1. Optima 8016-103 D34M
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Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 120 minutes
- MCA: 870
- Type: Dual purpose
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 20 months
It measures 10 inches in length, 6.9 inches in width and 7.94 inches in height and weighs 43.5 pounds. Its case is made from polypropylene and it has a
C20 capacity of 55Ah, and a
CCA of 750 Amp, making it strong and maintenance-free. It also has Dual SAE and 5/16-inch stainless steel stud posts and a
reserve capacity of 120 minutes at 25Amps, so in case of emergency, you can still reach the shore. It is designed to be used with recreational vehicles, like RVs, or large boats with accessory loads. It comes with a 24-month warranty for defects in material and workmanship from the moment of your purchase, as well.
Durable and time-resistant
Made with the SpiralCell Technology, it will surely offer you performance and power for a long time. The spiral-wound cells are made from two, 99.99% pure lead plates coated in lead oxide for more precision and control, while it has a glass mat that works as a separator. Thus, you can be sure that all critical tolerances, temperatures or humidity are maintained and monitored, for optimal functioning.
Other features
- It charges 3 times faster than other batteries
- It is spill-proof
- Mountable in all positions
- It has optimal starting power, as it has dual-purpose and starting applications available.
- MCA of 870 Ampere
PROS
- Strong and powerful
- Spill-proof
- Charges 3 times faster than other batteries
CONS
- Some complained about it not lasting long enough
- There were some complaints about its durability
Verdict
Overall it is a strong and powerful battery which will help propel your boat faster while giving you the safety and comfort of a well-made power source. Able to be mounted in all positions, you don’t have to worry about what type of motor your boat has.
2. VMAX Marine MR127 MA
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Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 200 minutes
- MCA: 800
- Type: Deep cycle
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 1 year
It packs 12 volts and has an
electrolyte suspension system from AGM, offering a high porosity that will absorb and contain the electrolytes, thus prolonging the battery’s life. Part of the group 27, it provides you with consistency, dependable power and plastic enclosure that will keep it away from vibration and shocks. It has
heavy-duty lead-tin alloys which provide an extra margin of performance, regardless of how many times you use it. It has 100Ah for 20 hours capacity, a minimum
reserve capacity of 200 minutes and it has 8mm terminal posts included, with an MCA of 800A. It measures 12.1 inches in width, 6.7 inches in depth and 8.2 inches in height and it weighs 68 pounds. It also has a charging current of 7A-30A, a charging voltage of 14.4 to 14.9V and a float voltage of 13.5 to 13.8V.
PROS
- Sturdy and powerful
- Heavy-duty grids
- Electrolyte suspension system
CONS
- Some complained about it being too heavy.
- There were some complaints about it not lasting enough.
Verdict
A strong, powerful and reliable battery that will allow you to travel by boat to wherever you need or wish to. It has shock absorption which will prevent it from moving around, while thanks to its long reserve capacity it will help you get to shore even in dire situations.
3. Odyssey 34-PC1500T
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Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 185 minutes
- MCA: 1050
- Type: Dual purpose
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 3 years
It measures 10.8 inches in width, 6.8 inches in length and 7.8 inches in depth and it is a bit on the heavy side as it weighs 50 pounds. It packs
1500 A HCA, 850 A CCA, and 1050A MCA, making it perfect for any type of weather conditions. It can be fully recharged and discharged for about 400 times, making it a strong
dual-purpose battery, which requires only 4 to 6 hours of charging. With plates made of pure lead, it offers you performance and durability for a long period of time, as it has a nominal capacity of 68 AH for 20 hours and a 62 AH for 10 hours. Made with
AGM, it provides you with a reliable, corrosion and leak-free battery. It can be mounted in any position, and it is spill-proof, as well. Tolerant to extreme temperatures it can be used even in -40° C or 45° C, and it is shock and vibration resistant. It has 68 AH rating and
185 minutes reserve capacity, and it belongs to the Group 34. Additionally, it comes with 3 years warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- AGM design
- Solid and durable
- Leak-proof
- High reserve capacity
CONS
- It is quite heavy
- There were some complaints about it not lasting long
Verdict
Strong, powerful and reliable, it can be mounted in any position, as it is shock and vibration resistant. It features a dual purpose, thus it can start and sustain your motor for a long period of time. Additionally, it has a reserve capacity of 185 minutes, making it extremely versatile and safe.
4. Exide XMC-31
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Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 200 minutes
- MCA: 1110
- Type: Deep cycle
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 2 years
It measures 13 inches in length, 9.4 inches in height, and 6.6 inches in width, and it weighs 71 pounds. It has a CCA of 925 at 0°F, and it comes with a powerful
MCA of 1110 at 30°F. Additionally, it has a large
reserve capacity of 200 minutes, thus giving you enough time to reach the shore. It has a dual terminal design, and it is vibration resistant thanks to its rigid polypropylene case. Furthermore, thanks to its
AGM separators it has a deep cycle, while thanks to its spill-proof design you won’t have to worry about it leaking, though placing it in inverted position is not recommended. It is maintenance free and it comes with 2 years of free replacement warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- Large reserve capacity
- Maintenance free and spill proof
- AGM design
CONS
- Some complained about its recharging time
- There were some complaints about its weight
Verdict
It will help you propel your boat faster, as it features a deep cycle and powerful 1110 MCA. Thanks to its hard shell it is resistant to vibrations, while its spill-proof design and the maintenance-free system will allow you to use it for a long time period. Additionally, it has a large reserve capacity which will come in handy if you ever find yourself in emergency situations.
5. Mighty Max Battery ML75-12 SLA
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Mighty Max Battery ML75-12 SLA
Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 155 minutes
- MCA: N/A
- Type: Deep cycle
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 1 year
A part of the group 24 sealed lead acid, maintenance-free batteries, it has 12V and 75Ah and it has a heavy-duty, calcium-alloy grid that provides exceptional performance and service. It has
absorbent glass mat technology, allowing it to be used in enclosed and indoor environments without leaking, and a nut and bolt terminal. It measures 10.24 inches in length, 6.61 inches in width and 8.27 inches in height and it weighs 50.71 pounds. It has a reserve capacity of 175 minutes, requires no additional fluids and its design allows it to be used right out of the box. It is
rechargeable, and it is able to be mounted in any position, offering a high performance even in low temperatures. It has a 1-year hassle-free warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- Strong, powerful and durable
- Calcium-alloy grid
- AGM technology
CONS
- There were some complaints about it not lasting enough
- Some complained about it taking too long to charge.
Verdict
A strong battery that will last you for a long time, it not only has a shock- absorbent technology, but it also allows recharge and can be used right out of the box, giving you the freedom of installing it in any position your motor requires.
6. Universal Power Group UB121000
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Universal Power Group UB121000
Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 120 minutes
- MCA: N/A
- Type: Deep cycle
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 1 year
It measures 16.4 inches in length, 12.8 inches in width and 12.6 inches in height, making it larger than the others. It weighs 60 pounds and it has an
SLA/AGM design, with maintenance- free and spill-proof features. It is able to resist shocks, vibrations and it is able to be mounted in any position. Additionally, it
packs 12 V and 100Ah, with a deep cycle, coming in three alternatives: 12V, 24V and 48V. It has a charging voltage standby use of 13.6 to 13.8 and a cycle service charging voltage of 14.6 to 14.8V. It has a thick, acid proof black plastic body, able to withstand normal weather conditions, and it has
120 minutes reserve capacity. It has a CCA of 615 and, also, a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- AGM design
- Maintenance free
- Leak-proof
CONS
- It is quite heavy
- Some complained it doesn’t last long
Verdict
Providing you with good quality, this deep cycle battery has a thick exterior which will protect it from elements while thanks to its AGM design, you won’t have to worry about its maintenance, as it doesn’t require any type of fluids, like other batteries, do. However, it is a deep cycling battery which will require you to pair it with a starter in order to be able to properly start motors.
7. VMAX V35-857
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Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 75 minutes
- MCA: 390
- Type: Deep cycle
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 1 year
It has 7.7 inches in length, 5 inches in width and 6.6 inches in height and it weighs 25 pounds. However, don’t let yourself be fooled by its light weight, as it packs a powerful
12 V, with a 20 hours capacity of 35AH, an RC of 75 minutes and 6mm terminal posts. It has a CCA of 300 and an MCA of 390 while its charging current is 3A to 15A, and its charging voltage ranges from 14.4 to 14.9V. Additionally, it has a float voltage of 13.5-13.8V and
heavy-duty lead-tin alloys grids which provide an extra margin of performance. It has a maintenance-free system, thanks to its AGM design, it lasts 3 to 4 hours of continuous use, and it has a reserve capacity of 75 minutes. It has 30-days money back warranty and a 12-month exchange warranty from the date of your purchase for manufacturer defects.
PROS
- Maintenance free
- AGM design
- Solid and durable
- Lightweight
CONS
- Some complained about it not lasting long.
- There were some complaints about it taking too long to charge.
Verdict
Powerful, strong and durable, it requires no maintenance thanks to its AGM design. Lightweight, it is easy to store, transport and carry, and it offers you a high-quality, electricity source for your boat.
8. Mighty Max Battery ML35-12
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Mighty Max Battery ML35-12
Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 180 minutes
- MCA: 330
- Type: Deep cycle
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 1 year
It measures 7.68 inches in width, 7.13 inches in height and 5.16 inches in depth, and it has a weight of 23.15 pounds. It comes with a
heavy-duty calcium-alloy grid which provides you with performance and increased durability, allowing you to use it in both floating and cyclic applications. It is made from
absorbent glass mat, which comes with a valve regulated design, thus you won’t have to worry about maintenance, or leaking. It has a voltage of 12V, amperage of 35 AH, and it
can be mounted in any position, as it comes with a shock and vibration-resistant shell.
Additionally, it has an internal resistance at 77 ° F of 10mΩ, it comes with an RC of 180 minutes, while this deep cycle battery is able to keep a charging of 13.6 – 13.8V at 77 ° F while floating, and 14.4 – 14.7V at 77 ° F per cycle. It has an MCA of 330Amp, and a self-discharge at 68 ° F, reaching 60% after 12 months of storage. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- Heavy-duty grids
- AGM design
- Leak-proof
CONS
- Some complained about it being too heavy
- There were some complaints about its durability
Verdict
It can be mounted in any position, as it comes with a design that is shock and vibration resistant. It has a deep cycle style, so it will require you to pair it up with a starter battery type to be able to fully access its power. However, it is leak-proof and maintenance-free, thus it is sturdy and durable.
9. Weize NT12-35
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Specifications
- Voltage: 12 V
- Reserve capacity: 45 minutes
- MCA: N/A
- Type: Deep cycle
- Spill-proof design :
- Mountable in all positions:
- Warranty: 1 years
It measures 7.09 inches in height, 5.12 inches in depth and 7.68 inches in length, and it weighs 25.1 pounds, thus you won’t have any trouble moving it around. It has an
AGM system which provides it with increased life span, as it is leak-resistant. It is rechargeable, and it can be mounted in a different position, as it is
shock-resistant. It has a capacity of 35Ah and a voltage of 12V. It has an anti-overheat cover, which extends the battery life and it is ready for immediate use. Since it is a
deep cycle type, you will need a starting battery to turn on your engine, as it alone is not able to start your boat. It has a reserve capacity of 45 minutes, thus it provides you with plenty of time to reach the shore. It comes with a limited 1-year warranty from the moment of your purchase.
PROS
- Sturdy and shock-resistant
- Maintenance-free use
- Can be recharged
CONS
- There were some complaints about its weight
- Some complained about its time resistance
Verdict
It can be used immediately, and it is safe to use, thanks to the anti-overheat cover and AGM case. It is resistant to shocks, and requires no maintenance, as it will not leak, but it won’t be able to start your motor on its own, as it is a deep cycle battery type.
Deep Cycle or Dual Purpose?
There are several features you have to take into account when you want to invest in a durable, time resistant and powerful battery that is able to propel your boat and supply its motor with enough power. Before you decide to buy one, you have to consider what type of motor your boat has and what type of battery it requires. Do you plan on relying only on your battery to start your boat or are you going to use a starter? You might wonder what the difference is, so let’s take a look at it.
Deep Cycle
Trolling motors tend to consume power at a slower rate than other motors, resulting in the batteries powering them being recharged only at the end of the day. These types of batteries have an RC rating – reserve capacity – which indicates how long they can carry the load before complete depletion. The higher the RC, the longer you can use your boat. More powerful than a cranking battery, it can withstand several hundred recharging operations, making it one of the best solutions for bigger boats. However, it should be paired up with a starter, as it cannot start up an engine on its own.
Dual-purpose
As the name implies, it provides you with two features into one: a quick way to start your motor, while it also possesses deep cycling abilities. Although it is able to support both functions, it will not completely substitute a cranking battery for starting your motor and a deep discharge battery for prolonged usage. However, if you don’t have enough space on your boat for more than one battery, or if your boat is too small, it is a great alternative.
Battery Tips
- Never mix batteries – they have to be the same type and the same ‘age’ when you use them.
- Recharge them as soon as you can – if you want to prevent them from decreasing their longevity in the long run, it is best to charge them as soon as they are depleted.
- If your battery requires maintenance, check its fluid level periodically.
- Check for corrosion and the ‘well-being’ of its connectors to ensure its functionality. If the need arises, clean it up with a paste of baking soda and water.
- Store them in a dry and cold climate – hot temperature and moisturized environment can damage it in the long run.
To sum up, while a deep cycle battery is more powerful and it is advised to use one if your boat has enough space and is big enough to accommodate it, a dual-purpose battery can be a great alternative for smaller boats. Thus, you should take into account what type of boat you have and what its requirements are before you decide on investing in a battery.
Battery Size
If you want to be able to enjoy a relaxing trip with your boat, you need a battery strong enough to take you on your trip and back, safely. Thus, you’ll have to keep in mind a few factors when choosing a battery for your boat. It is recommended to go with a deep cycle type, as it will provide you with a long duration use. However, while it might look extremely easy to choose it, it’s easy to pick the wrong one.
Battery Types
There are two types of 12V batteries: Lead Acid Wet-Cell and AGM batteries. The Wet-Cell ones are an affordable option, as they are not only common, but they also handle frequent draining and re-charging. They can last you long, about two up to three years, so you don’t have to worry about changing them too often. However, they do require occasional maintenance, because they are affected by vibrations and they might leak.
AGM batteries, on the other hand, provide you with a complete seal, thus you won’t have to worry about maintenance or leaks, and they tend to have longer life-spans, as they can ‘live’ even up to four years. Although they are more expensive than their counterparts, they do have better performance.
Amperes per Hour
Amperes per hour are to a battery what a gas tank is to a car. So, the larger the number of amperes, the longer it will last. For example, if your battery has 100Ah and the motor uses up 4amperes/ hour, then your battery will last up to 25 hours. The more amperes your motor uses, the fewer hours will your battery last. Thus, it is best to invest in a battery which has at least 100Ah, is part of Group 27 and has a minimum of 175 minutes of reserve capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
?Can I use a car battery for a trolling motor?
While you will be able to start it up, since a car battery is 12 volts, the time your motor will last is halved. A car battery will have a shorter life span than specifically designated batteries. It will last you even less if you plan on using it with a deep-cycle motor.
?How many times can I recharge a deep cycle battery?
It is highly dependent on how many cycles your battery has. Usually, deep cycle types are designed to discharge slow, to provide you with lengthy use.
?Do I need two batteries for my trolling motor?
It depends on how powerful the motor is. For example, if you already have a way of starting it up fast, then you’ll need only a deep cycle to provide you with lengthy use. However, if your motor lacks a way of starting, a dual-purpose battery is essential, as it will provide you with enough power to start up, as well as covering a deep cycle battery’s task.
?Which battery type is better?
Any deep cycle or marine battery that is capable of at least 12V 50Ah.
?How often should I charge the batteries?
You should charge them after every tip. Additionally, if you’re not going to use it for more than a week, charge them before you install them on your boat.
Verdict
Picking the right type of battery for your boat style plays an important role when you want to venture out on the water. Depending on the boat size, or how much space you have on it, you will have to choose carefully what battery type fits your needs best.
Best Overall
: Optima 8016-103 D34M
For example, Optima 8016-103 D34M is a great choice if your boat is small, or doesn’t come with large storage space on deck. It is a dual-purpose type battery, which will help you start your boat, as well as use it throughout the day. It comes with SpiralCell Technology, which means that you won’t have to worry about its durability in time, nor about its maintenance.
Our Choice
: VMAX Marine MR127 MA
However, if you already have a cranking battery, and your boat can provide you with plenty of space on deck, then VMAX Marine MR127 MA will make sure that you can enjoy several hours on the water without needing to go ashore, as it has a reserve capacity of 200 minutes. Spillproof, it is mountable in all positions, allowing you safe voyage and hassle-free maintenance.
Best Reserve Capacity for Trolling Motor Battery
: Exide XMC-31
If you’re looking for a deep cycle battery that can provide you with large reserve capacity, then Exide XMC-31 is a great option. It has a generous capacity providing you with 200 minutes, therefore you can safely go fishing and return without having to worry about it not lasting the trip. It comes with a spill-proof design that will make maintenance a cinch.
Best Battery for Kayak
: Universal Power Group UB121000
Maintenance-free and spill-proof Universal Power Group UB121000 can resist shocks, and vibration making it ideal for small boats, as it can be mounted in all positions. It features a deep cycle design, which means it will discharge slow, providing you with plenty of time to use the boat, while thanks to its thick and sturdy casing, you don’t have to worry about weather conditions.
Best Budget-friendly Trolling Motor Battery
: Weize NT12-35
If your budget doesn’t allow you to pick expensive batteries, Weize NT12-35 comes to your rescue. With an asking price under $70, it features an AGM system which makes it leak-resistant for hassle-free maintenance. Even more, it comes with an anti-overheat cover, so you don’t have to worry about direct sun rays, while its deep cycle design will provide you with up to 45 minutes, therefore plenty of time to reach your destination.
Best Reserve Capacity
Best Budget-friendly
