There must be no other choice except adual-purpose marine battery when it comes to off-shore angling. Characteristically, dual-purpose marine batteries are unique.
All other equipment used on the ground doesn’t have to deal with the adversity of wet weather which the Marine equipment has to deal with. Not only this, but they might also get damaged since they come in contact with heavy sunlight or rain.
However, this article is all about dual purpose marine batteries where I have discussed batteries of the 2 best companies.
So, without making late, let’s sail away our boat to explore the sea of dual-purpose marine batteries.
What Does Dual Purpose Marine Battery?
A dual-purpose marine battery works to assist a boat engine by utilizing both starting power and a deep cycle function.
The primary responsibility of a dual-purpose battery is to provide a massive jolt of power so that an engine can start without any hassle. After that, it doesn’t have any other responsibility, and it remains silent.
Well, to perform the responsibility of providing power to other numerous accessories, Marine batteries require a consistent source of energy. And at this point, a deep cycle battery comes in handy. A deep cycle battery offers less-voltage and continuous energy source which can be used for an extended period.
So, I believe by now; you have already understood a dual purpose Marine battery can perform as a starting battery and a deep cycle battery, both. And this is the reason it is a perfect choice for any watercraft.
Don’t know What Size Battery You Need?
So, you have planned to purchase a dual purpose Marine battery?
But in a dilemma, what size battery will be the best option to purchase. Don’t plan to go to any local stations and purchase any sort of battery that fits in your boat. If you do so, it will be a wrong decision.
No worries, this section is to give you the correct answer to this question.
Moreover, you will find a wide range of sizes in Marine batteries. 24, 27, 31, 34, and 65 all are a group of sizes.
However, the size is not related to the capacity of the battery but purely associated with the physical size.
Below is the maximum dimension to give you a clear understanding.
| Size | Length | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24M | 10 – ¼” | 6 – 13/16” | 9 – ¾” |
| 27M | 12 – ½” | 6 – 13/16” | 9 – ¾” |
| 31M | 13-0” | 6 – 13/16” | 9 – 7/16” |
| 34M | 10 – ¼” | 6 – 13/16” | 7 – 7/8” |
| 65 | 12 – 1/6” | 7 – 9/16” | 7 – 9/16” |
Dual Purpose Marine Batteries comparative review
Multiple batteries are used in every boat, fishing boats or merchant ship to start the engine, or run any electrical equipment or for a solar system. Marine batteries are a bit different in characteristics from a car or other batteries.
Optima Dual Purpose Marine Batteries
Optima Company is reigning the Marine battery industry, from the time when it has started manufacturing dual purpose Marine battery.
And so we have presented to you 3 models from the same company.
Optima Company started its journey in 1995. The headquarter is at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. They offer both wet and dry batteries to automotive, boats and commercial vehicles.
With premium cranking power and unique cycling re-chargeability, it is ideal for modern component-loaded vehicles.With a 40-year history of technological innovation and engineering, OPTIMA products offer sustained power for extreme enthusiasts.
Since they started their journey, they have earned reliability from many customers because Optima batteries are high in power, no leakage feature as well as impressive starting ability. Optima batteries always come with quality, and the price is significantly affordable.
Depending on the battery model, you will get 1 month to 36 months’ free replacement guarantee. Generally, their manufactured Red top starting batteries are 6V and 12V; blue top deep cycle and yellow top dual-purpose batteries come with 12V option.
Why Optima Batteries are the Best?
- Optima has taken revolution to the industry by introducing exceptional SPIRALCELL Technology.
- 15X more vibration-resistance than conventional flooded batteries.
- They are the pioneer of manufacturing maintenance-free acid batteries (lead).
- Marine applications are available in 3 different colored units.
Optima is well-known for its 3 types/color-coded battery options. And each option is unique from each other.
- Yellow Top.
- Red Top.
- Blue Top.
What’s the difference between OPTIMA RedTop, YellowTop, and BlueTop Batteries?
Yellow top Battery: When the electrical loads are higher than average or when the discharge cycle is usually higher than when the engine is started, such as multiple electronic accessories vehicles and non-optional vehicles, the yellow top battery is perfect at that moment.
Red top Battery: To start a normal engine where an alternator immediately monitors the state of charge and powers the red top battery whenever needed.
Blue top Battery: Use a Blue top starting battery for marine applications and RVs when the battery’s only function is to start the engine. When a dedicated starting battery is required, it should use a Blue top starting battery. Optima manufactures all types of batteries for Car, Truck, Racing, Marin, Commercial Fleet, Military vehicles. To get proper battery performance, using Optima batteries will be more effective than other traditional batteries.
Comparative review of Optima Batteries
Optima 8014-045 D34/78
- 12-Volt, 750 Cold Cranking Amps
- Size: 10″ x 6 7/8″ x 7 13/16″ tall
- Weight: 43.5 pounds, Dual SAE & GM Post
- 120 minutes reserve capacity for constant performance
- C20 Capacity – 55 Ampere hour
Optima 8040-218 D35
- 12-Volt, 620 Cold Cranking Amps,
- Size: 9 5/16″ x 6 13/16″ x 7 5/8″ tall
- Weight: 36.4 pounds, SAE Post
- 98 minutes reserve capacity for constant performance
- C20 Capacity – 48 Ampere hour
Optima OPT8073-167 D51R
- 12-Volt, 450 Cold Cranking Amps
- Size: 9 5/16″ x 5 1/16″ x 8 15/16″ tall
- Weight: 26 pounds, SAE Post
- 66 minutes reserve capacity for constant performance
- Faster recharging and 300+ discharge/ recharge cycles
Common Technical Features of each Batteryes
- 15 times more resistant to vibration.
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather
- Case Material: Polypropylene
- Spillproof, mountable in virtually any position
- Up to 3x longer life and maintenance-free
- Faster recharging and 300+ discharge/ recharge cycles
[tcb-script type=”text/javascript”]amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “rifat202002-20”;amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;amzn_assoc_region = “US”;amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”;amzn_assoc_asins = “B000MS9VZK”;amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”;amzn_assoc_linkid = “e402a857c59663a0fd1a02ca2722cabd”;[/tcb-script][tcb-script src=”//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US”][/tcb-script]
Odyssey Dual Purpose Marine Batteries
The world-famous company Odyssey is the 2nd best in the dual purpose Marine batteries industry. I am also presenting 2 models of this company.
For different types of cars, watercrafts, boats, motorcycles, trucks and many other vehicles batteries, Odyssey is one of the best manufacturers. Few special characteristics of Odyssey batteries are
- Flexible mounting.
- Longer-lasting service life, shelf life and cycle life.
- Recharging time is impressively fast.
- Mechanical as well as shock-resistance.
- No need maintenance.
Because of the all above characteristics, customers are depending on Odyssey batteries. All these exceptional features of performance and power, Odyssey batteries are a safe choice for a wide range of applications.
Comparative review of Odyssey Batteries
Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST-M
- 12-Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
- Size: 16.8 x 11.1 x 11.9 inches
- Weight: 77.8 Pounds
- Longer cycle life: Up To 400 Cycles At 80% Depth Of Discharge
Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST-M
- 12-Volt, Lead-Acid, AGM
- Size: 13.25 x 11 x 9.5 inches
- Weight: 49.5 Pounds,
- Longer cycle life: Up To 400 Cycles At 80% Depth Of Discharge
Common Technical Features of each Batteryes
- 15 times more resistant to vibration.
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather
- Case Material: Polypropylene
- Spillproof, mountable in virtually any position
- Up to 3x longer life and maintenance-free
- Faster recharging and 300+ discharge/ recharge cycles
[tcb-script type=”text/javascript”]amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “rifat202002-20”;amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”;amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”;amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”;amzn_assoc_region = “US”;amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”;amzn_assoc_asins = “B07JY71Z7D”;amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”;amzn_assoc_linkid = “9ec73a9f78cc54bb37d74b1600c265ed”;[/tcb-script][tcb-script src=”//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US”][/tcb-script]
Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dual Purpose Marine Battery
Usage
If you are only planning to get a power source for your boat engine while starting, then you need a starting battery. But if you are looking for an option that can provide power to your electrical boards, you require a deep cycle battery.
On the other hand, if you require both options, but you have tight space, dual-purpose Marine batteries will be a safe choice.
Types of Marine Batteries
The batteries which we have enlisted in our review section, all of them are SLA (Sealed Lead Acid) batteries. They received this name because they never get leaked or spilt. You can call them “Dry battery” as well.
These types of batteries are maintenance-free as well as you can place them nearly any mount position. But remember not to put them upside-down. Dry batteries are vibrant-resistant, shock-proof and environment-friendly.
Another type of batter is known as “Wet batteries.” Unfortunately, they are unsuitable for Marine use because they tend to spill, which may lead you to a more significant harmful situation. Also, they create much noise, are vibrant and harm the environment.
Cold Cranking Amps
CCA is the short term of cold cranking amps.
A dual-purpose marine battery can provide 7.2V maintenance for 30 seconds at a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
With a rating of nearly 500CC, the battery can last up to 10V, where a value obtained 300CC is the minimal value of starting an engine.
So, while purchasing, learn the CCA rating and choose a battery that has a minimum of 300CC rating.
Capacity
Through Ampere hours, you need to measure battery capacity. If a battery says its capacity is 100Ah means, you will get the value from the battery for one hour.
Higher capacity offers, your applications will run for a more extended period, and it is significantly essential for deep cycle batteries. Remember, you usually don’t discharge completely to save battery life and just go by any means referred to the discharge depth.
Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity states the volume of minutes a battery can be discharged at a static rate of 10.5 Volt by 25 Ampere at 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A higher number confirms, under load, your battery will provide longer service.
Be remindful; you should not rely on this number because it is a theoretical value. In real life situations, it will vary based on the temperature and will make an impact on the longevity of battery life.
Dimensions and Weight
You need to be careful while choosing the size of the battery because you don’t have unlimited space in your boat to place bigger batteries. Bigger batteries come with high capacity. But note down, you can get more power by wiring numerous batteries together.
During the off-season, what will you do to your batteries? They will take their place in your store. So, at this point, you need to look for portable batteries.
Battery Boxes
Marine batteries have to undergo different weather conditions. The fact is, batteries will not perform well in fluctuating temperature.
A battery box will be a solution in this regard if the battery protection compartment is unavailable in your boat.
Different battery boxes are available in the market; you need to keep below ideas in your mind.
- USB battery ports are available in a few battery boxes.
- Some battery boxes come with a more water-resistant feature than others.
- You will get information about battery health through some battery boxes.
Care and Charging
If you don’t take care of batteries, be sure, the lifespan of batteries will reduce. Below are a few things that can be followed to get long period service from a battery.
- Use a trickle charger to keep your battery as soon as possible.
- A quick charging port is mandatory for a trickle charger for hard-to-reach batteries.
- Follow every instruction of the manual that comes with the battery.
- To keep the terminals corrosion-free, use Vaseline to coat.
- Keep your battery away from excessive cold or hot temperatures.
FAQs
What safety precautions do I need to take while installing or uninstalling a battery?
While installing or uninstalling a battery, it is significantly essential to inspect the necessary components. To prevent any sudden sparks, make sure you have disconnected grounded cable at the beginning of every operation and connect it at the end. Also, follow the instruction manual or get training before you do following vehicle maintenance
- Cables checking.
- Tightening any cables.
- Cleaning any corroded area.
- Repairing of any electrical systems.
What is the storage procedure of Marine batteries?
You can’t follow the same storage procedure for all types of battery. Because different batteries have a separate stored procedure, be remindful to follow the manufacturer’s instruction before storing a battery.
The general thumb rule is; batteries mustn’t come in touch to water.
In terms of flooded batteries, you should store and operate them directly. And AGM or Lithium-Ion batteries require installation at an angle or vertically (avoid storing them upside-down).
Is it required to do maintenance of batteries?
Undoubtedly, yes.
Flooded batteries are sensitive, and they require more maintenance than other batteries. They need proper ventilation. Also, it is vital to inspect the batteries regularly to keep them away from any corrosion or rust.
For dual-purpose marine and deep cycle batteries, don’t let them stay with less charge. Give them full charge that will assist for their prolonged lifespan.
Content Toggle Headline
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et nam dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco nam laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Final Thoughts
I believe, by now, you have already gained enough information to choose the right dual purpose marine batteries for your fishing boat. Before selecting the best dual-purpose marine batteries, learn your power requirement, and available space to set up the battery.
A dual-purpose battery will be a safe choice if you have tight space, looking to save some weight and fewer power requirements.
You should read the article What is a battery cycle?
[tcb-script async=”” src=”//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US&adInstanceId=58630dca-e00b-4b31-839a-8b3b798aa93a”][/tcb-script]
[…] Dual Purpose Batteries […]