Replacing or upgrading the battery in your marine craft can be a simple and efficient process, which can make your adventures on the water far more comfortable for longer. If you need a battery upgrade to power more electrical gear, like navigation instruments, lighting or a fridge on your boat it is worth doing your research and finding the best fit for your marine craft. At Lifeline batteries, we know a thing or two about marine batteries, so we take a closer look at the things to consider when buying a new boat battery.
Battery type
There are several types of marine batteries available, and recent technological improvements have drastically increased the options available. The basic types of marine battery include Absorbed Glass Mat batteries, traditional flooded lead-acid batteries, sealed lead-acid batteries, gel batteries and lithium-based batteries. Each has its advantages and disadvantages which mainly relate to how often the battery can be charged and how heavy it is. Boat owners recently have been opting for AGM batteries which require no maintenance, compared to earlier marine battery technologies.
Battery size
If you need to replace the battery in your boat, you have to make sure it is the right size and voltage. You can find this in the manual or specifications of your boat. At Lifeline batteries, we also offer a battery sizing calculator tool to make sure you get the right battery for your boat. You’ll need to make sure your marine battery is compatible with your craft and look at the weight of the battery too. AGM batteries can also be installed at any angle, which is great for unusual or smaller marine craft.
Charging the battery
If you like to take your boat out often, it is important to consider the way the battery charges. When you need a marine battery which you can recharge quickly, look for a battery which will accept a higher charge current. Lifeline marine batteries have low internal resistance which means you can charge your boat battery up to 20% faster. If you don’t use your boat at certain times of the year, look for a battery which has a low self-discharge rate which means it can go without being charged for longer.