Boat Batteries: 12 Or 24 Volts For Interstate Travel?

Interstate Batteries offers a wide range of marine batteries for boats and recreational vehicles. Their products include deep-cycle batteries, dual-purpose batteries, and starting batteries. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to provide reliable power for extended periods, making them ideal for powering boats and accessories. Dual-purpose batteries combine the functionalities of starting and deep-cycle batteries, making them suitable for smaller boats. Starting batteries, on the other hand, provide a burst of power to start the engine and are similar to car batteries. Interstate's marine battery collection includes various voltage options, such as 12V and 24V batteries, catering to different boat sizes and power requirements.

Marine Deep-Cycle Batteries

Deep-cycle batteries are designed to handle states of deep discharge, or depth of discharge (DoD), which is how much of the battery capacity is used in one full discharge. They are commonly used in applications such as golf carts, RVs, and solar power systems. They are also ideal for recreational vehicles that experience a lot of bumps and vibrations.

There are different types of deep-cycle batteries:

• Flooded deep-cycle batteries: These are the most common type. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find, but they require regular maintenance such as adding distilled water to the electrolyte.
• Sealed deep-cycle batteries: These batteries are also known as maintenance-free batteries. They do not require distilled water, making them easier to maintain, but they are more expensive.
• Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries: AGM batteries have a glass mat that absorbs the electrolyte, improving performance and lifespan.
• Gel batteries: These batteries add a gelling agent to the electrolyte to prevent leaks.
• Lithium-ion batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are newer, offering advantages like lighter weight, longer lifespan, and the ability to be deeply discharged without damage. They are, however, more expensive.

When choosing a deep-cycle battery, it's important to consider its intended use. For example, a flooded deep-cycle battery is a good choice for a vehicle that remains level, while a sealed battery is better for varying temperatures and power requirements.

Interstate Batteries offers both Lead Acid and Lithium Deep-Cycle Marine Batteries. The Lead Acid batteries are designed for reliable power over extended periods, while the Lithium batteries offer maximum power, consistent performance, and a longer lifespan.

Marine Dual-Purpose Batteries

Marine batteries are designed to provide power for boats, yachts, and other watercraft. There are three main types of marine batteries: starting batteries, deep-cycle batteries, and dual-purpose batteries. This article will focus on dual-purpose marine batteries, which integrate the functions of starting and deep-cycle batteries into a single unit.

A dual-purpose marine battery combines the cranking power of a starting battery with the continuous discharge capabilities of a deep-cycle battery. This makes it ideal for smaller boats with limited space. These batteries are designed to deliver a high burst of power to start the engine, followed by a moderate amount of sustained power for running onboard electronics and accessories.

Interstate dual-purpose marine batteries are constructed with pure, non-alloy lead and an efficient plate design. This allows for faster recharging and a longer overall life compared to conventional alloy AGM batteries. Interstate marine AGM batteries are backed by a three-year free replacement warranty.

The lithium dual-purpose batteries offered by Interstate provide both engine-starting power and deep-cycle capabilities for extended use. While lithium batteries have a higher upfront cost, their long lifespan, efficiency, and reliability make them a cost-effective choice for boaters. They can be recharged up to three times faster than regular batteries and can be used at 100% of their available capacity. Additionally, lithium batteries are lightweight, maintenance-free, and safe from water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

In summary, dual-purpose marine batteries are a convenient option for boat owners, especially those with smaller vessels and limited space. They provide both cranking power and continuous discharge capabilities in a single unit, saving space and weight. Interstate offers both AGM and lithium dual-purpose batteries, with the latter providing enhanced performance and longevity.

Marine Starting Batteries

Starting batteries are not suitable for continuous or frequent discharging and recharging. Therefore, they should not be used for trolling motors or powering accessories, as this can shorten their lifespan.

When choosing a marine starting battery, it's important to consider the size and power needs of your boat. A small boat with minimal electronics will have different power requirements than a large vessel with sophisticated systems. You should also consider the cold cranking amps (CCA) and marine cranking amps (MCA) ratings, which indicate how well the battery can crank an engine in low-temperature conditions.

Interstate offers a wide selection of powerful marine starting batteries built to withstand rugged marine conditions. Their marine starting batteries come with a 12-month free replacement warranty, ensuring durability and longevity for your boat.

In addition to starting batteries, there are also deep-cycle batteries and dual-purpose batteries available for marine use. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to provide consistent power over a long period, making them ideal for running electronics, trolling motors, and appliances. On the other hand, dual-purpose batteries combine the cranking power of a starting battery with the continuous discharge capabilities of a deep-cycle battery, making them perfect for smaller boats with limited space.

Personal Watercraft Batteries

Factory-Activated AGM Powersports Batteries:

Interstate's factory-activated absorbed glass-mat (AGM) powersports batteries are a popular choice for personal watercraft owners. These batteries come fully charged, sealed, and ready to use. They can be mounted at virtually any angle without spilling or leaking, making them easy to install and maintain. With no need to check water levels, these batteries offer a hassle-free experience.

AGM Powersports Batteries:

The AGM powersports batteries from Interstate are designed with safety and performance in mind. These batteries feature firmly sealed battery housings, acid packs, and spill-proof technology, ensuring a safe and mess-free operation. Once activated, they can be mounted at almost any angle without spilling and are vibration resistant. Maintenance is a breeze with AGM powersports batteries, as you don't need to check or refill the water levels.

Marine Deep-Cycle Batteries:

For those who need reliable power over extended periods, Interstate's Marine Deep-Cycle Batteries are an ideal choice. These batteries are perfect for powering trolling motors and accessories, even when the engine is not running. The new Marine EFB batteries come with a 24-month free replacement warranty, giving you peace of mind.

Marine Dual-Purpose Batteries:

If you own a smaller boat with limited space, Interstate's Marine Dual-Purpose Batteries are the perfect fit. These batteries combine the cranking power of a starting battery with the continuous discharge capabilities of a deep cycle battery. The Marine AGM batteries feature Pure Matrix Power®, enhancing durability and performance. They recharge quickly and last twice as long as traditional flooded batteries.

Marine Starting Batteries:

Marine starting batteries, also known as cranking batteries, provide a burst of power to start your boat's engine. While they are excellent for getting your boat going, they are not designed for continuous or frequent discharge/recharge cycles. Draining a starting marine battery can shorten its lifespan, so they are not recommended for trolling motors or powering accessories.

Marine Lithium Deep Cycle Batteries

Marine lithium deep-cycle batteries are designed to deliver maximum power and consistent performance, making them a great choice for boating. While they may have a higher upfront cost than other batteries, their long lifespan, efficiency, and reliability make them a smart, cost-effective investment in the long run.

Benefits of Marine Lithium Deep Cycle Batteries

• Longer Cycle Life: Lithium deep-cycle batteries can last up to 10 times longer than AGM batteries, providing exceptional value over time.
• Lightweight: These batteries weigh less than half of regular batteries, making them easier to handle and transport.
• Faster Recharge: Lithium batteries recharge up to three times faster than regular batteries, getting you back on the water more quickly.
• Higher Usable Capacity: Lithium batteries can utilise 100% of their available capacity, providing more power for your boat and its accessories.
• Consistent Performance: They maintain consistent performance throughout the entire discharge, ensuring your boat receives a steady supply of power.
• Maintenance-Free: Lithium batteries contain no battery acid, are non-corrosive, and require no maintenance, saving you time and hassle.
• Long Warranty: Many lithium deep-cycle batteries come with extended warranties, such as a 10-year limited warranty offered by Interstate.
• Water Protection: Some lithium batteries offer IPX-7 protection, ensuring safety against water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Types of Marine Lithium Deep Cycle Batteries

There are two main types of marine lithium deep-cycle batteries:

• 12-Volt Batteries: These batteries are commonly used for bass boats and trolling motors. They provide a slow and consistent release of power and can be drained and recharged multiple times. Examples include the Ionic Lithium 12V 60Ah and 12V 100Ah batteries.
• 24-Volt Batteries: These batteries are used for boats with higher power requirements, such as larger vessels or those with multiple accessories. They offer more power and can handle more significant electrical loads. An example is the Ionic Lithium 24V 50Ah battery.

Choosing the Right Marine Lithium Deep Cycle Battery

When choosing a marine lithium deep-cycle battery, consider the voltage, capacity, weight, and features that best suit your boat's needs. Voltage is an important factor, with 12-volt batteries being suitable for most bass boats, while 24-volt batteries are reserved for more demanding applications. Capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), determines how much power the battery can store, so choose a capacity that meets your boat's electrical requirements. Weight is also a consideration, with lithium batteries being significantly lighter than traditional lead-acid batteries, which can improve fuel efficiency. Finally, look for additional features such as Bluetooth monitoring, which allows you to check the battery's charge level and other parameters conveniently from your mobile device.

Frequently asked questions