Marine Batteries: Two Types Of Battery Options For Your Boat

Marine batteries are among the most important components of your boat and are responsible for providing enough power to ignite the engines and run the electrical equipment on the boat, such as the radio and navigation instruments.

Thus, when looking for a marine battery, it is essential to consider various factors such as safety, maintenance, battery recharge time, and the depth of discharge. Typically, there are multiple types of marine batteries you can buy depending on your needs and finances. However, each type of marine battery has its advantages and limitations compared to other marine batteries. Thus, before deciding on any marine battery, it is advisable to compare and contrast the qualities of each.

With that in mind, here is a guide to the two of the types of marine batteries you can get for your boat.

Flooded (Wet) Marine Batteries

Wet or flooded batteries use acid. Wet marine batteries are among the most common types of marring batteries used by boat owners because they are the least expensive. However, despite the low cost, wet marine batteries have the most demanding maintenances services. For one, you have to keep charging the battery even if it is not in use because wet marine batteries lose a significant amount of charge even when they are idle. 

Additionally, it is essential to keep the battery box open during the charging process because it releases hydrogen bubbles that can easily get ignited by a spark. Another key maintenance point is regularly checking the water levels. It is essential to note that you can only top up a marine battery using distilled water.

Pros

1. Wet batteries are the most affordable type of marine batteries

2. They are better equipped to handle overcharging than other types of marine batteries

3. They have up to 50% depth of discharge

Cons

1. They are high maintenance

2. Wet batteries lose charge when idle

3. If the battery gets damaged, the acid can leak, causing damage to the boat or an injury

4. The production of hydrogen in the battery is a fire risk

Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) Marine Batteries

Unlike wet marine batteries, AGM marine batteries use an electrolyte instead of sulfuric acid. An AMG marine battery is also sealed to prevent the electrolyte from leaking out, and hence the battery won't leak even when installed vertically on a boat. 

Additionally, you don't have to worry about the components of the battery getting corroded because the electrolyte is less reactive than sulfuric acid. Nonetheless, AMG batteries are more expensive than wet batteries. One of the main benefits of an AGM marine battery is that it doesn't require any maintenance. Once you buy one, all you have to do is charge it regularly and nothing more.

Pros

1. Some AMG batteries have a DOD lower than 50%

2. It is a safer option compared to wet marine batteries

3. There is no maintenance required

4. These batteries have better resistance to the cold, and hence they don't freeze

5. AMG batteries are more resistant to vibrations

Cons

1. They are considerably more expensive than a wet battery

2. Overcharging can shorten the battery's lifespan

3. They have a lower deep cycle DOD compared to a lead-acid battery