Boat batteries are available in two main types, flooded or sealed. Flooded batteries have removable caps for regularly topping the batteries with distilled water. You do not need to add distilled water or other liquids to sealed batteries, so they don't have removable caps. Apart from the maintenance factor, below are factors to consider when choosing between these two batteries. 

Self-Discharge

All batteries lose some charge in storage; the longer you store a battery, the more charge is lost. Sealed batteries suffer slower self-discharge than flooded batteries. Self-discharge is a big issue for those who infrequently use their boats because they cannot just come and use the batteries anytime.

Leakage Risk

A flooded battery contains considerable liquid that can leak and reduce its efficiency. The leakage can also affect other things in the vicinity, such as sensitive electronics. Consider the installation environment when choosing a battery.

For example, choose a sealed battery if you want to use it in other orientations other than upright. A flooded battery in a non-upright position risks leaking fluids.

Air Circulation

The chemical processes that store electricity in flooded batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen. You must vent the batteries for the gases to escape safely. Otherwise, the air circulating restriction would overheat the batteries and damage them. However, sealed batteries don't have such restrictions and operate well even in confined environments.

Cost

Your budget matters because flooded batteries are relatively cheaper than sealed varieties. Although sealed batteries require a significant upfront investment, the premium investment is ultimately worth it due to the batteries' durability.

Charging Efficiency and Sensitivity

Sealed batteries charge faster than flooded ones. The charging rate determines how fast you can charge and use your battery if you find it depleted. However, you must closely control the charging rate to avoid damaging sealed batteries. Flooded batteries are less susceptible to damage from charging fluctuations.

Operating Temperatures

Lastly, consider the temperatures in which you will be using the batters. What is the local climate? Is the battery compartment confined? What other things do you have in the boat? Answers to these questions will help you understand the temperatures your battery will experience during usage.

The temperature determines your batteries' discharge rate, charge, and durability. As a rule, sealed batteries perform better in extreme temperatures than flooded batteries.

Hopefully, you will get the most suitable batteries for your boat. Don't forget to consider the boat manufacturer's recommendations for the most suitable batter. You should also maintain the battery to ensure efficient operations for long.

Reach out to a marine batteries supplier to learn more.