Batteries And Accessories Review

Summary

Marine batteries and accessories have a couple of key responsibilities. Starting batteries crank the engine. Deep power cells supply the power to run the electrical load the boat requires. You can use a dual-purpose battery to serve both needs or use a combination of the two types. When selecting the battery itself, you can choose between flooded storage batteries and sealed batteries. Flooded boat batteries—also known as wet cells—are currently the most popular lead-acid battery-type and come in a variety of designs and sizes for many different uses. Sealed batteries can either be gel batteries or AGM (Absorbed glass mat) batteries.If you choose not to use a dual-purpose battery, you will need to choose battery switches and cable to so that you get the right type of power when you need it. Switches and cable come in a variety of sizes, types and appearances. Numerous other battery accessories are available as well. They include various lead and copper terminals, terminal caps, insulators and cleaners, battery cases and heat-shrink tubing for cables. Starting assist devices automatically combine batteries when they are being charged and isolate batteries when they are being discharged or are starting engines.

Pros

Marine batteries usually are not sealed so the user can replenish any electrolyte while charging the battery. The assortment of batteries in each type allows the consumer to purchase the right battery to meet the need.

Cons

The battery’s life will diminish if the battery is left to sit with less than a full charge. In the offseason batteries should be topped-off bi-weekly. For flooded batteries, the owner must be very careful when charging the battery. If you touch the electrolyte, you will get burned. If seawater contacts the battery, then chlorine gas will result. The power grid on a flooded-lead-acid battery is supported only at the edges, making it the weakest type of battery mechanically.

Featured Manufacturers

Blue Sea Systems, Ancor, Seafit, Mastervolt

Conclusion

Which battery is best for you will depend upon your specific needs. Factors affecting the decision will include the cranking power and electrical voltage requirements of your particular boat as well as how often you use your boat. Other concerns will be the capacity and lifespan you are looking for in your battery and the amount you can spend for a battery. Battery accessories include a host of products like switches and cable and starting assist devices. These items are also available in an assortment of options to meet the differing needs of boats and boating enthusiasts.