Marine batteries deep cycle are designed mainly for the use of onboard electric devices and are regularly discharged using most of its capacity.
Those type of batteries mainly is used for the feeding of navigation, domestic and safety devices like GPS, sounders, VHF and navigation lights. Cranking amps are less compared to starter battery with similar size, but it does not mean that could not be used for an ignition engine mode.
…modern engines needs less starting power
The petrol engines are becoming so advanced with fuel injection and perfect electronic ignition that less starting power to crank and start the engine is required. It is very common that only the deep cycle marine batteries are carried on board instead of separate starting battery.
It is not a secret that diesel engines require more crank power regardless of modern electronics, and better and safer is to equip the boat with a starter battery. All the above mentioned have to be taken into account when the boat’s engine is not generating electric power to charge the battery.
proper battery choice is very crucial
Many outboard engines have not generators, so the proper battery choice is very crucial mainly for the safety reason. Do not underestimate the fact that boating is always a high-risk event regardless of cruising in a roaring ocean or angling on the calm pond.
So better assume that danger is closer than it really is and always be ready for sudden weather changes or engine failure. Trust me that it could happen very unexpectedly.
Depending on the boat size and purposes of use you equip the boat with the proper engine.
The small inflatable boat could be driven by the outboard engine and could be started manually. Have the battery on board just let you feel more comfortable and safe be this navigation or warning lights either for GPS and fishfinder feeding.
How to choose the right battery for the boat?
You can find information online or ask fellow boaters either talk to a manager of the shop.
Type, size, and capacity of boat battery depend on many factors and not always the most expensive is the best choice. Only I would like to say never purchase a very cheap unknown brands battery. I have such bad experience thereunder. I do not remember the name of that crap, but after the third full charge, the battery completely discharged after ten minutes when just a couple of navigation lights were switched on.
even to save your life.
In this case, to spending extra $50-$100 could save your nerves and even more money to calling help of Coast Guard or other coastal authorities. No matter how loud it may sound, perhaps even to save your life.
Luckily today manufacturers offer us great batteries we can rely on almost any circumstances. Skipping enumerates all the benefits; I would like to note in my opinion noteworthy details.
One of such a great product is Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery.
Product description from Amazon.com
„Optima D34M BlueTop is designed as a dual purpose battery, both starting and deep cycle for people who need a sure-starting, strong cranking, and maintenance free power source for their boat or RV, even in harsh conditions. The unique SpiralCell design provides a strong and clean power source, ensuring the safety of you, your family and the environment. The higher reserve capacity gives you a longer shelf-life to give you the power when you need it, where you need it. This battery is designed to be used with recreational vehicles or boats with large accessory loads.“
Just some of the benefits:
-Up to three times more recharges than other marine batteries;
-More than 15 times the vibration resistance;
-Spillproof, mountable in virtually any position;
-Maintenance-free;
-Works well as a boat battery or RV battery.
What else to add?
There are so many satisfied boaters saying kind words about these deep cycle marine batteries vs. little or no cons, except some complaints about shipping conditions since some were delivered with cracks. All in all, customer reviews are positive.
mounted at any angle
This battery could be mounted at any angle since they are sealed and don’t vent gas like a flooded battery which is convenient when you are limited in free space on your boat.
You can find other splendid marine batteries deep cycle on the market, but Optima Blue Top product is the perfect choice to feel comfortable on daily fishing tours or weekend sailing trip on a beloved sailboat.
I suggest visiting very knowledgeable web page deep cycle marine battery I came across after comment on my post. Some valuable information for fellow boaters and other marine electrical activities and solutions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nice post 🙂
Just a note about Optima batteries: deep discharge (light gray) batteries have ‘D’ in their name – for example, D27M is deep discharge (light gray) battery, while 34M is starting (dark gray) battery, even if they have blue top …
And blue top means – marine battery 🙂
Hi, Patrick!
Thanks a lot for a valuable note.
I looked at your web page deepcyclemarinebattery.com and suggest other marine battery-seekers to visit it.
Thanks Andrejs!
Just trying to be helpful 🙂
best regs,
Patrick