Most people don’t give batteries a second thought. A battery is a battery; it makes an electronic work when you pop it into place. However, any boat owner should know that this isn’t exactly the case. The kind of battery that you have on your boat will drastically alter what you can do.

If you’re new to owning a boat or you aren’t sure what kind of marine battery will work best for you, never fear. We’ve created this marine battery buying guide to help you out. We’ll look at the main types of batteries available to you and when you should choose one over the other.

Starting Batteries

As the name implies, a starting battery is extremely efficient at providing a surge of power to get your boat up and running. Starting batteries are a good option for powering inboard or outboard motors, as well as simple electronics such as lighting fixtures. If you choose a starting battery, you won’t be able to discharge it for long periods of time, and it’s not a good idea to rely on one for long-term applications.

Deep Cycle Batteries

The other end of the spectrum is where we find deep cycle marine batteries. Boats with trolling motors tend to rely on deep cycle batteries because they have a longer and heavier discharge cycle. If you plan to run many other electronics on your boat, the more reliable option to choose is a deep cycle battery that will last for the entire time you’re out on the water. A deep cycle battery can also be drained and recharged more times than a starting battery.

Dual Purpose Marine Batteries

While dual purpose batteries might seem like the best of both worlds, they’re actually more like Jacks-of-all-trades. They are a good middle-ground option between a starting battery and a deep cycle battery. Dual purpose batteries can give you that burst of energy you need yet also last a long time, but they do both these things with less efficiency than either of the other battery types.

Lithium or Lead-Acid?

Many traditional marine batteries are lead-acid batteries. These batteries can do the job, but newer lithium-based batteries, like the ones at Abyss Battery, will be a much better choice for practically any boat owner. Lithium batteries consistently provide more power, charge much faster than lead-acid batteries, and are much safer to transport and use.

Choosing the right battery for your boat can make a huge difference, and this marine battery buying guide can help you pick the one that will best serve your needs. For any marine battery questions or concerns, contact us at Abyss Battery, and we’ll be glad to help you out.