Boats are typically equipped with two batteries to ensure that they can run for as long as possible. One battery is for getting the engine started and the other is to run the various systems that are present in the boat. For that reason, there is a wide variety of batteries to choose from to accomplish both purposes. So what are the pros and cons of each?
Wet Lead Acid Batteries
A wet lead acid battery uses liquid electrolyte inside and can be used with 8 Gauge Marine Wire. These batteries are mostly used to get the engine started since they deliver high loads of power for only a few seconds.
The pros of wet lead acid batteries are that they are cheap, easy to find, and can be bought in automotive stores instead of having to go to specialty shops.
The cons include that they are extremely weighty, they need to be charged regularly, they release hydrogen so they require ventilation, and they are useless once they go flat.
Sealed Lead Acid Batteries
If you want more durable batteries, then sealed lead acid might be the way to go. Although nobody wants battery acid leaking into their boats, it might be the only option available. They are also known as VRLA (valve-regulated lead acid) and have two forms: absorbed glass mat and gel.
The pros of sealed lead acid batteries are they have a longer lifespan than wet lead acid, they’re leak-proof, and some options are dual-purpose.
The cons include that they are more expensive, they need regular charging, they’re heavier than wet lead acid, and they are useless once they’re flat.
Lead Carbon Batteries
Not many people know about lead carbon batteries, which are an advanced form of VRLA battery. It has a positive plate made of lead and a negative plate made of carbon composite.
The advantages to this kind of battery include producing less sulfation, having a lower charge voltage, a higher life cycle, it’s leak-proof, and there is less corrosion of the positive plate.
On the negative side, however, they tend to be more pricey, they’re much larger and heavier than other batteries, and they cannot be used as a starter motor.
Leisure Batteries
Also known as a “dual” battery, they are a compromise between needing a starter battery and a house operation battery. They’re a popular choice for small boats that carry only a single battery. The pros to this are that they are cheap, readily available, they serve dual purposes (reducing the need for 2 batteries), and there are plenty of varieties to choose from, according to your needs.
On the downside, they are pretty heavy, they have a tendency to leak, they need regular charging, they require ventilation, and are pretty useless once they go flat.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries have been in the market for a while but they’re still one of the more popular options. That’s because they have four to five times the number of cycles compared to the other batteries listed above.
The pros of lithium batteries are that they are long-lasting, they can use up to 80% of capacity, they’re small and lightweight, and they’re easy to maintain.
The cons are that they are very expensive, and you need specific adaptations to your boat in order to utilize them properly.
Finding the right battery for your boat requires a lot of patience and research, but if you’re still confused about what kind might be right for you, consider speaking to a boat supply expert to help you make the best choice.
