As the weather gets warmer, many people pack up their boats and head out on the water. Unfortunately, a day of boating may be cut short by a faulty battery that’s lost its charge.
If you don’t want a dead cell ruining your day, you’ll need to find a high-quality and reliable battery. Here are some tips for choosing the right boat battery for your trip.
Find the Right Size
Marine batteries come in all shapes and sizes. Finding one that fits your boat is essential for enjoying your trip on the water. Your boat may need two batteries—one that can give you short bursts for starting the motor and another capable of running over long periods. Making sure they have the power to handle the load is the first step in purchasing a boat battery.
Most boats need at least 12 volts to power the motor and any onboard accessories. You can install multiple cells in series to increase their voltage.
Know Your Boat’s Amperage
The strength of the battery’s current is just as important as its capacity. Knowing the motor’s amperage will give you an idea of where to start.
Do you know how many amps your boat battery should have? It depends entirely on the engine type and what you’re using it for. You’ll need a current between 75 and 400 amps to start the boat. Deep cycle batteries require fewer amps, between 70 and 85, but should last longer.
Use a Modern Cell
Not all batteries are the same. Lead-acid batteries have existed for a long time, but many alternatives can make your boating trip much better.
Lithium-ion batteries have more capacity and faster charging times than lead-acid. Unfortunately, they’re prone to overheating and catching fire. You can purchase a gel battery or an absorbent glass mat battery, which use different manufacturing processes to create a solid cell.
Consider Your Needs Before Making a Purchase
Your choice of battery will depend entirely on your boat and what you’re doing on the water. Faster boats have larger engines, which take more amperage to operate safely. On the other hand, you can get away with something smaller if you’re just out fishing.
Learn about your options to make choosing the right boat battery for your trip a breeze.
