Choosing the right battery for your boat is tough, but it’s worth it to take the time to consider your options. The right battery will keep you from having to get your boat repaired sooner. It’s best to be prepared, and luckily for you, we’ve decided to break down the different types of batteries for your boat so you can make the best decision. So, what are they? Read on to find out.
Lead-Acid Marine Batteries
Lead-acid marine batteries are the oldest boat battery types. They’re primarily comprised of acid and lead plates. While reliable, they’re mostly outdated. Lead-acid marine batteries are both heavy and bulky, two attributes you don’t want to have in a boat battery. They’re also slow. That said, they’re affordable and simple to manufacture. The technology is well understood, and the batteries can be durable. Since most people understand the technology, you can get servicing for these batteries without a hitch.
Ionic Lithium
Ionic lithium batteries are composed of lithium iron phosphate. This combination eliminates some of the issues with lead acid batteries. They’re lighter and have a longer lifespan and increased power storage. Finally, they’re cheaper long-term and last five times as long as their lead acid counterparts. You also use fewer of them overall—you only need half as many lithium batteries as you would lead-acid batteries.
Gel Cell Batteries
Gel cell batteries have a ton of advantages over conventional lead-acid. While they are a lead-acid battery, they use an electrolyte gel rather than a traditional lead battery acid. They’re more resistant to shock and vibration, can be stored for longer periods without losing charge, and provide more power overall. They tend to be more expensive than their traditional counterparts though the price difference is quickly closing. As far as the different forms of batteries for your boat are concerned, gel cell is an excellent choice.
In short, knowing what kind of batteries your boat should use is essential in choosing the right one for you. Once you have all the options, you can make a proper decision. We hope we’ve helped you better understand your battery and needs.