Humans may not be an aquatic species, but large bodies of water are what help calm you down and soothe your soul. Science has also backed this, as the theory known as “blue mind” has been confirmed by a study.
These benefits of the sea are what boating offers, alongside helping you stay fit and get some vitamin D. You can bask in the sun or get busy by organizing your vessel for the night and/or the motion of the water beneath. But what you can’t do is go boating without a working battery as it’s one of the most essential components of your vessel.
Types of Marine Batteries
Starting
Also referred to as cranking batteries, marine batteries for sale are one of the most widely available, as they serve only to start the engine. This means they only provide a short burst of energy. A starting marine battery is therefore the most essential, as without it nothing else works, but it’s not meant to run the engine or any of your boat’s accessories.
Deep-Cycle
While starting batteries serve a single purpose, deep-cycle batteries are used to power the rest of the electrical components around it and in the cabin. They work by providing a continuous current for an extended period. Deep-cycle marine batteries in Canada are available as flooded (lead-acid), AGM and lithium – more on that later.
Dual-Purpose
If you want to combine the capabilities of both deep-cycle and starting batteries, you should go for dual-purpose batteries instead. They can both start the engine and provide power for the rest of the boat without taking as much space as two batteries. However, keep in mind that dual-purpose batteries are not as effective as both types of batteries in both types of scenarios, and they don’t usually last as long.
What to Look for in a Marine Battery?
Chemistry
If you need a deep-cycle marine battery, your choice is between the three above-mentioned types of chemical compositions. Flooded batteries offer power that’s available for a long time for your electronics, accessories and trolling motors. AGM batteries are considered the most durable when it comes to powering all three, as well as for starting your engine if it has a powerful enough alternator and regulator. Lithium marine batteries for sale last the longest and are usually used as an all-in-one solution, however, not all models are good as cranking batteries.
Size
The size of both the engine (if you’re getting starting batteries) and the battery are two important factor to consider. The size of the battery should match that of the slot it fits in, while the size of the engine affects certain battery requirements in order for it to provide enough power for it.
MCA vs CCA
CCA or cold cranking amps is the number of amps a battery can provide the engine with for 30 seconds at -17°C or 0°F. The higher this number, the better the battery is at starting the engine and the longer it lasts. MCA or marine cranking amps refer to the same rating, however, measured at 0°C or 32°F. Usually, MCA ratings are higher than CCA ratings since batteries work better when it’s warmer.
Reserve Minutes
This specification is meant mostly for deep-cycle batteries since it refers to the number of minutes the battery can provide the boat with a load of 25 amps before it goes down at 10.5 volts. The longer this period, the better, as it means the battery can sustain the boat’s accessories for longer without the engine being on.
Ah
The ampere hour rating refers to the number of hours the battery can work for while providing the CCA it’s rated for. Usually, marine batteries in Canada is between 70 and 10 Ah, which means they can be used 7 to 10 hours with a power draw of 10 amps. This rating also means that the battery has about 750 CCA, which is what you should aim for with a recreational vessel, but don’t expect this to be enough for larger, especially diesel engines or when in a freezing climate.
Voltage
There are three types of batteries when it comes to their voltage rating and those are 12V, 24V and 36V. 12V batteries are usable in small boats as they are capable of starting a small engine and a few electronics. 24V batteries are fitted on sailboats and cruisers with more complex electronics, often in a series of two 12V batteries. 36V batteries are suited for large boats with a demanding propulsion system and they often come as three 12V batteries connected in a series.
Date
The date of manufacture is key to a healthy and long-lasting battery, as one that has been produced a long time ago and has not been used won’t be as good as a recently made battery. Usually, there is a letter for the month and a number for the year on the positive terminal, such as L4, meaning November 2024.
