spent a lot of time testing their batteries in a variety of situations from powering electronics, starting an outboard and powering a trolling motor. Their battery management system (BMS) is very well designed, and we never encountered the first problem.  It hardly seemed that the batteries even got drained down. I ran the Millertech Dual Purpose 12V 135Ah lithium battery for several trips without charging and it was still more than 50% charged. A very impressive battery to say the least.

The battery is rated at 1,500 cold cranking amps, which is not really a thing in lithium power, but it’s more than enough to start an outboard. What you actually need to start an outboard is so many continuous amps for a number of seconds. Say, 5 seconds. So say 20 amps at 5 seconds. This battery has 200 continuous amps. Now keep in mind, you might not want to get this as a cranking battery if you have an engine where it voids the warranty, like Yamaha. However, you can for sure with a Mercury outboard and probably other brands as well. So it’s more than enough to crank your outboard and power your graphs all day long. 

We’ve also tested the 24V 80Ah battery as a single battery for a 24-volt trolling motor, and it’s been super impressive as well. The batteries are extremely well made, manage power terrifically and charge fast. We are reassured that any issue that might come up will be handled swiftly. 

What you really pay for in this battery are the quality components and build and the service and hassle free warranty. This is where Millertech really shines. They believe that is where they excel. They are making batteries to last a long time, but they are standing behind them with a no-hassle, long-term warranty with quick, immediate service. We talked to the owner Lester Miller about this recently.

“All of the top lithium battery makers are using the best cells,” Miller said. “Can I make a battery better than the other guys? Probably not if we are all using the best available stuff. But what I can do is make sure if you have a problem, I take care of it. And if you dial our phone for support, someone answers immediately. If you spend a lot of money on a lithium battery, someone better pick up the phone when you call and need them. That’s what we’re focused on. Building the best, smartest batteries possible that fit the actual needs of anglers, and then being there if they need us or just have a question about the best way to maintain their battery.”

Full disclosure, we know a lot about lithium power now thanks in large part to spending time learning from the engineers at these companies and owners like Lester Miller. This is one of the best batteries we have tested thus far. Read the full spec sheet here.

• Great warranty
• Great builds and expertise
• Best in class service
• Lots of pro anglers using these
• Price at the upper end but not most expensive

BUY AT MILLERTECH

ZPRO LITHIUM 12V 50AH

Best Kayak Fishing Battery

Compact. Light. Powerful. These are all reasons we rated this as a top choice for Fishing Kayaks. I have been running the ZPRO Lithium 12V 50Ah battery in my Jackson Kayak Byte FD to power my Livescope and 9-inch graph. It’s impressive how good my screen looks and how it’s good all day. The battery charges quickly at the end of the day as well. ZPRO has done a lot of testing and provides a lot of options that fit a wide variety of fishing applications from kayak batteries to full 36-volt trolling motor solutions and everything in between. 

The 12V 50Ah comes with a handy app that tells you how each individual cell is doing as well as operating temperature, voltage levels and a lot more! It’s one of the better apps for these bluetooth battery options we’ve tested. We also got the 10AMP charger for $79. It charges the battery fast enough to be back on the water in about 4 hours. 

I keep mine in the YakAttack BackPak Pro Krate along with my Livescope module. I can take the whole crate out and charge and travel with ease. Then I can fasten the crate to my Kayak to keep my battery secure on the water. The ZPRO Lithium 12V 50Ah has been a perfect kayak solution for me.

• Great size and weight for kayaks
• Great app with lots of information
• Powers graph and add-ons for full long days
• Very good service
• Upper end on pricing

BUY AT ZPRO LITHIUM

PRECISION POWER LITHIUM 12V 100AH

Best Electronics Dedicated Battery

A relative newcomer to the Marine Battery market, the Precision Power has been testing for more than 2 years behind the scenes, putting their battery through every possible scenario through a network of anglers and using that feedback to perfect the control board and algorithms of their lithium battery prior to release. Their engineer has arguably some of the most extensive knowledge and background in lithium power of anyone in the industry. They are moving slowly and cautiously to understand how lithium power is needed in fishing boats and what issues anglers constantly face with power in boats to best address these concerns with the best batteries on the market. Several batteries are in development now that they have done the ground work on what is missing and needed in lithium power for marine applications. 

All of this is in an effort to make sure fishermen feel confident they are getting a well made, solid battery at the price. It is IP66 rated for waterproof build. The death knell of lithium power is water. So keeping water off the cells is paramount. Where most folks run into trouble is charging a really cold battery, and the heat builds up condensation inside the battery. These batteries have a slick display panel for the status of the battery and an app on Android. The Apple app is going through final stages of approval. 

The batteries have a 5-year full warranty and a 10-year limited warranty. Customer service is what they pride themselves on. Working at all hours of the night to help fishermen make sure they are good to go the next morning for an early tournament. They are also currently developing other options so their lineup will continue to expand after perfecting this first battery for marine electronics—their bread and butter knowledge base.

• Very good engineering (longtime lithium power engineer)
• Lots of application testing
• Outstanding support
• Newer company 
• 5 year full warranty compared to 10 for others

Buy at Precision Sonar

POWERHOUSE LITHIUM 16V 80AH

Most Powerful Electronics Battery / Best Bluetooth App

The voltage is probably what stood out to you on the list, as it should. This is actually a great differentiator and what sets this marine battery apart from its counterparts. This was the first, and one of just a couple, 16V lithium multi-cell marine battery options on the market. While some of you are worried about it blowing up your graphs, it’s actually the opposite. Many guys have been powering their Livescope box with jimmy-rigged cordless drill batteries that are 16 volts. Today’s modern electronics are power hogs and actually want more than 12-volts. Increased power allows you to have a cleaner image, especially on live imaging and forward-facing technologies.

Terry Brown has been running the PowerHouse Lithium battery system in his boat and raves about how clear and bright his graphs are while fishing all day without any interference or stepping down while the motor is in use. He paired it with a PowerHouse Lithium Run and Gun 16V Charger so he can charge his batteries on the water and off. 

PowerHouse Lithium offers good warranties that include full replacement for the first 7 years. At 7-10 years, it is repair or replacement, whichever is necessary. They also offer the only additional extended offer past 10 years where at 11-15 years you can still get a 30% discount on buying your replacement if you are the original owner as a reward for being a loyal customer.

Their service is some of the fastest and preventative in the industry. Their app checks for potential problems on a constant basis with the battery. The app will report a slight degradation in any cell, so you can file a claim and get a replacement quickly BEFORE YOUR BATTERY DIES. You don’t even have to send the battery back for verification, you simply send the app screenshot of the cell in question and they ship your replacement, sometimes same day if filed early enough. Customers in Zone 1 or 2 will have a new battery the next day and usually 2-3 days for everyone else. You might not even experience any downtime.

This is another solid brand doing some unique things with lithium marine power. 

• Unique 16V option for cleaner electronics
• Very good customer service
• App has preventative monitoring for issues
• Bonus discounts past 10 year warranty

BUY AT OMNIA FISHING

RELiON LITHIUM RB 36V 40Ah

Reliable 36V System

These came in late in our testing, so they have not been in our boats as long as some others. I am super impressed with the RELiON  36V 40Ah system. I’m currently running the 36V 40Ah battery in parallel with another one and getting 80Ah on my 36V system. These batteries are powerhouses. You get a 38.4V system 1536Wh per battery with a capacity of 40Ah and you can run the system in parallel to double your amp hours. 

What many folks don’t know is that 36V controllers are made to work in 36V environments and give you way more leeway in one battery degrading your whole system. First, you have to understand in parallel or series systems, when one battery goes down, the whole thing is down. You’re only as good as your worst battery.

With a 12V battery you have 4 cells at roughly 3.2V or something like that to get you to 12.8V. So if one of those cells gets close to its shutoff level, the whole battery is dead. This gives you less leeway in that shutoff threshold. However, if you have a 36V system you have a lot more leeway with one cell shutting down the battery. Ultimately, 36V systems in parallel are actually a better choice for anglers than three 12V batteries in a series. Your 12-volt batteries have 12V controllers and are somewhat limited on managing a 36V system. A 36V controller is way better equipped to handle your 36V power environment in each battery and as a system. 

The RELiON 36V 40Ah batteries impressed me with their power. I ran a trolling motor the other day on a windy day for about 4 hours. When I got off the water and checked the charge (part of my testing), I had used hardly anything for power. I hooked it up to my 36V 18A Dakota Lithium Charger, and in 8 minutes my batteries were fully charged. Now, granted, a Garmin Force is very good at managing power consumption when on Anchor Lock. I was doing that a lot and used almost nothing out of my RELiON system. I have a lot of examples of this. I’m somewhat amazed how little these RELiON batteries have to be charged. An hour on my charger most days, and the system is fully charged again.

It’s some of the cleanest power I’ve used. This battery is $1,089 which lands it middle of the road for other comparable 36V lithium batteries with similar amp hours. Not the best but not the worst either. They are part of the Navico group so if you’re a Lowrance guy, they are being optimized for those systems. They power my Garmin system equally well. Lastly, they don’t make chargers so you will need a lithium charger of your own.

• It manages power consumption very well
• Charges fast as a result
• 36V system option
• Price is upper range but less than some for comparable batteries
• 7 Year Full Replacement Warranty while several others are 10

BUY AT AMAZON

BUY AT WEST MARINE

IMPULSE LITHIUM

Reliable 36V and 12V options

Wired2fish Associate Editor Sam Hanggi switched over to all lithium batteries a few years ago. Currently he runs the 12.8-volt, 160-amp hour Impulse Lithium as both a cranking battery and to run all five of his graphs. He also runs two 36.8-volt, 40-amp hour Platinum Series Impulse Lithium batteries for his Ghost trolling motor. He charges all of his Impulse Lithium batteries using the Power-Pole Charge . 

Not only did he go from 5 lead acid batteries to three lithiums, but he went from 300 pounds to 91 pounds in his battery compartment with these Impulse Lithiums.

He has been testing these batteries for a while. The 12.8V 160Ah Impulse Lithium battery will run 5 graphs, plus Humminbird 360 and Active Target 2 modules, all day for several days before needing to charge. It also has plenty of continuous cranking amps to fire a Mercury 250 PRO XS 4-stroke without fail. They charge quickly and hold a charge well with a good lithium charger.

Impulse Lithium also offers a full, 10-year (non-prorated) warranty on their batteries. Read our full review on Impulse Lithium 12.8V and 36.4V batteries . 

• Proven platform (lots of pros using these)
• Full 10-year warranty
• Good options
• Higher Price

BUY FROM IMPULSE LITHIUM

GOLDENMATE LITHIUM 12V 100Ah

Best Budget Lithium Battery

We took a chance on the Goldenmate battery after seeing it on Amazon. They reached out to us, and we agreed to test it to see if one of these lower priced Amazon batteries was as good as the rest. I have to say, we have been very pleased with this battery thus far, especially at $295 (discount for W2F readers). It has a great digital read out on top, as you charge it. It has a bluetooth app that connected quickly and kept me informed on the battery through my testing. I charged it with a 10A 12V LiFePO4 charger, it charged fast and the charger shut off correctly. We used it as our electronics battery; I was also able to fish 4 trips with it before having to charge it again. So it has a good run time. 

I actually expected to have issues as there are so many off-brands on Amazon, that it’s sometimes difficult to tell the good ones from the less reputable ones. The Goldenmate Orion 1000 has been nothing short of impressive to me. Obviously longevity is the question here as is service. So I will continue testing that more and report back. They use grade A cells, and the warranty is 5 years for manufacturer defects. They report that you will get 10 years or 3,000 to 5,000 cycles. Even after that period you will still get 75% to 80% of the battery’s rated capacity as it slowly degrades after 10 years. Service is also said to be “within 24 hours” so it won’t be instant and quick like the more prominent brands. 

I give this battery a thumbs up. It was my most pleasant surprise in the group as a lesser known brand. Goldenmate is offering our readers a discount on their batteries as well.

If you buy direct from Goldenmate on the button below, you can use code WIRE2FISH to SAVE 30% on their site . Use this code: 786Q9JNH  to save 5% on the Amazon link below.

• Good Price for Lithium power
• Battery performs well
• Great readout and info on battery app
• Service is “within 24 hours”
• Warranty is shorter than most at 5 years

BUY AT AMAZON Discount Code: 786Q9JNH

BUY AT GOLDENMATE Discount Code: WIRE2FISH

EVERSTART MARINE

Best Budget Lead Acid Battery

I ran the Walmart Everstart Batteries for more than a decade without a single problem. I had 3 of those 29 series Deep Cycle batteries last me more than 5 years. The fact that you can pay roughly $100 and get a battery to power your stuff for 5 years is a pretty darn good deal in my opinion. I still use an Everstart Marine battery for my cranking battery because all it does is start the boat and run my livewells.

These are simple, no-nonsense lead acid batteries. They will degrade over time and not put out as much power in the latter years. However, they are easy to keep charged if left on a trickle charger or charged right after use. They come with a 2-year, free-replacement warranty. I’ve even had them prorated if brought back in year three, which is when they start to degrade. This battery also has 845 MCA to start your outboard. Although it’s made specifically for marine deep cycle use. 

• Price is great compared to lithium options
• Familiarity for users of lead acid batteries 
• Can be charged by nearly all chargers 12V Chargers
• Shorter lifespan than lithium
• Needs to be charged after every use to prevent early degradation
• Only 2-year warranty
• Battery will reduce in power during the day unlike lithiums

BUY AT WALMART

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING MARINE BATTERIES

When it comes to marine batteries or trolling motor batters, you have your typical 12-volt lead acid batteries, AGM (or Gel Mat) batteries and you have lithium batteries (LiFe PO4). These can be used to start an outboard, power lights and pumps, power multiple electronics and fish finders and run a 12, 24 or 36-volt trolling motor. One of the key components are that the batteries are waterproof. The batteries need to provide ample energy and duration to power your various needs on the boat or kayak and, the batteries need to do so for many years. Obviously there is a tradeoff between price and longevity. When it comes to technologies like lithium batteries, you pay more for service, support and warranty as well as improved information about your battery through bluetooth apps and on-battery displays. 

The two main things you need to know before purchasing a marine battery are your budget and your power needs. You can rough estimate some of it. But you can also power to cover your bases. A 12-volt lead acid battery that is a 31 series will have a bit longer run time than a lead acid battery that is a 24 series. They will also generally have more continuous cranking amps to start an outboard multiple times throughout a day of fishing. Likewise, a 12V 160Ah battery is going to be able to run more electronics for a longer period than, say, a 12V 40Ah battery will. Start to game it out by asking yourself simple questions like the following:

• How many graphs do you have? (2 in the front and 2 in the back)?
• How many add on accessories do you have (i.e. Power-Poles, Livescope, Mega 360)?
• How many continuous cranking apps does my outboard recommend?
• How many volts does my trolling motor require? 
• How will I be using my trolling motor (i.e. cutting through grass all day or fighting current draws more power)?

When you have a rough idea how much power you draw and how long you draw it you can figure out what setup you need. The best battery manufacturers will provide the best service to help you pick the exact right batteries for your personal setup, not just try to sell you the most expensive battery. 

We will also be providing an in-depth guide for choosing the right lithium power options for marine/fishing applications very soon to remove a lot of the myths around lithium power and help you be very comfortable with running lithium batteries. There seems to be as much misinformation out there as correct information and too many people trying to make lithium power work like lead acid batteries work. 

WHY YOU CAN TRUST THIS GUIDE

I, along with the other editors at Wired2fish, spent an inordinate amount of time testing all of the batteries in various scenarios, recording their usage and data, monitoring battery behavior over days of use, testing in different boats, kayaks and more. We will be adding a comparison table shortly to quickly look at all the batteries side by side as well. You can trust that we don’t just list what’s popular.

We only share information on equipment we have used and fished with. There is not a single battery in this guide that we have not used and tested. A lot of other guides might just go off of Amazon sales or something similar. We won’t do that. We have spent months testing to put together the best resource for anglers. We want to make sure there is as much hands-on information in real-world applications for anglers to make the best decisions they can on how they spend their money.

COO and Publisher, Jason Sealock came to Wired2fish shortly after inception in January of 2010. Prior to that he was the Editor-in-Chief of FLW Outdoors Magazines. He worked up from Associate Editor to Photo Editor and finally Editor in Chief of three magazines FLW Bass, FLW Walleye and FLW Saltwater. Now he sets the content direction for Wired2fish while also working directly with programmers, consultants and industry partners. Sealock has been an avid angler for the better part of 40 years and has been writing and shooting fishing and outdoors content for more than 25 years. He is an expert with fishing electronics and technologies and an accomplished angler, photographer, writer and editor. He has taught a lot of people to find fish with their electronics and has been instrumental in teaching these technologies to the masses. He's also the industry authority on new fishing tackle and has personally reviewed more than 10,000 products in his tenure. He has a 30-year background in information technologies and was a certified engineer for a time in Microsoft, Novell, Cisco, and HP. He mostly fishes for bass and panfish around the house. He has, however, caught fish in 42 of the 50 states in the US as well as Costa Rica, Mexico, and Canada and hopes to soon add Finland, Japan, Africa and Australia to his list.

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Which battery is best for my boat? How to increase battery capacity on board

• March 13, 2020

Duncan Kent describes the various types of lead-acid battery technologies vs Lithium and explains how to add an extra battery to your service bank

With more and more electrical gear going on board the modern cruising yacht there comes a time when the battery bank needs expanding to cope with the rising energy demands.

It’s still quite common for new boats to come with a small engine start battery and an equally minimal capacity service battery – the sort of thing that will only just run a small fridge for 24 hours before it will need recharging. Add to this the occasional use of an electric anchor windlass, lighting, navigation instruments and an autopilot and you’ll be needing to run the engine every six hours or so.

Increasing the capacity of your battery bank will allow you to go longer between charges, or to dig deeper into your reserves if necessary, but there is more to consider than just the cost of an extra battery: it’s vital to consider the method of charging and whether you need to upgrade your shore power charger, alternator or alternative power generators.

How much power do you need? Before you assume you’ll need more power when adding electrical gear, why not first carry out a thorough audit of your needs. Often a deep review of the energy requirements on board can reveal possible energy savings that might even make it unnecessary to add extra capacity and the associated increase in charging capability.

Understanding capacity

A monitor can help you maintain healthy battery levels for longer battery life

An appropriate time to consider adding another battery is when you’re about to replace the existing one. That way you’ll be starting afresh with all new batteries, which is always the ideal – an older battery can otherwise drag down a new one as it reaches the end of its life.

Also, when installing a two-battery (or more) domestic bank it makes sense to buy batteries of the same capacity. The Ah rating most commonly indicated on leisure or deep-cycle batteries is called its C20 rating and refers to its theoretical capacity when discharged over a 20-hour period.

Engine start batteries have thinner plates for coping with brief high-current surges and are more commonly rated using their Cold Cranking Amps ability (CCA). These aren’t suitable for use in a service bank as they rapidly die if frequently deeply discharged.

The best batteries for domestic use will be labelled ‘deep-cycle’, which means they’ll have thick plates designed to deliver their energy slowly and repeatedly.

Adding an extra battery ‘in parallel’

In a 12V system adding an extra battery is simply a case of mounting it as close as possible to the existing batteries and then connecting in parallel, connecting ‘alike’ terminals (positive to positive, negative to negative) using large diameter cable (usually 70mm² diameter) and properly crimped battery terminals.

Unless you have the tools and some hefty cable hanging around I would suggest you measure up and have the cross-links professionally-made. You could buy a crimper (hydraulic ones are undoubtedly the best) and terminals to do it yourself, but the investment for such a small job will usually be prohibitive.

When connecting two batteries in parallel it’s important to note that the output voltage of the bank will remain the same, but your available capacity (Ah) will increase. There is often confusion with amps and amp hours. Put simply, an amp is a measure of current flow, whereas an amp hour is a measure of current flow every hour. So, in theory a 100Ah (C20) battery could provide a 20A current for five hours before becoming flat. It won’t actually, for a number of complex reasons, but for simplicity I’ll let it stand.

Connecting new batteries ‘in series’

If you were to join the two 12V batteries together in series (positive to negative, taking the output from the second +ve and -ve terminals), then you’d have a 24V output, but no additional capacity. Two 12V/100Ah batteries connected in series will still provide 100Ah capacity, but at 24V. Some boats use a 24V system for heavy load devices such as windlasses, winches, water makers and big bilge or shower pumps because doubling the voltage halves the current draw for the same power rated device.

Protection with high current fuse

Battery banks should always be protected with high-current fuses (c. 200A) on both the positive and negative output terminals, and as close to the terminals as possible, with no power take-offs until after the fuse. Special fuse blocks are available for this purpose, which are designed so that nothing can be connected directly to the battery without going through the fuse. This gives maximum protection against battery short-circuits, which can cause a fire and/or explosion if left unprotected.

Article continues below…

Lithium boat batteries: 12 of the best options tested

Boat owners have long relied upon the lead-acid battery to start their engines, run electric lights and, these days, to…

Battery maintenance for boat owners: How to look after your boat batteries

For all but the smallest and simplest of craft a reliable supply of battery power is essential to keep both…

What are the different battery types?

Everyone has their own experiences and theories about what type of battery is best for use in the marine environment. Traditionally, it was big and heavy open flooded lead-acid (FLA) batteries , and many still swear by this simple technology. Benefits are that you can top them up with distilled water easily and test the capacity of each cell using a hydrometer. Heavy weight meant many built their service bank from 6V batteries, which are easier to manhandle. This also means there’s less to lose if one cell fails.

The next stage up is sealed lead-acid batteries (SLA) , which many prefer for their ‘no maintenance’ and non-spill qualities, although they can’t be charged as vigorously as an open-cell battery due to their ability to only release excess gas pressure in an emergency.

Several decades ago gel batteries were launched, wherein the electrolyte was a solid gel rather than a liquid. Although sealed, maintenance-free and able to provide a greater number of charge/discharge cycles, they had to be charged less vigorously and at a lower voltage than SLAs.

More recently, Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries have become very popular for boats. Lighter than regular LAs and with their electrolyte absorbed into matting rather than free liquid, they require no maintenance and can be mounted at any angle. They can also accept a higher charge current, thereby taking less time to recharge, and survive a good many more charge/discharge cycles than flooded cells. Finally, they have a lower self-discharge rate, so can be left without charging for some considerable time.

The latest developments involve lithium-based batteries . Some swear by them in their various guises (Li-ion or LiFePO4 being the most common), but they have to be handled and maintained very carefully. Yes, they are much lighter than any other marine battery and impressive performance figures are claimed, but they are very costly and require a high-tech battery management system to keep them charged and, more importantly, balanced between cells.

One very important thing to note when creating an interconnected service bank is that all the batteries must be of the same type. You can’t mix SLA, Gel and AGM and you certainly can’t link any of these with any lithium-based battery .

First published in Nov18 issue of Practical Boat Owner magazine

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Best Boat Cranking Batteries

December 22, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links where we earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

‍ Key Takeaways

• Check the battery terminal connection to ensure they are tight and there is no corrosion.
• When buying marine batteries, you must consider the type, build, cranking amperes, voltage and capacity.
• Compared to flooded cell batteries, AGM batteries are better.
•  Marine batteries have a log warranty ranging from 3-5 years.

‍ If you own a boat, you must invest in the best boat cranking battery as it does not only power your engine but all onboard appliances.

The best three boat cranking batteries include Odyssey 31M-PC2150S Heavy Duty Commercial Battery, Optima 34M Blue Top Marine Starting Battery, and Bass Pro Shops X-900 AGM Battery. Although costly, these batteries are best as they offer optimal cranking amperes and are dual-purpose.

We have also researched and reviewed users' opinions and experiences to compile a list of the five best boat cranking batteries you can use in 2022. Read on to learn about factors you should consider before buying a boat cranking battery.

Table of contents

‍ 5 best boat cranking batteries.

These are the best boat cranking batteries to use in 2022. ‍

1. Odyssey 31M-PC2150S Heavy Duty Commercial Battery

Odyssey 31M-PC2150S is a dual-purpose marine battery that can serve as a deep cycle and cranking battery. It is a powerful battery meant to serve heavy-duty boats and vehicles, including tractors and farming equipment.

We love this marine battery because of its mighty cranking power of 1150, as it helps jumpstart any recreational inboard and outboard engine. And the best part is you can use it during the winter season.

The battery is outfitted with pure lead plates excellent for maximum conductivity and power discharge and protects it against vibrations. It has a powerful cycling capacity which lasts for a maximum of 400 cycles at 80% discharge depth. And delivers about 5 amps per hour, lasting about 20 hours. Thus you can cruise around the lake all day without worrying about recharging.

You don't have to worry about Spillages or corrosion as the battery has an AGM design that makes it spill-proof, and the brass terminals are tin-plated to prevent corrosion.

Although costly, it is the best because of its versatility, as you don't need to buy a separate cranking and deep cycle battery. Thus, saving costs.

• Recharges fast; fully charged within 6 hours
• Operates in warm and cold conditions
• 4-year full-replacement warranty
• Weight 77.8 lbs
• Has a non-spillage design
• Corrosion resistant
• Measures 13*6.8*9.4 inches

2. Optima 34M Blue Top Marine Starting Battery

This is a popular brand of marine batteries among boat owners as it has vast battery options. It is an excellent starting battery and offers a 12-volt output accompanied by 800 cold cranking amps, which is sufficient to boost any boat's great start. And it can be used in any weather, including winter. It can also be used in vans, including RVS.

The battery design comprises a tightly wound build that keeps the plate intact, thus providing great resistance to vibrations. The batteries are sealed with AGM, which makes them spill-proof, thus requiring minimal maintenance. We love this battery as it's easy to mount and can suit any boat's configuration.

Optima 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery is best suited for owners who do not use their boats frequently. We love this marine battery as it has a super-low power discharge rate and can last a whole year, provided it is stored at room temperature. The only downside is that it's expensive.

• Weighs 36.4 lbs
• 100 minutes reserve capacity
• Versatile as it can be used on boats and vehicles
• Low to no maintainance requirements
• 800 cold cranking Amps
• 3-year warranty
• Measures 6.88*10*7.8 inches

3. Bass Pro Shops X-900 AGM Battery

Bass Pro Shops X-900 AGM Battery is ideal for large boats that need extra cranking power. It is a dual-purpose battery suitable for deep cycling your trolling engine and other electric appliances on your boat. The battery has a  CCA of 1150 amps in cold seasons and can go up to 1370 amps in warm seasons. Bass Pro Shops X-900 AGM battery has a 220-minute reserve capacity, which ensures that you can stay out in the water exploring for a long time without worrying about your battery dying.

The battery design makes it resistant to vibration and keeps it steady in rough water conditions. The battery can last for an entire year without recharging, provided you dont use it frequently and store it under room temperature.

• Reinforced with a plastic exterior
• Free replacement in one year and a 3-year warranty
• Weight 65 lbs
• Measuring 6.77*9.78*13 inches
• Impact resistant
• Dual purpose (deep cycle and cranking)

4. Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery

Odyssey Thunder is a dual-purpose battery popular for its high capacity and mighty cranking power. The battery features an optimal gas recombination rate which is essential in ensuring that it does not dry out due to high power discharge.

The battery has a CCA of 925 amps in cold weather, and it goes up to 1150 in warm weather, with the voltage ranging from 14.4 -14.8. and it has a charging current of 25 amps.

The battery has a reserve capacity of 200 minutes with a high depth discharge rate. You can expect it to last 3 to 4 hours while powering a mid-size engine. Its high cycling performance ensures the boat remains steady even under extreme vibrations.

• Measuring 13*6.8*9.9 inches
• Weight 75.2 lbs
• Lifespan 10 years
• 2-Year warranty

5. Optima YellowTopD27F Dual Purpose Battery

Optima YellowTop D27F Dual Purpose Battery is a dual-purpose battery that powers the battery and onboard appliance. It is the best cranking battery if your boat has heavy devices, including inverters, winches, and audio systems.

It has a mega cranking power of 830 amp during the cold season, and the cranking amps can go up to 1026. It releases 66 amps per hour at 12 volts. The battery design is made of a polypropylene case that makes it spill-proof, thus ensuring that it lasts long.

The battery design makes it easy to install and can be mounted on the boat in any position.

• Weight 54 lbs
• Resistant to vibrations
• Fasting charging
• Low to no maintenance
• Its recharge and discharge cycles are above 300

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Boat Cranking Batteries

If you are looking to replace your boat's battery, you'll have a challenging time choosing the best cranking battery, as various brands are on the market.

However, you'll have an easy task with adequate knowledge of marine batteries and consulting with an expert. Use these factors when shopping for a marine battery for your boat. ‍

There are three types of marine batteries, and they include:

Marine Starting Battery

This battery is designed solely to power your boat's engine and provides quicks bursts of energy to propel your boat. And the best part is that the engine alternator recharges it.

However, if you need to power onboard appliances, you must procure another battery. Marine starting batteries cannot be used to power trolling engines and onboard devices.

Marine Deep Cycle Battery

These are ideal for big boats with trolling motors. Marine deep cycle batteries discharge power slowly over a long period, making them suitable for trolling motors and other onboard appliances, including winches, audio systems, fish locators, and depth finders.

You should never substitute deep cycle with starting batteries if you don't want to cause damage to your engine or be stuck in the middle of the lake when the battery dies.

Marine Dual-Purpose Battery

This can be used on deep cycling and cranking motors. They are most convenient when you don't have enough space to accommodate two different batteries.

However, marine dual-purpose batteries will not provide top-notch performance as they die faster than separate batteries.

In the past, boat owners were using standard flooded cell batteries, which had a risk of spilling and not sufficient power. Technological advancements led to the development of new and improved sealed marine batteries that held more energy, were spill-proof, fast to recharge, and lighter in weight.

When buying based on the battery build, you can consider between:

Flooded Lead Acid

These are the cheapest batteries and have been around for decades. Our grandfathers and fathers used them in their cars and boats. The batteries are made of lead plates suspended in sulphuric acid, which helps in the storage and discharge of power. They can last for two or three years, depending on their maintenance.

You must check the sulphuric acid levels in the battery and top it up if it has evaporated. Dryness could damage your battery lead plates, lowering their performance levels and eventually becoming useless.

Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM)

This is the most common type of battery built on the market, and it uses acid and lead to store and release power.

However, the acid in AGM batteries is soaked into fiberglass mats, preventing it from sloshing or evaporating as the battery gets recharged. This makes them spill-proof, and they last longer than flooded cell batteries. Besides, they don't require any maintenance.

Lithium Ion Phosphate

These are the latest marine batteries, and they utilize lithium technology. They are better than flooded cells and AGM batteries as they have supercharging features, weigh much less, and outlive all the other batteries.

Due to their superior qualities, their cost is also ridiculous as they are about five times the standard batteries, but they are well worth the price.

If you own a boat, you are privy to the high cost of its parts, and batteries are no exception. You must set aside enough cash to secure a top-quality marine battery as the price starts from hundreds of dollars. However, deep cycle batteries are the best if you use your boat often because they power it for long periods.

Do not opt for cheaper batteries as they don't have sufficient power to last long, and they will require frequent maintainance.

Weight and Size

The size and the weight of the marine battery depend on the boat. Small batteries are meant for boats of a small build, such as canoes and kayaks, and large boats require bigger marine batteries. So check how much room you have before your purchase.

The sizes of the marine boats are categorized into three:

• Groups size 24: This is suitable for small boats that don't require too much power. It is light in weight and has small dimensions.
• Group size 27: It is a medium-sized battery suitable for bass boats and can be used for both the deep-cycle trolling motor and dual-purpose starting batteries.
• Group size 31: It is large and suitable for large boats as it produces more power, is heavy, and takes up more space.

The voltage rating is the first thing you should consider when choosing a marine battery for your boat. And like vehicles, boats use a 12V starting battery. It would be best to get a versatile battery that you can use on your motorhome and boat.

However, you must ensure that a 12V battery is the best for your boat, as some might require a higher or lower voltage. We've listed some powerful cranking and dual-purpose batteries in our list of best boat cranking batteries. So take a look.

When buying marine batteries, you must check the capacity, as different batteries have varying performance levels. The capacity is listed as Ah, and it ranges from 45Ah and 50Ah, with some heavy-duty batteries having up to 125Ah.

The bigger the capacity, the longer the battery will last. For instance, if you don't use your boat often, it would be best o opt for a large capacity battery so that by the time you are using it again after months of rest, you'll find it in tip-top condition.

Cold-Cranking Amps

When buying a marine battery, some features to look out for are if it can be used during the cold season and how many Amps it releases. Some batteries cannot be operated in the winter, making it hard to explore the lake. If you have a long winter season and still want to go out on the lake, ensure that the battery has a sufficient amount of cold cranking amps.

Most marine batteries that can be operated in cold weather have a cold cranking Amp ranging between 500 and 1000 amps.

Battery Design

The battery design also plays a significant role in its placement and build quality. A battery with low heights makes it convenient to place it under the seats or any other small compartment.

The exterior covering of some batteries is rigid and made of corrosion, vibration, and impact-resistant materials, ensuring that they remain in place. The AGM batteries are also spill-proof, ensuring they last a long time and have low to zero maintenance.

The period of warranty a manufacturer provides on their products determines the quality. Marine battery manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 3 to 5 years, a testament that they produce top-notch products.

Although the care and maintenance you provide to your battery play a crucial role in prolonging its lifespan, other factors include the type of the battery, the construction, and the design.

The level of maintainance and usage determines the length of time it will serve you, and when it fails, you have the warranty.

Tips for Maintaining Your Battery in Good Condition and Avoiding Problems

If you want your marine battery to serve for years to come without fail, use these tips. ‍

If you live in warm regions, you already know that heat is the biggest enemy of marine batteries as it shortens their lifespan. On the other hand, the cold helps prolong their life expectancy. So, it's best to store your battery on a regulated "trickle" charger when it's not in use. This prevents damage from extreme weather, as it cracks because of being frozen.

Since a boat's battery is not as often as a vehicle's, it becomes weak quickly. It will signal you by not cranking up as usual or a dead battery warning. So make good use of the battery before that happens.

Replacing the Battery

If you notice that your battery is getting weak and not serving you as expected, it's time to replace it. Consult an expert when buying a new and best match for your boat. This can include amperes, cranking amps, reserve per minute capacity, and voltage. When shopping for starting batteries, focus on the cranking ability.

If you don't use your boat often, protect your battery using a maintenance charger that helps maintain its charge while in storage.

If your battery does not have a cover over the positive terminal, install one as it prevents sparks formation and explosion.

Before parking your boat during the offseason, ensure the battery is fully charged and disconnect the terminals to ensure no power discharge. If your storage warehouse has power, plug in the maintenance charger to ensure that it maintains its charge throughout the offseason.

You need to secure your marine battery using a good tray that is screwed onto the boat, ensuring it stays in place and does not knock against the sides of the boat.

About THE AUTHOR

Brian Samson

I have a deep love of houseboating and the life-changing experiences houseboating has brought into my life. I’ve been going to Lake Powell on our family’s houseboat for over 30 years and have made many great memories, first as a child and now as a parent. My family has a passion for helping others have similar fun, safe experiences on their houseboat.

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Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2024

Even with all of our devices with built-in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, there are still plenty of devices that use traditional AA and AAA batteries. Make those devices a bit greener by using a rechargeable version of whatever battery you need. Our favorite is Panasonic’s Eneloop Pro, in both AA and AAA sizes, but there are several great options in this review. Here are the best rechargeable batteries available in 2024, based on extensive research and expert input.

Table of Contents

• Best Rechargeable Batteries
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Panasonic Eneloop Pro AA/AAA  »

Large 2,500 milliAmp-hour (mAh) capacity

500 recharge cycles

Come pre-charged using solar energy

Maintain up to 85% charge capacity over long periods

Work well in low temperatures

Other brands offer much greater recharge cycle support

For a rechargeable battery in AA or AAA size that offers excellent charge retention, great cold weather performance, and an impressive charge capacity, the Eneloop Pros from Panasonic are hard to beat. They come pre-charged using climate-friendly solar energy, and even if you don’t use them right away, they’ll retain most of their charge for up to a year of sitting on the shelf.

When you do use them, they have a 2,500 mAh capacity and will outlast most other rechargeable batteries. They support an impressive 500 recharge cycles, too. Few batteries can offer the combination of high-end features and specifications of the Eneloop Pros.

Amazon Basics High-Capacity  »

Affordably priced, with big savings for larger pack sizes

High capacity keeps devices going for longer

Up to 400 recharge cycles

Low self-discharge rate

Long shelf life

Fewer recharge cycles and worse self-discharge performance than premium batteries

If you just need affordable rechargeable batteries that get the job done, the Amazon Basics range of High-Capacity NiMH batteries are the best choice. They don’t have the most impressive features, but they're far more affordable than almost any other AA or AAA batteries, especially if you buy a lot of them at once.

They support up to 400 recharge cycles and maintain 50% of their charge after a year of sitting on the shelf, both of which are pretty good considering the low price. They offer an impressive capacity of 2,400 mAh in the AA version, and up to 800 mAh capacity in the AAA.

Nermark 3.7V 3,200 mAh Lithium Ion  »

Massive 3,200 mAh capacity

Up to 3.7v for more stable power in demanding devices

More than 1,500 recharge cycles

Includes a USB-C recharge port on each battery

Can charge other rechargeable devices like smartphones

No USB power delivery during fast charging

Very expensive

When is a rechargeable not just a rechargeable battery? When it’s a mini power bank like the Nermak 3.7v lithium-ion battery. This device has a USB-C recharge port, supports USB-C to USB-C charging of other rechargeable devices like smartphones, and sports a massive 3,200 mAh capacity. That puts each AA in the same category as budget smartphones and means that with just a couple of these, you could recharge even flagship devices.

Along with their dual-duty as a smartphone power bank, these 3.7v batteries are excellent for larger devices like headlamps, bike lights, flashlights, and Bluetooth speakers. Do note their longer size of 70mm, which makes them incompatible with standard 1.5v AA devices and chargers.

Panasonic Eneloop AA  »

Great 2,000 mAh capacity

High recharge cycle count

Holds charge for up to 10 years

Comes pre-charged with solar power

More expensive than budget brands

Other brands offer higher capacity

Our favorite rechargeable batteries, the Panasonic Eneloop Pro, are amazing, but they’re a bit of an overkill for the average battery user. For something almost as good for a more affordable price, the standard Panasonic Eneloop AA batteries are an excellent choice. For one thing, they have a great balance of capacity and recharge cycle support.

They also can maintain up to 70% of their charge even after 10 years of sitting on a shelf. Plus, they're rated to work well in cold weather down to minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit. And the standard AA size means they're compatible with many consumer devices.

Panasonic Eneloop AAA  »

Impressive charge capacity

More than 2,100 recharge cycles

Maintain effective charge over 10 years of non-use

Work even in low temperatures

On the expensive side

Lower capacity than some premium models

Just like our favorite AA batteries, the Panasonic Eneloop AAA batteries are a fantastic choice if you want great capacity, support for many recharge cycles, and an extensive standby time, with some of the lowest self-discharge you’ll find in any rechargeable batteries. These AAA batteries from Panasonic can sit on your shelf, unused for 10 years, and still maintain most of their charge.

If you use them more frequently, though, you’ll be able to recharge them over 2,000 times before they even start to lose some of their charge capacity. Just like their Pro and AA counterparts, they also work well in low temperatures, too.

Energizer 1 Hour Charger  »

Comes with a charger for AA and AAA batteries

Fast charging in an hour or less

Charger has individual channels and overcharge and overvolt protection

2,000 mAh capacity

1,000 recharge cycles

There are more affordable chargers

Other batteries support more recharge cycles

What use are rechargeable batteries without a charger? And what use is a charger if it takes hours to complete a recharge? Enter the Energizer AA/AAA 1 hour charger, which can charge up either of these popular battery sizes and types in as little as one hour or less. (The exact recharge time depends on battery capacity.) The charger supports individual charge channels, so you can charge a single battery at a time or as many as four at once.

The Energizer Recharge batteries that come with the charger are excellent, too, with strong capacity and recharge cycle counts. There are better rechargeable batteries, but these offer great utility right out of the gate. Plus, you’ll have the charger if you want to buy higher-end rechargeable batteries in the future.

Tenergy Rechargeable NiCd 48-pack  »

Outstanding value per battery

Compatible with all consumer AA devices

Works well with solar-powered garden equipment

Operates in low and high temperatures

Pre-charged out of the box

Relatively low capacity

Limited recharge cycle count

NiCd batteries contain toxic metals

If you need a lot of batteries, you don’t need to skip using rechargeables just to save money. If you can get away with a lower charge capacity, this Tenergy Rechargeable battery pack is super affordable, costing just $0.70 per battery. Each battery only has a charge capacity of 1,000 mAh, but with this many, you can simply swap out another one when the charge runs out. Just make sure you have a charger handy to keep them topped up.

They’re designed to be used in gardens and other outdoor lighting and water features, where a solar panel can recharge the battery. But they work just as well in standard AA devices like game controllers, baby monitors, and TV remotes. You can also get them in a 96-count pack, which lowers the per-battery cost to just $0.61.

The Bottom Line

Picking the right rechargeable battery is about buying what’s within your budget, first and foremost. Make sure you’re getting the right size and charge battery (AA vs. AAA, 1.5 vs. 3.7v), and that it will fit in your device. After that, just spend as much as you’re willing to.

Our top pick, the Panasonic Eeloo Pro, lasts longer and has more recharge cycles than many cheaper batteries, but they cost more upfront. The Amazon basics alternatives are far cheaper and pretty close in performance, though they won’t last anywhere near as long.

Things To Consider When Buying Rechargeable Batteries

Battery capacity : Battery capacity, cited in mAh (milliAmp hours), denotes how much power the battery can hold, and therefore has a bearing on how long you can run your device(s) before those batteries need recharging. Charge capacity differs depending on the type of battery (AA vs AAA) and different brands, and models can offer different charge capacities, too.

Cheap AA batteries, or those designed with low-power devices like solar-powered lighting, might have a charge capacity of just 1,000 mAh. Premium AA rechargeable batteries often have a capacity north of 2,500 mAh. AAA batteries typically have charge capacities under 1,000 mAh, with strong models offering around 800 mAh.

“For everyday household items like remotes, a capacity between 1000 and 2000 mAh for AA and AAA batteries is generally sufficient,” says Tom Callahan, senior vice president of product development at 4Patriots, which uses a lot of rechargeable batteries in its products. “For high-drain devices like digital cameras or electronic toys, buyers may want to consider higher capacities [...] such as 2500-3000 mAh for AA batteries.”

Battery lifespan and number of recharge cycles : Rechargeable batteries can only be recharged a certain number of times before they start to lose their maximum charge capacity. Cheaper batteries have around 500 recharge cycles, while more expensive ones offer 1,500 or more.

Rechargeable batteries also retain their charge for different lengths of time when not in use. Self-discharge is a problem for all rechargeable batteries, but for some more than others. Cheaper models will lose half their charge in the first year, while others still offer most of their charge capacity after even 10 years of sitting on the shelf.

Compatibility with devices : Device compatibility depends on three main factors: voltage, form-factor, and size. Devices that support rechargeable batteries tend to support a type of battery, like AA or AAA. They also require a minimum voltage to operate, so look out for whether your device and batteries support a higher voltage requirement, like 3.7 volt, or a more typical one, like 1.5 volt.

There are also some different sizes of rechargeable batteries. For instance, 3.7-volt batteries can come in a few different sizes, with some coming in slightly longer than others, so make sure they are compatible before buying.

Performance in various temperatures : Most batteries perform their best in temperate climates. That means they’ll support their maximum charge capacity and recharge at a comfortable rate. In more extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, there can be additional challenges for rechargeable batteries to work as they should. Fortunately, there are rechargeable batteries specifically designed for these kinds of environments. If you plan to use your batteries in frigid or sweltering temperatures, look for a brand or model that’s rated for those kinds of environments.

Price per battery and overall value : Rechargeable batteries are more expensive than their non-rechargeable counterparts. You’ll save money in the long run, though, because where you can use a single rechargeable battery hundreds of times, a traditional Alkaline battery is one use only.

That said, some batteries last longer than others and offer greater value for money. Those with larger capacities and greater recharge cycle counts should last many years, while smaller batteries with weaker charge cycle counts will still last a year or two, but will need replacing sooner.

How We Chose the Best Rechargeable Batteries

Our contributor for this review, Jon Martindale, spoke with several rechargeable battery owners and experts, including Tom Callahan, senior vice president of product development at 4Patriots , where survival kits and portable, rechargeable power are a big part of their business; and Dr. Nadim Maluf, co-founder and CEO at Qnovo , a company that specializes in enhancing battery performance through software.

Jon combined their expertise with user reviews and in-depth research on every product selected. He looked at each battery’s capacity, compatibility, performance under extreme conditions, lifespan, and affordability.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Jon Martindale is a technology journalist with 20 years of industry experience. He’s written for Digital Trends, Forbes, PCGamer, and many other publications. He’s interviewed many analysts and experts over the years and prides himself on being able to distill complex topics into easily digestible recommendations. To Jon, the best rechargeable batteries are affordable, support at least 500 charge cycles, and have a strong charge capacity.

Make sure that you’re buying a rechargeable battery that's compatible with your device (AA, AAA, etc.), is the right size (some batteries have unique dimensions), and has a large enough capacity that you aren’t swapping it out too often.

Also, consider recharge cycle rates to see how many years they may last. Finally, look at whether they operate in the temperature range you need them to.

“One AA rechargeable battery has a capacity between 2500 mAh and 3000 mAh, almost universally made of NiMH,” Maluf says. “Two or four such batteries will be sufficient to power small-size consumer products such as a rechargeable light, a remote controller for your TV, or children's toys – essentially items that don't have a screen/display or don't require computation or lots of motion (e.g. flight or drones).”

Compared to traditional single-use batteries, there’s no competition. While an Alkaline battery might be cheaper upfront, you’ll be throwing it away before long. With a rechargeable battery, you will use it hundreds or even thousands of times for the same job. That cuts down on overall costs and reduces the amount of precious metals and other materials you are throwing away. Even if you recycle your batteries, rechargeables are much cheaper long term and have less of an environmental impact.

The best rechargeable batteries are designed to last over 10 years just sitting on your shelf. Even after that time, they should have up to 75% of their original charge left. If you’re using them more frequently, some support over 2,500 recharges. Even if you were using them constantly and having to recharge them every couple of days, they should last for years and years. Cheaper batteries won’t last that long, but you should get a few years out of even affordable rechargeable batteries.

Try to keep them out of extreme temperatures, even if they technically are rated to withstand them. Also, don’t leave them on a charger once their capacity has been reached, as some chargers can continue to try to charge them which can degrade their quality. Modern NiMH batteries don’t need to be discharged before storage. Even after a few months, they should have most of their charge left.

The most common types of rechargeable batteries are NiMH, while some larger “18650,” 3.7v batteries are lithium ion. The latter tend to be lighter, offer a more consistent charge, and provide higher power delivery for more demanding devices like camera flashes. NiMH batteries hold their capacity for longer and thus are better for less frequent battery replacement. They’re cheaper, too, but they don’t operate well in more extreme temperature ranges.

Nickel-cadmium batteries are rarely used these days, as they contain toxic metals. However, they are cheaper, offer a consistent charge, and can operate in more extreme temperatures.

“For NiMH, self-discharge is part of life. One AAA or AA battery will hold full charge for days or a few weeks,” Maluf says. “This self-discharge is internal to the battery, so there is little that you can do. By contrast, a lithium-ion battery can hold charge for weeks and months with very little self-discharge. Lithium-ion protection circuits are an absolute necessity to maintain the safety of the battery. If you need to store your lithium-ion battery for a long time, charge it to about 50% or 60% and keep it at room temperature.”

About Our Team

Jon Martindale

Contributor

Jeff Kinney

Senior Editor

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