Hi Guys. <br /> Why is it recommended a marine battery is used in a boat.Would a good auto heavy duty battery not do the same job or is there a differance in the setup of both batteries.
Howdy Bayrider.<br /><br />I think Marine batteries are made to withstand more shock without dropping a plate or leaking acid than automotive batteries.<br /><br />Gonna move this to Boat Electrics.
In short, an auto battery would do for a while. Marine batteries are designed to take more of beating and deep cells are designed to be dischared and recover more than an auto battery. If you only need one battery and don't run a lot of accessories off it continuously, then get a dual purpose marine battery. Eventually, you'll kill the automotive battery and you might be left stranded in the drink somewhere.<br /><br />TakeEm
Depends on the boat and where you boat. If it's in rough waters, get the Marine battery. If calm waters and not a large motor go for the auto battery for a while. Marine batteries have thicker plates inside and are designed to withstand pounding of hard use...
I have a auto starting and a deep cycle. They both last 6 to 7 years. Have had boat since 1980 and never had anybattery that did not last 6 years. Both of mine are group 24 and mounted all the way to the stern one in a battery box on each side. Always keep your batteries charge and do not over charge. Check water level twice a year. Again charge ASAP and batteries will be good to you.
Will you be using this only as a starting battery or for powering accessories when the engine is off? I might consider an auto battery only if I already had an extra one on hand and would use it for starting only. I recommend checking any wet cell battery's electrolyte (water)level much more often than twice a year if it is not a sealed battery, and I don't have any use at all for sealed batteries other than AGM units like the Optima which are excellent but somewhat expensive. This is especially necessary when putting a deep cycle on a charger. I like to make sure its plates are fully covered before charging, then top off with distilled or deionized water afterward. Some expansion will occur from the heat generated during the charging process. Boatist's advice about keeping them charged but not overcharged is excellent and cannot be overstated.
I'm jealous! If I get two years of service out of a battery (marine or in my diesel truck), I consider myself lucky! <br /><br />They should post a sign as you drive into this state: "Welcome to Arizona! Consider buying a new battery now!"
all great advice..plates are thicker fact... but my method of thinking is with all the other problems we incur while boating, why would you even chance bandaiding the problem and risk getting stuck. they make marine motors for a reason, there no a gimmick. besides cranking amps needed for the outboards, why would you want to save 30-40 bucks to get stuck. i'll pay the 50 extra and know what i got.. my 2 cents...good luck....
all great advice..plates are thicker fact... but my method of thinking is with all the other problems we incur while boating, why would you even chance bandaiding the problem and risk getting stuck. they make marine motors for a reason, there no a gimmick. besides cranking amps needed for the outboards, why would you want to save 30-40 bucks to get stuck. i'll pay the 50 extra and know what i got.. my 2 cents...good luck....
