“Marine batteries,” as the name implies, are great for outdoor or marine use. You will find these batteries in electric vehicles (EVs), boats, and outdoors. 

Unlike regular batteries, marine types can resist outdoor dust and moisture. Marine batteries tend to cost more due to these added features. 

Do you need a marine battery? How can you choose a really good one? We will answer the question in this article.

Understanding Marine Batteries

As mentioned earlier, these battery types differ from regular ones. This is one reason why their use is popular in outdoor and vehicle applications. Knowing what a marine battery is will help you make a stellar choice when shopping for one. 

What is a Marine Battery?

So, what exactly are marine batteries? Manufacturers make these batteries for yachts, boats, and similar vehicles. You can expect there are more durable than other battery types. Makers use special dust and waterproofs for these batteries. This way, it can withstand splashing water, falling rain, or dust. These conditions are common outdoors. 

This high level of protection shows the special use case for these batteries. No wonder marine batteries are more durable than other types. Some industries demand marine batteries for safety reasons. You can read our article comparing car vs marine batteries. 

Marine batteries can have different chemistries and uses. So, it is common to group them into these categories. 

Types of Marine Batteries

Based on their uses, you can classify them into 3 types:

• Starting (Cranking)
• Deep Cycle 
• Dual-Purpose 

Types of Marine Batteries and Their Uses

As you have noticed, there are at least three ways marine batteries are classed. We will now discuss the purpose and features of the various classes. 

Starting (Cranking) Batteries

Starting or cranking batteries got their name for use: to crank the starter of your boat's engine. They help kickstart the electrical system of your vehicle. They can produce between 75 to 400 amperes in 5 - 10 seconds. Then, your engine's alternator helps to recharge the cells again. 

Starting batteries have several plates. These plates provide extra surface area to generate high currents. Unfortunately, this design means they cannot withstand high-impact environments. Similarly, regular deep discharge will damage the cells. In an earlier post, we compared deep cycle vs starting batteries. You can read up to learn about the differences. 

Deep Cycle Batteries

Deep cycle is another way to classify marine batteries by their uses. These batteries maintain your boat's operation. They power lights and other appliances on the boat when there is no other power source. In some ways, deep cycle is the opposite of starting batteries. They can store plenty of charge and can be used for a long period. 

Deep cycle batteries will recover fully after being drained. Their design features thicker plates made from antimony. These batteries are built to handle several cycles of charge and discharge. 

Dual-Purpose Batteries

Dual-purpose batteries have large, thick plates with more antimony than starting batteries. So they can generate enough amperage to start an engine. Also, these cells can handle deep discharge. Dual-purpose marine batteries have these unique applications:

• They can power small powerboats that use a single battery for starting and running loads. 
• They double as boat batteries and can be used in other situations, like in the house.

Marine Batteries and their Chemistries

Another way to group marine batteries is by their chemistry or makeup. There are 3 main battery chemistries for marine applications:

• Lead-Acid
• AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat)
• Lithium-Ion

Lead-Acid Batteries

As the name suggests, it consists of lead and lead dioxide plates. Its electrolyte is sulfuric acid. 

Lead-acid used to be the standard for batteries for several decades. As a result, the technology is still pretty common. Another reason lead acid technology has remained is because it is affordable. 

However, lead acid batteries need regular maintenance. This is unlike the newer battery types. This is why some customers prefer other battery types. Further, the battery is fragile and can go ad if it falls on a hard surface.  

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Batteries

AGM battery is a maintenance-free lead-acid battery. So, the battery is sealed. Its design uses a fiberglass mat, which absorbs the electrolyte. Unlike regular lead-acid batteries, these don’t need regular maintenance. 

Unlike regular lead-acid batteries, these cells are more energy efficient. So, they tend to perform better. However, you will be paying more for the maintenance-free and performance benefits. 

Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the new kid in the block when it comes to battery technology. However, they boast of significant improvement over other battery types. For example, Li-ion batteries are energy-dense, lightweight, and enjoy a long cycle life. These benefits have pushed the adoption and popularity of Li-ion batteries. 

Often, the anode is made from graphite. The cathode is made from any of the different lithium metal oxides. The electrolyte is lithium salt in a solvent. These batteries have several advantages over other battery types. However, they are more pricier. So, these battery types may overshoot your budget if you are managing finances. 

However, they are as good as any investment you make. You can shop for high-quality Li-ion batteries online. GoldenMate Battery is the manufacturer you can trust. We have built a name for making solid battery units. Also, we tend to all our customer concerns, offering post-sales support. Get your 12V LiFePO4 battery from a trusted maker today.  

Choosing the Right Marine Battery

There are several factors to think about when you decide to buy a marine battery. Often, these factors will revolve around the battery’s use or application. This single factor will determine the battery’s chemistry, size, capacity, and specification. 

Below, we have discussed factors you must not overlook when investing in a battery: 

Purpose of Your Battery

This is the first factor you should perhaps consider. Knowing why you need a marine battery will help you choose the correct one. You can avoid buying a cranking battery when you want a deep cycle or dual-purpose one. 

Making effective decisions this way will help avoid overspending. Don’t just consider the immediate use of the battery. Remember that your needs can change suddenly. Opt for a dual-purpose battery if you want to keep your options open. 

Capacity and Size

Battery capacity and size are different but related factors. Often, a bigger battery will have more capacity, but this is not always true. A larger battery capacity means they will run for longer without recharging. 

No wonder many power users prefer a 200Ah (Ampere-hour) or 100Ah-rated battery. But these larger capacities can be bulky and take up a chunk of space. So, they may not be ideal when you are managing space. 

This is especially true in a boat environment. Boats have limited space and can be affected by excess weight. Still, it is often better to buy a high-capacity battery than several small ones. A single battery will weigh less and have more capacity than several smaller ones. 

Finally, ensure the battery fits the boat or vessel it is for. Vehicle makers will specify battery size and capacity. Ensure these specs match with what you are buying. 

Battery Specifications

Battery size is just one specification. Voltage (V), Energy (Wh), Capacity (Ah), and cycle life are some other specifications to consider. 

Your battery’s energy and capacity are related specs. The difference is that the energy factors the battery’s voltage and capacity. A 12V-rated battery will power most boats. You can combine these batteries to power larger boats. 

Also, cycle life is another important specification for boat owners. A great cycle life will mean your batteries last long. You will gain convenience and save future costs with these batteries. 

Durability and Maintenance

Do you need a battery for your boat or other moving vessel? Then you should consider the impact of vibration on the cells. Also, think of the maintenance needs and durability. 

High-maintenance batteries will do poorly in harsh marine or road conditions. Exposure to dust and water spills will damage any regular battery. A LiFePO4 marine battery will excel in these conditions. True, caring for your battery will improve its durability. But a low-maintenance battery is much easier to manage. 

Benefits of Goldenmate Marine Batteries

What’s worth doing is worth doing well. After deciding to buy a marine battery. It is important you get the best quality that money can afford. After all, such an investment will save you long-term costs. 

There are other benefits to buying a marine battery from GoldenMate. 

Advanced LiFePO4 Technology

Our batteries have features that most boat users care about. This is because we are careful to think about your needs when designing them. We use the safe and advanced LiFePO4 technology to make these cells. As a result, you get these benefits:

Lightweight

Weight is an expensive luxury on a small boat. Most boats can only carry so much. Hence, it makes sense if you don’t labor your boat. A lightweight LiFePO4 battery from GoldenMate is the way to go. Further, batteries pack a lot of energy despite their minimal weight. 

Long Cycle Life

Imagine a battery that can boast 4000+ cycles. Well, quit imagining; that’s the GoldenMate battery we’re describing. With proper care, these batteries will last up to 10 years. It’s no wonder users are excited about our model. 

High Energy Density

The lightweight nature of LiFePO4 batteries doesn’t tell the whole story. These batteries are energy-dense, so you can enjoy boat cruises and long rides in your vehicle without power failure. 

Reliable and Safe with Built-in BMS (Battery Management System)

Of course, your safety is our major concern. So, trust us to build stable batteries that won’t go bad from contacting dust or salt water. Also, you can track the health and performance of the battery just by looking at it. This feature is possible thanks to the built-in monitor or management system.   

IP67 Rating

Also, our 12V 100Ah battery is rated IP67. This means it is well protected from dust and water. This is why they can withstand harsh environments. 

Conclusion

LiFePO4 is a better technology for marine batteries. These batteries are durable and low-maintenance. However, when shopping for a marine battery, you still need to consider its use and specification. 

Remember, you can shop for high-quality batteries online from GoldenMate Energy. We are eager to make you our next happy buyer.