Battery links

12 volt batteries

AA batteries

AAA batteries

Camcorder batteries

Camera batteries

Duracell batteries

Laptop batteries

Lithium batteries

Mobile phone batteries

Motorcycle batteries

Rechargeable batteries

Watch batteries

Boat batteries

To cope with the buffeting of travelling on the sea, boat batteries must deliver a reliable source of power even when dealing with extreme vibrations.

The demands put on boat batteries mean they have been designed to offer even more protection than conventional 12 volt batteries.

For example, a battery that doesn't have the stronger plates and separators that are common in marine batteries could cause an explosion or electrical fire if used on a boat. That is because batteries such as these can become damaged by constant movement.

Conventional batteries simply cannot cope with working at the sort of frequently changing angles that boat batteries need to deal with. Choosing the wrong type of battery for a boat has the potential to be extremely dangerous and even deadly.

To stay safe, ensure you use a marinised gel battery or a sealed maintenance-free battery on a boat.

How to pick the right boat battery

Finding the right boat battery depends on the size of the boat and your level of experience at sea. Unlike automotive batteries and motorcycle batteries, boat batteries come in many different sizes, including:

• 12v batteries.
• 9v batteries.
• 6v batteries.

The more powerful batteries should be used by more experienced boats handlers. Probably the most popular choice, whether on speed boats or more leisurely vehicles, are deep cycle batteries. These are capable of delivering a reliable, constant flow of power.

Getting the most from your boat battery

There are several things to remember if you want to your boat battery to perform at its full potential. For example, as they are rechargeable batteries, boat batteries should be charged when they reach around 50 per cent capacity.

You should also fully charge boat batteries before storing them for any length of time. Other tips include:

• Make sure the battery is in a well-ventilated room when charging.
• Ensure the case is not damaged or broken in any way.
• Use safety equipment when handling the battery.

Also, as most boat battery packs are maintenance free, they should only be worked on by qualified engineers.