The Starting, Deep Cycle, and Marine Battery: Powering Your Boats
For boating buffs, they’d know that one integral part of their boats is the batteries. For someone new in the business, this article will provide basic information on batteries for your money’s worth.
Batteries for boats actually look like car batteries. However, these are sturdier than regular car batteries because they need to be able to endure the boat’s swaying movements as well as jolts.
The most common boat battery is the lead acid battery. It is popular because it is cheaper to purchase and maintain. However, it is heavier than other kinds, its lifespan is shorter than more advanced ones, the lead component is toxic, and forms hydrogen bubbles which when mixed with air, forms hydrogen gas, a highly explosive substance.
Two types of lead acid boat batteries are the starting batteries and deep cycle batteries. Starting batteries use lead sponges to make up the plates. The lead sponges amplify the plates’ surface area to provide large quantities of energy in short periods. It is quickly recharged by the generator or alternator of the boat. Some would use car batteries for this job.
If you try to buy a lead acid battery for your boat, you will notice that there are some labeled simply as “marine battery”. These are usually hybrids and can be used either as starting or deep-cycle batteries.
The hybrid battery or marine battery also use lead sponge but this material is heavier and sturdier than the sponge used in starting batteries. Because of this, hybrids can perform as a starting or a deep cycle battery.
Boat batteries are rechargeable but they do not last forever. Usually, a battery has a lifespan of 3 to 4 years no matter the brand or cost. This is because each time the battery is used, the plate material gets eaten away until it can no longer provide power and must be replaced.
It seems as though Australia dominates the boating industry and many online stores based in Australia carry maine batteries and chargers. Although they are quite popular, you can still purchase a large selection of items from online stores based out of Canada and the US.
Scott also enjoys writing about on deep cycle battery charger and boat battery chargers too.
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