What You Need To Know When Buying A New Battery For Your Boat Or Watercraft

Marine or boat batteries are similar in design to automotive batteries, although there are some key differences that are important to note. While the batteries may look the same, the voltage, amperage, and internal design can be very different. Using suitable batteries is vital to ensure they perform and stand up to the abuse of the marine environment they have to operate in. 

Battery Design

When shopping for new boat batteries, you need to make sure that the design of the new battery is the same as the one you are taking out of the craft. Pay attention to the orientation of the battery terminals and the battery case shape and size. 

The new battery needs to fit the space that the old one came out of, and the hold-down that surfaces the battery may use the base of the battery case, so it is essential that any mount or edge is there on the new battery. Boat batteries are more likely to move around if they are not secure because of the movement of the craft in the water. 

If the boat is bouncing around or crashing over some waves, a battery that is not secure could move and short out or suffer damage to the case, requiring you to replace the battery a second time. Taking the old battery to a marine battery supply can make it easier to match up the battery and get a direct replacement.

Battery Durability

Any marine battery supply will offer several types and brands of batteries you can choose from for your boat. Still, like car batteries, the different price points often represent the quality of the batteries. Make sure that the battery you are considering is a sealed marine battery, the voltage is the same as your old one, and it has the same or greater cranking amps as the original. 

Most boat batteries offer heavier cases and more support inside the battery to make it more durable and stand up to vibrations and the abuse of the boat bouncing around on the water. The outside of the battery may not immediately look different than other batteries in the same size or group, but checking the warranties on them can tell you a lot. 

A battery with a one-year warranty is not designed to last long, while one with a five-year warranty is likely more durable and intended to be used for five years when maintained properly. Working with a marine battery supply to get replacement boat batteries is an excellent option if you are unsure how to choose the best battery for your boat and how you use it. 

For more information on boat batteries, contact a company near you. 

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