Marine batteries are not the same as the batteries you use in your car or lawnmower. They are specially designed to meet the rigors of being exposed to the water elements and demands of marine life. The batteries need to be able to sit for weeks or months but still be able to retain enough charge to power your boat or marine craft when needed.
Many people are confused about the different types of marine batteries. They are unsure where to shop or do not know what to expect. If you are one of these people then this article on marine batteries was written for you.
Marine batteries are also simply called boat batteries. They are also known as watercraft batteries and are specifically designed for boats, yachts, watercraft vehicles and recreational vehicles. There are several different kinds and many different brands.
The function of any battery is to provide power. On a boat there are any number of devices, which require a steady power supply. This can include radios, small televisions, marine equipment and anything needed to just make the boat run. A reliable battery is an essential element of safety. No one wants to be on the water with a storm coming and find out that his or her radio won’t work because of a dead battery!
A boat battery is not the same as the battery for your car. While a car battery may work in your boat a few times it likely won’t last long. This is because a marine battery is physically built differently from a car battery. It is designed to withstand longer down times while your car’s battery is designed to be “on” most of the time.
There are primarily three different types of marine batteries available. These are the cranking amp battery, deep cycle and the gell cell battery. They are each designed for marine use and they each provide power. Otherwise, the batteries are very different. You will need to consult your owner’s manual when deciding which one of these is right for your needs.
Just being able to hook up a battery doesn’t guaranteed that the battery charger will be able to charge the battery. The type of charger that you need will depend on the type of battery that you have. Not all chargers will work with all batteries. Having the wrong combination of battery and charger will result in damage to your battery, charger or both.
When selecting your charger pay attention to the information from the manufacturer of your battery. They will often tell you exactly which type of charger that you need.
There will be differences in brands and costs among the different types of chargers that you need. Generally, it is best to purchase the best charger that you can afford. Buying a charger that you can use will go a long way toward getting the most out of your marine batteries.
