3 best battery for boats

Batteries for boats, especially those used to power trolling motors, are a critical component of a boat's electrical system. These batteries are designed to provide reliable and efficient power to run various boat accessories, including trolling motors. Here's what you need to know about batteries for boats:

Trolling Motor Batteries: Trolling motors are commonly used on fishing boats to silently move the boat through the water, allowing for precise positioning when fishing. These motors require a specific type of battery to operate effectively.
Types of Batteries: There are three primary types of batteries used for trolling motors:
- Lead-Acid Batteries: These are traditional and less expensive batteries. They come in two main variants: flooded (wet cell) and sealed (AGM or gel). They are heavy but offer decent performance.
- AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) Batteries: AGM batteries are maintenance-free, spill-proof, and provide good deep-cycle performance. They are more expensive than standard lead-acid batteries but offer several advantages.
- Lithium-Ion Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are the latest innovation in boat batteries. They are lightweight, have a longer lifespan, and offer excellent performance. However, they are also more expensive than other options.
Deep-Cycle vs. Starting Batteries: Deep-cycle batteries are designed for continuous and sustained power output, making them ideal for trolling motors. Starting batteries, on the other hand, are designed for short bursts of high current and are not suitable for trolling motors.
Battery Size and Capacity: The size and capacity of the battery you need depend on the size of your trolling motor and how long you plan to use it. Larger motors and longer usage times require batteries with higher capacity.
Battery Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential to prolong the life of your boat battery. This includes keeping the terminals clean, checking the water levels in lead-acid batteries, and ensuring proper charging.
Charging Systems: To keep your boat batteries in good condition, it's crucial to have an appropriate charging system. Many boaters use onboard battery chargers designed to charge and maintain batteries while the boat is not in use.
Battery Placement: Proper placement of batteries in the boat is essential for stability and safety. It's typically recommended to distribute the weight evenly, keeping the boat balanced.
Safety Precautions: When working with boat batteries, it's important to follow safety precautions, including wearing protective gear, avoiding sparks near batteries, and ensuring proper ventilation when charging.
Battery Life: The lifespan of a boat battery varies depending on the type and quality.AGM and lithium-ion batteries tend to have a longer life compared to traditional lead-acid batteries.
Budget Considerations: Battery prices can vary significantly based on type and brand. While lithium-ion batteries offer many advantages, they come at a higher cost. Consider your budget and specific needs when choosing a battery.

Choosing the right battery for your boat, especially for trolling motor applications, is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable boating experience. It's important to match the battery type and capacity to your specific requirements to maximize performance and longevity.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best battery for boats on the market

Minn Kota 1820175 Trolling Motor Battery Power Center, Black, One Size

Minn Kota

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Minnkota trolling motor power center. For small boat, transom applications (boats that do not have battery compartments), These easy access external battery Terminals allow trolling motor leads and charger leads to be connected without opening the box. Built-in battery meter displays current "state of Charge". Includes two 12-volt accessory plugs, and 2 manual reset Circuit breakers (10 amp for accessory plugs and 60 amp for trolling motor). Fits group 24- and 27-Size batteries.

Ideal for small-boat transom applications (i.e., boats that don't have battery compartments), the Minn Kota Motor Power Center stores your battery securely and out of the way while you boat. The Motor Power Center features easy-access external battery terminals that allow you to connect trolling motor leads and charger leads without opening the box. The built-in battery meter, meanwhile, displays the current "state of charge." Designed to fit group 24- and 27-size batteries, the Motor Power Center offers two 12-volt accessory plugs and two manual reset circuit breakers: a 15 amp breaker for accessory plugs and a 60 amp breaker for the trolling motor.

INTEGRATED CIRCUIT BREAKERS 10 amp for accessory plugs and 60 amp for trolling motor
DUAL ACCESSORY PORTS allow for convenient connection for 12 volt DC accessories
EXTERNAL BATTERY PORT provide easy connection of trolling motor and charger leads without opening battery box
BUILT-IN BATTERY METER displays state of battery charge with the push of a button
BATTERY COMPATIBILITY Fits group 24- and 27-size batteries
Motor center ideal for small-boat transom applications
Easy-access batter terminals for connecting leads

User questions & answers

Question:	is there a battery inside the box or i have to buy it separately
Answer:	You have to purchase whatever battery you want separately. There is no battery in the box.
Question:	Can I use the cigarette lighter port to recharge the battery? I use a cig lighter connected to a charge controller(connected to solar panel) on my other rechargeable battery that's not in a box
Answer:	You can, but slowly and carefully. It will take a long time because cig ports are usually rated to 10A max. If you supply more amps, you'll blow the fuse or burn the port. 80 AH battery (for example) is desirable to charge at ~20A, if it was deeply discharged.
Question:	What are the true inside dimensions of the box? (the listing says 14.9 x 8.7 x 15 inches" but doesn't specify outside or inside
Answer:	I just received my MinnKota Power Center (7-26-2016), I'm happy with it. The exact inside dimensions on the bottom where the battery will sit is 13 5/16" Long x 7 1/4" Wide x 8 7/8" Tall, add another 1 13/16" to that height measurement for clearance for your battery's terminals inside the lid. These inside dimensions flare up from the bottom giving you 13 7/8" Long x 7 3/4" Wide at the 8 7/8" point from the bottom. My Group 31 Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 AGM Deep Cycle 12v 125ah SLA battery sold on Amazon fits perfectly with 1/2" clearance at the bottom on length and width.
Question:	Can someone please tell me the use of the contents (two rubber strips & metal screws) in a plastic packet that came with the power center
Answer:	It for holding the battery in place (rubber strips are screwed in to some thing solid and straps are feed through them and around battery)

Product features

MinnKota Trolling Motor Power Center | Model 1820175

For small boat, transom applications (boats that do not have battery compartments), these easy access external battery terminals allow trolling motor leads and charger leads to be connected without opening the box. Built-in battery meter displays current "state of charge". Includes two 12-volt accessory plugs, and 2 manual reset circuit breakers (10 amp for accessory plugs and 60 amp for trolling motor). Fits group 24- and 27-size batteries.

Perfect for small boats
Portable Battery Compartment
Ideal for transom-mount trolling motors
Battery Not Included

FEATURES

Integrated Circuit Breakers
- Trolling motor - 60 Amp (manual reset)
- Accessory - 10 Amp (manual reset)
Dual accessory ports allow for convenient connection for 12-volt DC accessories
External battery ports provide easy connection of trolling motor and charger leads without opening battery box
Built-In battery meter displays state of battery charge with the push of a button
Two 12-volt accessory plugs
Compatible with group 24 and 27 size batteries

About Us

In 1934, O.G. Schmidt invented the first gear-driven electric trolling motor in Fargo, North Dakota. The idea took off with anglers looking for more boat control, and Schmidt named the growing company for the land he called home: in the heart of fishing country, on the MINNesota-North DaKOTA border, Minn Kota was born.

Since then, we haven’t stopped evolving and innovating. From foot pedals to composite shafts, and variable speed controls to GPS-controlled trolling motors.

Today, our trolling motors help you plow through stump fields while our i-Pilot systems control your boat at the push of a button. Our Talon shallow water anchors lock you to a fishing spot like nothing else. We make marine battery chargers that keep everything running from sunrise to sundown, day after day, year after year. And with a full line of Minn Kota parts and accessories to support it all, we’ve got your back.

NOCO Genius GEN5X2, 2-Bank, 10-Amp (5-Amp Per Bank) Fully-Automatic Smart Marine Charger, 12V Onboard Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer and Battery Desulfator with Temperature Compensation

Based on 31 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Introducing the all-new GEN5X2, our most rugged, compact, and powerful, onboard marine battery charger we have ever made. The GEN5X2 is designed to charge and maintain up to two 12-volt lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, including flooded, gel, AGM, and deep-cycle batteries. Each 12-volt battery bank provides up to 5-amps of pure charging power, plus doubles as a battery maintainer and battery desulfator. Included is a GEN5X2 10-Amp 2-Bank Waterproof Onboard Marine Battery Chargers (120-240VAC), Self-Tapping Mounting Screws, User Guide, 3-Year Warranty and certified to UL1236, ISO 8846, and 33 CFR 183.410.

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Multiple banks - A two-bank onboard battery charger rated a 10-amps - 5-amps per bank - for 12-volt batteries, including marine, boat, starter, and deep-cycle batteries.
Charging modes - Independently charge and control each battery bank with selectable charging modes - including 12V, 12V AGM, 12V Lithium, and 12V Repair Mode - for all types of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
Enjoy precision charging - An integrated thermal sensor detects the ambient temperature and alters the charge to eliminate over-charging in hot climates and under-charging in cold climates.
Charge dead batteries - Charges batteries as low as 1-volt. Or use the all-new force mode that allows you to take control and manually begin charging dead batteries down to zero volts.
Redefined mounting - A simplified mounting system allows for quick and easy installations in any direction - even up-side-down - with an integrated anti-vibration backing to isolate shock, vibration, and noise.
Designed for water - A fully-sealed and waterproof onboard battery charger with an ingress protection rating of IP68, but has survived brutal life cycle testing, including thousands of hours underwater.
What's in the box - GEN5X2 10-amp 2-bank waterproof onboard marine battery chargers (120-240VAC) with a 72-Inch (182cm) DC cables with 3/8-inch (M10) eyelets and a 72-inch (182cm) Type-B AC cable, self-tapping mounting screws, user guide, and 3-year warranty.

User questions & answers

Question:	In rv i have a 12v battery for starting & another huge 12v, i assume for 12v rv appliances and lighting. can this be used to charge both at same time
Answer:	No, it is only compatible with 12V MAX* and 20V MAX* lithium ion slide pack batteries.
Question:	Does this battery stop charging automatically when the battery is fully charged
Answer:	good charger works great
Question:	Can this charger be used used to charge 2 batteries that are for 2 different machines
Answer:	I searched this and could not find a straight answer anywhere. I took a chance and bought this charger anyway. I have a LB2XR20 battery I bought from amazon and this charger worked perfect. Love it.
Question:	How many stages is this charger
Answer:	Yes, this will work.

NOCO Genius GEN5X3, 3-Bank, 15-Amp (5-Amp Per Bank) Fully-Automatic Smart Marine Charger, 12V Onboard Battery Charger, Battery Maintainer and Battery Desulfator with Temperature Compensation

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Introducing the all-new GEN5X3, our most rugged, compact, and powerful, onboard marine battery charger we have ever made. The GEN5X3 is designed to charge and maintain up to three 12-volt lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries, including flooded, gel, AGM, and deep-cycle batteries. Each 12-volt battery bank provides up to 5-amps of pure charging power, plus doubles as a battery maintainer and battery desulfator. Included is a GEN5X3 15-Amp 3-Bank Waterproof Onboard Marine Battery Chargers (120-240VAC), Self-Tapping Mounting Screws, User Guide, 3-Year Warranty and certified to UL1236, ISO 8846, and 33 CFR 183.410.

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Meet the all-new GEN5X3 - Similar to our GENM3, only better. It's 37% smaller and delivers 43% more power. It's one of the best performing onboard marine battery chargers we have ever made.
Multiple banks - A three-bank onboard battery charger rated a 15-amps - 5-amps per bank - for 12-volt batteries, including marine, boat, starter, and deep-cycle batteries.
Charging modes - Independently charge and control each battery bank with selectable charging modes - including 12V, 12V AGM, 12V Lithium, and 12V Repair Mode - for all types of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries.
Enjoy precision charging - An integrated thermal sensor detects the ambient temperature and alters the charge to eliminate over-charging in hot climates and under-charging in cold climates.
Charge dead batteries - Charges batteries as low as 1-volt. Or use the all-new force mode that allows you to take control and manually begin charging dead batteries down to zero volts.
Redefined mounting - A simplified mounting system allows for quick and easy installations in any direction - even up-side-down - with an integrated anti-vibration backing to isolate shock, vibration, and noise.
Designed for water - A fully-sealed and waterproof onboard battery charger with an ingress protection rating of IP68, but has survived brutal life cycle testing, including thousands of hours underwater.

User questions & answers

Question:	I have two batteries hooked up in series for my trolling motor! Do i have to disconnect the battery s before i plug it in or can i leave it in series
Answer:	The batteries do not need to be disconnected as long as each charging bank is connected to your batteries in 6-volt or 12-volt increments.
Question:	Can i simply splice in a length of same gauge wire to extend the length of the cables
Answer:	yes
Question:	My application is a 36v golf cart (3 x 12v) - I'm assuming that I could use this for a battery maintainer (one "channel" for ea 12v battery
Answer:	Yes. Channel 1 to battery 1, channel 2 to battery 2, channel 3 to battery 3.
Question:	is it ok to use just 2 banks to charge two battery's when you have a 3 bank charger ? a gen 5x3 3- bank, will it hurt the charger
Answer:	The bank you don't use will not turn on because the unit will not detect a battery. You should be OK. I recently had mine connected to 2 batteries with no issues. Just added a third battery and all is well.