Best Deep Cycle Marine Batteries

Deep Cycle batteries are designed in a way that they can provide a continuous source of power till it exhausts at least 80% of its charge. Once this lead battery (yes all deep cycle marine batteries are basically lead batteries) lost 80% of its charge, it will have to be recharged again. However, just because these deep cycle marine batteries can run consistently until it is 80% discharged, it does not mean you should do that. Technically, as soon as the power level of the battery reaches 45%, you need to get it recharged. This will help you extend the life span of the deep cycle marine battery.

6 Most Popular Deep Cycle Marine Batteries

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Selecting the right deep cycle marine battery is not as easy as it might appear. There are a number of factors that you need to consider before making the final buying decision. You need to weigh on every single option before making the final move. To make your job much easier, here we are going to cover the best 8 deep cycle marine battery that money can buy –

1. Mighty Max ML35-12 Light Trolling Motor Battery

Mighty Max ML35-12 Light Trolling Motor Battery Sevylor Minn Kota battery is mainly used as a replacement battery. It offers a decent level of performance and has excellent exterior. It is small in size but it punches above its weight.  

You can use Mighty Max ML35-12 Light Trolling Motor Battery both as a deep cycle battery and as a starting battery. Starting the engine would be less problematic if you purchase this deep cycle marine battery.

It sports an AGM spill-proof design and its discharge rate is quite impressive when compared with other marine batteries that are commonly available in the market. Mighty Max ML35-12 Light Trolling Motor Battery Sevylor Minn Kota battery can easily withstand extreme climatic conditions. It can easily resist vibration, shocks and can easily ward off impurities.

The best thing about this Mighty Max ML35-12 Light Trolling Motor Battery Sevylor Minn Kota battery is that it is very small in size and that means, it will eat up much space. It can be fitted anywhere.

Pros

• It is extremely lightweight. Weighs just 23lbs.
• Good to start small engines.
• Extremely well built.

Cons

• It is not ideal for large boats.

2. Optima BlueTop D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery

Compared to other deep cycle marine batteries that are currently available in the market, Optima BlueTop D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery offers more bang for your buck. It is strong, sturdy, reliable and performance-oriented. Be it RVs, trolling motors or any other electronic gadget for that matter, Optima BlueTop D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery can power them all.

It has got 750 cold-cranking AMPs which is more than enough to turn on any type of boat engine. No matter how bad the weather is, Optima BlueTop D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery will provide optimal performance. Strength and raw power are the two hallmark qualities of this deep cycle marine battery.

Optima BlueTop D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery is robustly built and you can mount this deep cycle marine battery on almost anything without caring a fig about its performance. Compared to traditional marine batteries that are easily available in the market, Optima BlueTop D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery offers 3 times more charges which are impressive by any standard. You can get 2 hours of uninterrupted performance under stable condition from this beast. What is even more impressive is the fact that this deep cycle marine battery can easily withstand vibration. Experts have observed that Optima BlueTop D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery can withstand vibration 15 times than a traditional battery.

Pros

• Spiral winding lead plates included increasing tolerance.
• Robust built and offers excellent performance.
• Reliable and vibration resistant.

Cons

• 4 hours of uninterrupted supply but there is still room for improvement.

3. Universal UB121000 Deep Cycle AGM Battery

Universal UB121000 Deep Cycle AGM Battery is extremely durable and offers reliable performance no matter what the circumstances are. What is cool about this deep cycle marine battery is that it is entirely maintenance-free and can be used to power up any electronic device or, boat or RV.

Even when it is not used, Universal UB121000 Deep Cycle AGM Battery can retain its power for 6 months. You don’t have to charge it every now and then. Consistent performance is one of the hallmark qualities of this Universal UB121000 Deep Cycle AGM Battery. Universal UB121000 Deep Cycle AGM Battery is also spilled proof and it is also resistant to vibration.

Pros

• Anti-spill design.
• Retain charge for long.
• Easy to use.
• Reliable performance.
• Maintenance-free

Cons

• It has a rather short lifespan around – 5 years.

4. Vmaxtanks SLR-125 AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery

Vmaxtanks SLR-125 AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery is a monster every sense of the word. It has a lifespan of around 10 years when used properly and rarely do people have to deal with any performance-related problems. This deep cycle marine battery is incredibly reliable and versatile at the same time.

If you have a 12v electronic system attached to your boat or kayak, you can purchase this deep cycle marine battery without a second thought.

Flaunting a rugged look, Vmaxtanks SLR-125 AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery is truly a heavy-duty battery in every sense of the term. No matter how bad the weather is, Vmaxtanks SLR-125 AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery will not falter even for a second. The exterior of this marine battery looks excellent and the inclusion of military-grade lead plates have added to its charm.

Vmaxtanks SLR-125 AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery can be used to power up all types of power-hungry equipment. You can power all your fancy gadgets without worrying yourself to death about the power level of the battery. Vmaxtanks SLR-125 AGM Deep Cycle Rechargeable Battery can provide power under normal circumstances for 10 hours at a stretch.

Pros

• Faster recharge time.
• Reliable performance under extreme conditions.
• Heavy-duty and rugged design.

Cons

• It is quite bulky. So, you might have a hard time moving it around.

5. Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) Deep Cycle Battery – DCM0035

Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) Deep Cycle Battery – DCM0035 is a lightweight deep cycle marine battery. Weighs just 23lbs, Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) Deep Cycle Battery – DCM0035 is an ideal choice for those who don’t have much space available on their boat to accommodate large and bulky deep cycle marine battery.

Reliable power output and long lifespan are two amazing features of Sealed Lead Acid (AGM) Deep Cycle Battery. Since the battery is sealed, the acid will not leak no matter how badly the battery is getting treated. The acid is actually repurposed by other elements that are included in the battery. You don’t even have to add distilled water in it which is a big relief.

Specs –

• Spill-proof design.
• Reliable and versatile.
• Offer good cranking.
• Fast recharge.

6. VMAX857 AGM Marine Deep Cycle Battery

VMAX857 AGM Marine Deep Cycle Battery is another reliable deep cycle marine battery that promises to offer spectacular performance no matter what. Its shiny black exterior gives it a classy look.

VMAX857 AGM Marine Deep Cycle Battery does not require any such maintenance as such. No need to add distilled water to the battery to maintain its electrolyte level every now and then. So, in case, you are looking for a maintenance-free deep cycle marine battery, you can simply put your trust on VMAX857 AGM Marine Deep Cycle Battery.

There is something unique about the plates’ physical and chemical structure. VMAX857 AGM Marine Deep Cycle Battery is shock resistant as its plates are equipped with amazing features that help it resist vibrations.

The most noteworthy aspect of this deep cycle marine battery is that it can easily recover from deep discharge. It has a great life span as well.

Specs –

• Maintenance Free
• Heavy Duty Grids
• Fast recharge
• Vibration and shock-resistant

When to Use A Deep Cycle Marine Battery

Not all equipment needs a quick burst of energy rather most of the marine gears need a sustained and reliable source of energy to power all these different apparatuses. Some people of late are using a hybrid marine battery that offers both sustained power and starter burst. But unlike these deep cycle marine batteries, hybrid marine batteries tend to have shorter life span.

How to Take Care of Deep Cycle Marine Battery

Contrary to what most people believe taking care of your deep cycle battery is not that complicated. There are some simple rules to be followed and you will be good. A good and reliable marine battery can help you improve the overall performance of your kayak to a great extent. Without a reliable deep cycle marine battery, all your fancy marine gadgets like the GPS, the anchor, the lights, the radio, etc will stop working. This is the reason why it is extremely important for every paddler to take proper care of their deep cycle marine batteries otherwise they could be in limbo sooner or later –  

1. Give it Enough Time to Cool Down

It is just common sense, right? Of course it is but some people just forget all about it and keep on using deep cycle marine battery for long hours and get it damaged eventually. We need to understand that discharge-recharge cycle generates a lot of heat in the battery system and therefore, it is advisable to allow the deep cycle marine battery to cool off for some time before you start using it again to power your kayak or any other electrical gadgets.

2. Voltmeter

Make it a habit to use a voltmeter to judge the current state of your deep cycle marine battery. A voltmeter can also be used to test the performance of the battery. Some people use voltmeter for both load testing and volt reading.

3. Don’t Wet Charge The Battery

If you are planning to use a sealed battery charger to wet charge your deep cycle marine battery, you need to Stop Right NOW! You need high voltage otherwise the battery will not get charged properly. If you think, this is not a big issue, well think again. It can lead to serious battery corrosion and that can decrease the life span of your deep cycle marine battery.

4. Don’t Charge it 100%

This is another classic mistake that new owner of deep cycle marine batteries tends to make. You need to charge it around 80% and then disconnect it from the power source. This strategy will help increase the life span of the deep cycle marine battery. Once the plate formation process gets completed (which usually takes some time), you can go ahead and start charge charging it 100%.

5. Daily Maintenance

Just like any other marine batteries, deep cycle marine batteries need to be maintained on a regular basis otherwise you will notice a drastic fall in their overall performance level. The cable connectors and the terminals need to be cleaned properly every now and then. The upper surface area of the deep cycle marine battery needs to be kept in a dry place. Moisture can severally damage the upper surface. For refiling purpose, use only distilled water. Don’t keep the battery in a discharged state for long because the charge capacity of the battery might get adversely impacted. Recharge batteries as frequently as possible to stop this deterioration.

Improve Performance of Deep Cycle Marine Battery

Deep Cycle Marine batteries don’t come for cheap. Just take a look around your boat (ignore your fancy iGadgets please while doing so) and you will come to realize that it is the marine battery which is probably the most expensive item that you have on your boat. Unless you don’t mind spending a fortune every now and then on batteries, it is high time that you start giving these deep cycle marine batteries the attention that they deserve.

Here are some tips to improve the overall performance of your Deep Cycle Marine Battery –

1. Sulfation

The performance of a battery can be compromised significantly if acid starts accumulating on the lead plates. Usually, acids get accumulated as sulfate crystals. This is the reason why you need to do something to disperse this buildup and this can be done by increasing the voltage every now and then. However, in order to ramp up the voltage, you will first have to find a battery charger that has equalization option.

2. Storage

Of course, you are not going to use your deep cycle marine battery throughout the year. There will be time when you will have to pack it up and store it in a dry and temperate place. You need to clean it up first and secondly you need to get it charged 100%. Most people tend to store their deep cycle marine batteries without charging it fully. This can lead to a number of problems and the chief among them is that – you will find it really hard to recharge it later. If you are living in a hot and humid place, you might also have to purchase some kind of insulation to keep deep cycle marine battery safe.

3. Extreme temperatures

Deep cycle marine batteries are rugged and sturdy by nature but still extreme temperate, be it extremely hot weather or extremely cold weather, can have a negative impact on its overall performance level and life expectancy. For example, if the temperature gets too high, the battery will then, in an effort to cope with it, expand to generate power much faster. So that means, high temperature will lead to electrolyte loss and increased discharge rate. Now on the opposite spectrum of the same story – when the temperature drops too low, the deep cycle marine battery would then have to work really hard to produce power as the discharge rate drops to an all-time low. In both cases, the battery goes through a lot of strain and this can seriously impact the lifespan of the deep cycle marine battery.

To avoid this problem, try to keep your deep cycle marine battery in a dry and shaded place so that it does not have to deal with harsh weather condition directly.

4. Proper Installation

Poor installation of deep cycle marine battery can lead a major crisis at some point. You might have to deal with a number of crisis like – battery explosion, acid leaks, accidental fires and more. These are serious hazards and cause significant harm.

To fix this issue, the deep cycle marine battery needs to be secured precisely with straps so that the battery stays in its position no matter what. Use cable screws and cable boots to fasten the cable.

5. Fast Charging

We all understand that you don’t have the time to wait for hours to get your deep cycle marine battery charged 100% but the problem is there is no other alternative available. Of course, some people try to act smart and they tend to take a short cut and that is – using high voltage to recharge their marine battery quickly. This will definitely speed up the charging process but at the same time, this high voltage changing will reduce the life expectancy of your marine battery.

You need to read carefully the recharge specifications that comes along with a deep cycle marine battery otherwise you will end up damaging the battery in one way or the other.

6. Battery Abuse

Not all batteries are the same. Deep cycle marine batteries have a specific role to play and therefore, they can’t be used to crank a car engine. Read the specifications first and then stick to the applications marked safe by the manufacturer. You need to use the only marine battery to power your boat engine. We understand you might feel confused or overwhelmed at the initial stage but you will get the hang on it. So, hold tight and you will be alright. Just get yourself acquainted with the basic terminology of marine batteries and you will be just fine.