Sunday, March 17, 2024

What Kind Of Boat Battery Do I Need

Thin Plate Pure Lead And Lithium Batteries

What kind of Batteries do I need for my Boat? Marine batteries explained!

New technologies will require new ways of thinking about your boat’s battery system. NorthStar TPPL batteries are among the most advanced AGM batteries in the world. They’re made from 99.99% pure lead that’s rolled into thin plates. Combining the pure lead’s low electrical resistance and greater surface area from more and thinner lead plates, they can accept much higher charging amperage than typical AGM batteries. Not only do they charge incredibly quickly, but they’re capable of 400 charge/discharge cycles with an amazing 80% depth of discharge.

These batteries add intriguing options for long distance cruisers. Instead of installing a 1000Ah battery bank and running your diesel for six hours, you can install a 500Ah TPPL bank and charge more frequently, but faster. Or you can forego a genset and install one or more very high-output alternatorsturning your propulsion engine into a high-output charging machine. Your diesel will run for short periods but with a high load .

Lithium/nickel/cobalt/manganese batteries, like those used in Torqeedo electric outboards, weigh less than lead acid batteries, can be discharged 800 times to 100% depth of discharge, and can be recharged in a little over an hour. They excel as battery banks in electric boats, as well as for other high-performance battery tasks.

Hp Electric Outboard Motor: Epropulsion Spirit 10 Plus

If you are looking for a reliable, affordable, and portable electric outboard motor for the dinghy, inflatable and fishing boats, sailboats, and tenders, the Spirit 1.0 Plus is your best choice.

This electric outboard motor with a built-in battery provides 3 hp equivalent horsepower and can go up to 22 miles at 4.5 mph, or keep running all day long at trolling speed.

Highlights:

  • 1276Wh capacity for 4-hour economical speed runtime
  • Floating battery, youll never lose it if it drops into the water
  • 180W solar charging for extra charging
  • Lightweight
  • Folding tiller, easy to pack and carry the motor
  • Digital display, youll always know the battery level, remaining runtime, etc
  • 3 hours full recharge with quick charger
  • Designed for freshwater and saltwater

As an electric outboard motor for saltwater and freshwater, the Spirit is durable and efficient to be used in the lake, marine, and simply any kind of environment.

Check out how the Spirit performs in the water on this genuine electric outboard motor review:

For advanced hydrogeneration capacity, check out the Spirit 1.0 Evo. You will love it on sailing.

Electric Outboard Motor For Boat: What You Need To Know

The electric outboard motor is definitely appealing but the flooded information on the Internet could be overwhelming and get you lost especially if you are new to electric boating.

Here I have rounded up the top 5 frequently asked questions so that you can easily decide whether to get an electric outboard motor for your boat.

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What Are The Advantages Of An Agm Battery

There are many advantages of AGM batteries which makes them a reliable upgrade to any regular acid batteries. They arent just more durable, but they last longer and are more lightweight than the regular batteries. But theyre more powerful, are completely maintenance-free and have no-spill hazard.

Additionally, AGM batteries have a low self-discharge rate, which is a great benefit when it comes to battery storage during the winter. Also, be prepared for the sealed AGM batteries being slightly smaller than the original OEM batteries in the jet skis.

Deep Cycle Marine Battery Design Features

What Size Battery Do I Need For My Boat?

Thats where deep cycle marine batteries come in. A deep cycle marine battery, or trolling battery, has several design differences. One key difference is the battery plate: It has fewer, thicker plates allowing the battery to provide continuous power output over long time periods. Deep cycle batteries can be entirely drained and recharged many times over, where as cranking batteries can’t. Deep cycle marine batteries are much less likely to overheat since their thicker plate construction can withstand high temperatures during heavy currents.

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Battery Storage & Maintenance

Proper storage of the marine battery will prolong its life cycle. Winterizing your boat also consists of adequately storing your battery. Trickle chargers can cause damage to your marine boat unless it is set up in a way not to overcharge the battery.

Picking an excellent automatic marine battery charger will save you money in replacement costs. You also want to store your battery in a manner that allows the battery no to stay at a constant temperature.

The Battery cannot be set on concrete as it may expand and leak, or completely discharge depending on the moisture and temperature of the concrete. Always set your battery on a dry wooden surface.

Getting your battery ready for the spring season is not as simple as picking up and going. Here is an excellent video that explains the entire process.

Cons Of Gel Cell Batteries:

High initial cost The gel cell battery is a specialty boat battery that costs twice as much as the best-flooded batteries. Although this cost lessens over time, because of its long-lasting deep-cycle uses. Anyways, entry costs are a factor for most buyers.

Needs special chargers You must use the correct charger on a gel cell battery or it will lead to poor performance and early failure. This means more money to spend for the boat owner.

Overcharging sensitivity This type of boat battery uses a special charger plus it charges at a lower voltage than other types. So, some boaters have a higher chance of high-voltage overcharging. The result is damage to the battery and is annoying to the owner.

Poor heat resistance Hot temperatures can create adverse effects to the electrolyte. As a result, this can turn the gel hard allowing it to shrink off from the plates. Exposing the plates will shorten the life expectancy of this boat battery.

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What Is Special About A Marine Battery For A Boat

Your car batterys job is to provide enough power to turn over, or start, your engine when it is cold. To do this, the battery needs to deliver a lot of amperage for just a few seconds. After the engine starts, the alternator takes over to power all of the electronics in your car and recharge the battery.

Boat batteries often have different demands on them. Your boat motor still needs a battery to start it, but there may be many other power needs that the battery will supply. In smaller, day-use boats, your marine battery must also power the lights, gauges, pumps, and other electronics. On the other hand, fishing boats and live-aboard vessels may require multiple battery types to run household systems or electric motors.

There are three general types of marine batteries to consider: Starting boat batteries, deep-cycle marine batteries, and multi-purpose boat batteries.

Things That Will Destroy A Battery

Marine Boat Battery Chargers : Which Type Do You Need?

There are essentially two things that will quickly and easily destroy your battery: either 1) undercharging it or 2) overcharging it. The majority of both deep cycle and starting batteries are simply containers for a number of lead-plates, filled with sulfuric acid. Undercharging them will ultimately cause lead sulfate to accumulate on the plates this will eventually destroy the battery because the normal chemical reaction will be unable to continue. Overcharging the battery will accelerate the natural corrosion of the plates due to excess electrons being literally boiled out of the electrolyte. Ultimately, the fluid boils away and the plates are exposed to the air, which ruins them.

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Hottest Faqs About Electric Outboard Motors

A single post could not answer all questions about the electric outboards. Weve picked out the most frequently asked ones below with short answers.

If you have any further confusion about the electric outboard motors, leave them in the comment and well get back to you asap and add yours to the list.

#1. How rock proof are electric outboards?

The electric outboard motor blade is usually made of solid materials and ePropulsion motors feature propeller collision emergency stop

However, the rock or oyster bed could still possibly cause damage to the motor. If you are worried, you can always protect the outboard with some propeller guard.

#2. What is the most powerful electric outboard motor?

The most powerful electric outboard motor by far is 80 hp rated, and it is mostly for commercial use due to the high initial cost.

#3. What size electric outboard do I need?

To get the right size electric outboard motor, you need to consider the boat size , boatload, your desired speed, and the boating environment, etc.

Generally speaking, a 1kw3hp electric outboard motor is enough to provide a satisfying speed and range for tenders, dinghies, and daysailers up to 1.5 tons, and 6kw10 hp electric outboard motor is for RIBs, fishing boats, and cruising sailboats up to 6 tons.

Four Disadvantages Of An Agm Battery:

Higher cost than flooded batteries Like Gel cells, AGM batteries have a high initial cost. However, the longevity of the battery tends to outweigh this cost for most boaters.

Overcharging Sensitivity AGM batteries are even more sensitive to overcharging than Gel cells. A lot of damage occurs when overcharging a battery. This damage can fry the battery to a point of uselessness.

Capacity Decline While an AGM has a reliable lifecycle, it will lose capacity over time. Capacity is the batteries ability to hold a charge. Therefore, as an AGM discharges and recharges, its ability to hold future charges lessens. Gel cells are better at holding capacity over time.

Poor Heat Threshold AGM batteries hate the heat, so dont store or use this type of boat battery near engine bays.

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Cranking Battery Vs Deep Cycle Marine Battery

The Summer season is here, and if you’re a boater, you know how important it is to have the right marine battery for your boat. But, with the different types of marine batteries that are on the market, how do you know which one is right?

Choosing the right is more than a matter of going with a reliable brand that your customers can trust. Even the best battery is only as good as its application and maintenance. This starts, of course, with knowing the differences between the two most common types of marine batteries: cranking batteries and deep cycle marine batteries.

Electric Outboard Motor For Boat: Final Thoughts

What Size Battery Do I Need For My Boat?

With the unbeatable advantages like quietness, clean, exhaust-free, and the lower overall cost with a few years of use, electric outboard motors are gaining more popularity over time.

You will see more and more electric outboard motors for sailboats, kayak, canoe, and dinghy boats on sale and in use for the upcoming years, especially with the push of the government.

If youre interested but not sure what type and size of electric outboard motor suits you best, leave us a message on the comments and well try our best to help you find the best pick.

If you are looking for an electric outboard motor in the UK, US, NZ, Canada, Australia, or any other regions worldwide, and want a quick delivery, you may check out the local dealers and order directly from them with solid support if there is an issue coming up.

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Cons Of Wet Cell Batteries:

Unsealed Wet cell batteries have gases venting out of them they arent sealed. Any non-sealed flooded batteries carry the risk of spillage. With the fluid being hazardous to skin, you need to be extra careful around these batteries. Spillage can cause both corrosion and damage to a boat.

Vents on the battery need to be open, including the battery box that holds the batteries. Unsealed battery boxes need their own maintenance. You will need to buy and carry special safety gear in the event of an onboard battery leak or spill.

Vertical orientation only Wet Cell boat batteries have fluid inside an unsealed container. So to prevent spillage these batteries should be in a vertical position. If installed in a horizontal position the fluid will leak out and damage the boat. This can create headaches for some boat owners because space comes at a premium.

Hands on maintenance required This type of boat battery needs water top ups. One part of electrolyte fluid is water, but dont use ordinary water. You should only use distilled water to refill. To refill you need to choose the right time after charging the battery to full.

As well, you need to consider the right amount of distilled water. Ensure the fluid covers the plates when filling. If you dont, expect the batterys performance and longevity to suffer.

Do I Need Two Batteries For My Boat

Many boats use a starting battery and a house battery in conjunction to power all the electrical loads out on the water.

However, keeping two heavy and bulky batteries on your boat is not always feasible, especially if your boat is too small. For these situations, there is an alternative solution to your needs of electrical power on the water:

Dual-Purpose Batteries

As the name suggests, dual-purpose batteries are capable of powering your starting as well as your electronics. These batteries include active lead paste chemistry and thicker and larger plates that contain more antimony than other types of batteries.

The construction of these batteries allows them to undergo deep discharge cycles that other starting batteries simply dont handle well. Thus, you can use them to start your boat engine AND power all your electronics.

The drawback to dual-purpose batteries is that they are generally more expensive than either starting or deep-cycle batteries. They also have lower power capacity than a similarly sized deep cycle battery.

However, despite the drawbacks of dual-purpose batteries, they offer an extremely valuable power solution for certain applications. If you have a small powerboat like a runabout, space is of primary concern.

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What Battery Ratings To Look For

Starting functions: the amount of power available for cranking a starter is measured several ways.

CCA vs. MCA: The two common power measurements are CCA and MCA . The reason that MCA are 2025% higher than the CCA is because batteries work better at higher temperatures.

Reserve Minutes indicate how long a battery can sustain a load of 25 amps before it drops to 10.5 volts. A battery rated at 150 minutes can operate a 25A load for 2 1/2 hours . Starting batteries aren’t used to handle loads for long periods, so reserve minutes are less critical.

Size: Engine size, type, and ambient temperature determine what size cranking battery you need. High cranking power is required for cold temperatures, diesel engines, or large and high compression gas engines. The first sizing criteria is to meet the minimum CCA stated by the engine or boat manufacturer. If a Group 24, 550 CCA battery worked well for five years, we’d recommend replacing it with a similar model. If, however, it cranked too slowly or failed after a season or two, we’d suggest that you look for a battery with a higher CCA or MCA rating.

How Much Power Do You Need

Where do I need to put the batteries in my electric bass boat conversion?

Before you assume youll need more power when adding electrical gear, why not first carry out a thorough audit of your needs. Often a deep review of the energy requirements on board can reveal possible energy savings that might even make it unnecessary to add extra capacity and the associated increase in charging capability.

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Reasons To Go For Electric Outboard Motors

Are electric outboard motors any good?

The benefit of electric outboard motors is obvious to anglers and almost overwhelming to those who are looking for a premium boating experience.

Check out the top 4 reasons why hundreds of thousands of people go for electric outboards.

  • Silent. You will hear virtually nothing on board. There will be no disturbing noise to spook the fish. Its only you and nature.
  • Clean. There will be no greasy dirt to stain your hands, clothes, deck, and trunk during use and transportation if you get an electric outboard motor for the boat.
  • Less Maintenance. Thanks to direct-drive technology, the electric outboard motor has less moving parts, reducing the time and cost of regular maintenance.
  • Exhaust-free. There are no fuel or exhaust smells, so it protects the health of you and the families.

With more regions and lakes banning the use of combustion motors, electric outboard motors have become the only option for some anglers and boating enthusiasts. It is a new trend and could be the future of boating.

Electric outboard motors could also work as a secondary engine . A lot of users also find it helpful in emergencies if the main motor breaks.

How Long Does It Take To Charge

If you operate your house bank between a 50 percent and 85 percent state of charge, as many experts recommend, and charge once daily, you should be able to return the 35 percent of battery capacity by operating a properly-sized alternator for slightly over an hour. More deeply discharged batteries, or smaller alternators, will require more time. Surprisingly, using a massive charger or monster alternator to pour on the current can be counterproductive, and can shorten your battery life. Excessive current makes batteries heat up and gas excessively . Soon the voltage limit is reached, causing a downshift from the Bulk to Acceptance Phase. Adding more battery capacity is a better solution, and may even decrease the needed recharging time. Bigger battery banks can accept more charging amps, so they replenish more quickly and you dont need to run your engine as long.

Balmar’s Max Charge MC-612 Regulator has seven charging programs for your externally-regulated alternator.

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Best Starting Battery For A Pontoon Boat

I love Optima Marine pontoon batteries as they come with 100 hours of reserve battery power, and have great starting power. In my experience, and those of people who have reviewed them, they do tend to last twice as long as rival pontoon boat batteries.

Take a look at the Optima Marine BlueTop starting battery, its perfect for pontoons with trolling motors and extensive electronic systems including radios and fish finders.

It comes with a fast re-charge time too and is purely a dedicated starting battery please dont buy this for for cycling duty use, instead opt for one of the further recommendations lower down.

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