When you’re shopping for a marine battery, you’re going to find that there are so many different options available. While having a lot of choice is a definitely a good thing, it can also make choosing the right option seem like a daunting task. That’s why where here to help. After scouring the internet and reading through the descriptions of dozens of different brands and models of marine batteries and reading through countless customer reviews, we’ve narrowed down the options for you.
In this guide, we feature reviews of our picks for the best marine batteries that are currently available on the market. These reviews highlight the features of each battery and include lists of pros and cons for each model. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide which discusses the key features that you should take into consideration when you’re shopping for a marine battery.
To wrap things up, we’ve included answers to some of the most frequently asked questions that consumers have about marine batteries. With the information presented in this guide, you should be able to choose the highest quality and most reliable marine battery to meet your specific needs.
Contents
- Our Top Picks
- Marine Battery Reviews
- Optima Batteries 8006-00634M Blue Top Marine Starting Battery
- Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST Marine Dual Purpose Battery
- Mighty Max Battery ML35-12-12V 35 AH DC Deep Cycle SLA Solar Energy Storage Battery
- Might Max Battery 12V 55Ah Power Marine Battery
- Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 Yellow Top Dual Purpose Battery
- Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Batter
- Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah AGM Sealed Lead Acid Battery UB121000 Group 27
- Other Best Selling Options
- Marine Batteries Buyer’s Guide
- Marine Battery FAQs
- Conclusion
Our Top Picks
If you are looking for the best marine battery but you’re short on time and can’t read through our more detailed reviews, this section is for you. Here, we offer brief reviews of our top three picks for the best overall, the best premium, and the best budget marine batteries.
- The Best Pick: Optima Batteries 8006-066 43M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery
Our pick for the best marine battery overall is the Optima Battery 8006-006 43M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery. Offering 12 volts and 800 cold cranking amps, this battery is designated as a starting battery, it offers strong cranking abilities, while also providing exceptional durability and reliable performance. This battery is rugged and can function in all types of conditions and face all types of wear and tear. - The Premium Pick: Odyssey 31 M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery
For the best premium marine battery, our pick is the Odyssey 31 M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery. It functions as a cranking and deep cycle battery with exceptional efficiency. With 1150 CCA, it offers incredible cranking power that can easily start up any type of recreational outboard and inboard motor, even in frigid temperatures. The Odyssey also offers impressive deep cycling capability, which lasts for as many as 400 cycles at an impressive 80 percent depth of discharge. - The Budget Pick: Mighty Max Battery ML35-12-12V 35AH DC Deep Cycle SLA Solar Energy Storage Batter
For mariners who are looking for a reliable, yet affordable marine battery, this option from Mighty Max is a great choice. Made for small-thrust trolling motors, it’s rated to just 35Ah and measures 5.16 inches by 7.68 inches by 7.13 pounds and weights slightly over 23.25 pounds, making it a great choice for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. It’s an SLA/AGM spill proof battery with the characteristics of a high discharge rate, is rechargeable, and can be mounted in any type of position.
Marine Battery Reviews
Now that we’ve offered you a quick glimpse at our top picks for the best overall, best premium, and best budget marine battery, let’s take a more in-depth look. In this part of our guide, we offer a more detailed overview of our top picks for the best overall, best premium, and best budget marine batteries, as well as a few additional high-quality and reliable marine batteries.
Optima Batteries 8006-00634M Blue Top Marine Starting Battery
For our best overall marine battery, we chose the Optima 8006-006 34M marine battery. It designated as a starting battery and it offers strong cranking, reliable durability, and dependable performance.
- 12-Volt, 800 Cold Cranking Amps, Size: 10" x 6 7/8" x 7 13/16" tall, Weight: 38.4 pounds, Dual SAE & 5/16" Stainless Steel Stud Posts
- Reserve capacity of 100 minutes for constant performance
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather
- Fifteen times more resistant to vibration for durability
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
This 12 volt marine battery delivers 800 Cold Cranking Amps with a total capacity of 50Ah and a reserve capacity of 100 minutes. Because it’s fifteen times more resistant to vibration and shock, you’ll have peace of mind while you’re out trolling the water.
This battery measures 10 inches by 6 7/8 inch by 7 13/16 inch and it weighs just 38.5 pounds. It’s a dual SAE battery and features 5/16 stainless steel stud posts, too. In addition to working for boats and other water crafts, such as wave runners, this marine battery can also be used to power RVs.
What We Liked
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) / Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery
- 50Ah capacity
- 800A Cold Cranking Amps (CCA)
- Offers constant performance, thanks to the 100 minutes of reserve capacity
- Optimal starting power, even in inclement weather
- Fifteen times more resistant to vibration and shock for outstanding durability
- Features 5/16 inch stainless steel stud posts
- Delivers 12 volts of power
Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST Marine Dual Purpose Battery
Our choice for the best premium marine battery is the Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST Marine Dual Purpose Battery. It’s a Cold Crank Amp (CCA) – 1150 battery that is designed to offer the dual roles of cranking and deep cycling with outstanding incredible efficiency. It offers enough power to start up any recreational outboard or inboard motor, even in frigid temperatures.
This marine battery also provides impressive deep cycling capability that lasts up to 400 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge. With a 100Ah rating, it has the ability to deliver up to 5 amps of current per hour for up to 20 hours. With that much power, you’ll have plenty of time to navigate the open water without having to worry about stopping to recharge.
- Cold Crank Amp (CCA)- 1150. Better warranty: Limited 3 and 4 year full replacement warranty: not pro rata; Longer service life: 3-10 years of service life: save consumers time, money and aggravation
- Longer cycle life: 70 percentage longer cycle life compared to conventional deep cycle batteries, up to 400 cycles at 80 percentage depth of discharge- high stable voltage for longer periods of time
- Recharge: Highest recharge efficiency of any sealed lead battery on the market, capable of 100 percentage recharge in 4-6 hours; Mounting flexibility: Non-spillable design
- Vibration resistance-design protects against high impact shock and mechanical vibration; Extreme temperature tolerant- Operating temperatures from -40 degree Celsius (-40 degree Fahrenheit) to 80 degree Celsius (176 degree Fahrenheit)
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
When it does need to be recharged, it takes between four to six hours to reach a full charge. Thanks to the AGM design, you won’t have to worry about filling it up with distilled water or deal with the mess or the danger of spilled battery acid like you have to with a traditional wet-cell battery. It’s also highly resistant to vibration and shock and has a low self-discharge rate. A group 31 battery, it measures 13 inches by 6.8 inches by 9.4 inches and weighs just below 78 pounds.
While it is a bit on the pricey side, because it acts as a cranking and deep cycling battery, you don’t have to worry about purchasing two separate batteries, so it will actually cost you less in the long run. Furthermore, it’s backed by a limited three and four year full replacement warranty
What We Liked
- 1150 Cold Crank Amp
- Functions as both a cranking and a deep cycle battery
- Offers outstanding efficiency
- Deep cycling capability of up to 400 cycle at 80 percent depth of discharge
- 100Ah rated and can deliver 5 amps of current per hour for 20 hours
- High shock and vibration resistance
- Low self-discharge rate
- Operating temperatures range from -40 degrees to 176 degrees
- Backed by a limited 3 and 4 year full replacement warranty
Mighty Max Battery ML35-12-12V 35 AH DC Deep Cycle SLA Solar Energy Storage Battery
If you’re looking for a low-cost, yet reliable marine battery, this option from Mighty Max is definitely worth considering. This marine battery is 35 Ah rated and is designed specifically for small-thrust trolling motors.
Measuring 5.16 inches by 7.68 inches by 7.13 inches and weighing just 23.25 pounds, it’s the ideal size for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. To ramp up the amp hours, you could potentially wire two batteries together, which would step it up to 70 amp hours.
- ML35-12 SLA is a 12V 35AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) rechargeable maintenance free battery - UL Certified
- Dimensions: 7.76 inches x 5.12 inches x 7.01 inches. Listing is for the Battery and Screws only. No wire harness or mounting accessories included.
- SLA / AGM spill proof battery has a characteristic of high discharge rate, wide operating temperatures, long service life and deep discharge recover.
- Rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shocks and vibration. Long lasting high performance in high and low temperatures.
- Backed by a 30 day refund policy and full 1 year warranty.
The SLA/ AGM construction means that you won’t have to worry about any maintenance or leaking, for total ease and complete peace of mind. The compact size and the fat that it doesn’t need any ventilation, it can be mounted in virtually any location and at almost any angle, so you’ll be able to fit it around accessories if deck spacing is limited.
To round out the features, this marine battery boats a durable calcium-alloy grid for exceptional performance and a long service life.
What We Liked
- SLA /AGM spill proof battery
- High discharge rate
- Reliably operates in a wide range of temperatures
- Deep discharge recovery and long service life
- Rechargeable
- Doesn’t require any ventilation
- Compact size
- Highly shock and vibration resistant
- Can be mounted in virtually any location and at almost any angle
- Backed by a 30 day refund policy and a 1 year warranty
- Affordably priced
Might Max Battery 12V 55Ah Power Marine Battery
If you’re shopping for a marine battery to power a small- to mid-sized trolling motor, this option from Mighty Max is a good choice. It’s a deep cycle battery that offers 12 volts and 55 amps per hour of power.
With that much power, it could last for a full weekend of casual trolling before it needs to be recharged. Measuring just 9 inches by 5.4 inches by 9.1 inches and weighing in at slightly over 38 pounds, this marine battery is ideal for fishing kayaks, inflatables, canoes, and tenders.
- ML55-12 SLA is a 12V 55AH Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) rechargeable maintenance free battery - UL Certified
- Dimensions: 9.06 inches x 5.43 inches x 8.98 inches. Listing is for the Battery and Screws only. No wire harness or mounting accessories included
- SLA / AGM spill proof battery has a characteristic of high discharge rate, wide operating temperatures, long service life and deep discharge recover.
- Rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shocks and vibration. Long lasting high performance in high and low temperatures
- Backed by a 30 day refund policy and full 1 year warranty
Thanks to the 55Ah rating and the AGM technology, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your vessel will be charged by a reliable and reliable sealed, spill-proof battery that is not only safe, but is environmentally friendly, too. It doesn’t require any maintenance and can be stored at virtually any angle and doesn’t require any ventilation.
With a large operating temperature range, this Might Max marine battery is ideal for year-round trolling. If you’re unhappy with this battery for any reason, you can receive a full refund within 30 days of purchase, and it also features a full 1 year warranty.
What We Liked
- 12 volt, 55 Ah sealed lead acid battery
- Rechargeable and maintenance-free
- Compact size measures 9.02 inches by 5.43 inches by 9.13 inches
- Doesn’t require ventilation and can be mounted at virtually any angle
- Offers a high discharge rate
- Operates in a wide range of temperatures
- Has a long service light and a deep discharge recovery
- Backed by a 30 day refund policy and a 1 year warranty
Optima Batteries 8014-045 D34/78 Yellow Top Dual Purpose Battery
This 750 cold cranking amp marine engine offers a reserve capacity of 120 minutes to provide constant performance that you can rely on. Made of polypropylene with an internal resistance of 0.0028, the Optima Batteries 8014-045D34/78 offers optimal starting power, even in inclement weather, while providing optimal deep cycle power.
- 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
- Reserve capacity of 120 minutes for constant performance
- Optimal starting power even in bad weather. Case Material: Polypropylene.Internal Resistance: 0.0028
- Fifteen times more resistant to vibration for durability. Post type is Dual SAE/GM
- This item is not for sale in Catalina Island
Thanks to the durable construction, this marina battery can easily withstand excessive shock and vibration. This 48Ah capacity battery features spiral-wound AGM technology that makes it a spill-proof and maintenance-free battery with a long service life.
Due to the durability and the compact size (which measures 10 inches by 6 7/8 inches by 7 13/16 inches), this marine battery can be mounted in virtually any location.
What We Liked
- 12 volts and 750 cold cranking amps
- 120 minute reserve capacity delivers constant performance
- Durable polypropylene case
- 15 times more resistant to shock and vibration than other marine batteries
- C20 capacity
- 55 ampere hour
- Reliable start, even in inclement weather
- Compact size can be mounted in virtually any location
Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Batter
Next on our list of the best marine batteries is the Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Battery. Made with a thick absorbent glass mat (AGM) separators and advanced regulated technology, this battery is exceptionally durable, reliable, and virtually maintenance-free.
- 【Warranty】2-year material and workmanship warranty guarantee.
- 【Maintenance Free & Safe to Use】No acid leakage, no water refilling, and no harmful hydrogen gas. Manufactured with thick absorbent glass mat (AGM) separators and advanced valve-regulated technology, Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Batteries save you from acid leakage and frequent maintenance.
- 【Better Performance at Extreme Temp】The improved electrolyte formula ensures stable battery capacity and outstanding discharge performance from 5℉ (-15℃) to 122℉ (50℃).
- 【Longer Shelf Life】No need to recharge the battery frequently when not in use. Made of high-purity materials, Renogy Deep Cycle AGM Batteries reduce the monthly self-discharge rate below 3% at 77℉ (25℃), which is 5 times lower than their flooded counterparts.
- 【Outstanding Discharge Performance】Proprietary quinary alloy plates and exclusively treated plate grids enable low internal resistance and high discharge currents of up to 10 times the battery-rated capacity. This means that Renogy AGM batteries can power home appliances with high current ratings.
With proprietary quinary alloy plates, as well as specially treated plate grids, this marine batter allows for excellent discharge performance with low internal resistance, as well as high discharge currents of up to 10 times the rated capacity. Constructed of high purity materials and featuring Renogy Deep Cycle AGM, the monthly self-discharge of this battery is reduces at a rate of three percent; five times lower than the average flooded counterparts.
With a wide temperature operation and a low profile design. This battery marine battery is powerful and durable.
What We Liked
- AGM separators with advanced valve regulated technology
- 12 volts of power
- Super reliable and virtually maintenance-free
- Excellent discharge performance
- Self-discharge rate of 3% or lower at 77 degrees F
- Large operation temperature range
- Versatile design
- High vibration and shock resistance
Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah AGM Sealed Lead Acid Battery UB121000 Group 27
Rounding out our list of the best marine batteries is the Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah AGM Sealed Lead Acid Battery UB12100 Group 27 battery. As an SLA and AGM battery, it’s spill proof and virtually maintenance-free.
- UPG #45978 UB121000 12V 100Ah
- Dimensions: 12.17 inches x 6.61 inches x 9.16 inches. Weight: 63.93 Lbs
- SLA/AGM maintenance free, spill proof battery
- Rechargeable battery that can be mounted in any position, resists shocks and vibration
- 1 Year Warranty
This rechargeable battery measures 12.17 inches by 6.61 inches by 9.16 inches and weighs just shy of 64 pound. It’s highly shock and vibration resistant, fully rechargeable, and highly versatile, as it can be mounted in any position you want, so there’s no need to worry about working around onboard tools.
This Universal Power Group marine battery is backed by a fully year warranty, too, so if anything goes wrong, you can just let the manufacturer know and they’ll correct the situation and will ensure complete satisfaction.
What We Liked
- SLA/AGM maintenance free, spill proof, easy to care for and safe marine battery
- Measures 12.7 inches by 6.61 inches by 9.16 inches
- Can be mounted in pretty much any position
- Highly shock and vibration resistant
- Fully rechargeable
- Backed by a one year warranty
Other Best Selling Options
![ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery [EXP1233 ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31eYTwHWf2L._SL160_.jpg)
- Genuine ExpertPower Battery - The Most Trusted And Highest Reviewed Sealed Lead Acid Batteries On Amazon
- Battery Type - 12 Volt 33Amp/10 Hour Sealed Lead Acid Battery
- Quality Assurance - Crafted Wtih A Rugged Construction, Our SLA Batteries Are Ultra Durable And Utilize Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) Technology Which Provides A Wide Temperature Range.
- User Friendly - Easy, One-Time Installation Of Our Maintenance Free and Valve Regulated Batteries Will Get Your System Or Application Running In No Time At All.
- This battery box / power center contains easy access external battery terminals that allow trolling motor leads and charger leads to be connected to the battery posts without opening the box
- Protects your battery (not included) on a small boat, transom application (boats that do not have battery compartments)
- Built-in, push button battery meter with 4 LEDs displays current “state of charge”
- Two 12-volt accessory plugs
- 60A resettable circuit breaker connected to top
- Dimensions: 12.99x 6.73x 8.43 inches (Replace UB121000, Renogy 100 AMP Hour). This sealed lead acid battery has a maintenance-free and spill proof design.
- Deep Cycle Battery 12V 100 Amp Hour Sealed Lead Acid Rechargeable ; Parcel: 1 x Battery (screws included, but no wire harness or mounting).
- This 100AH SLA battery fits applications like wheelchair, scrubber, generator, lawn & garden, trolling motors. Also great for commercial customers in for schools, healthcare, and property management.
- Also For Electric Vehicles, Golf Carts, Hunting, Lawn and Garden Tools, Portable Tools, Toys and Hobby, UPS System, Industrial and Medical Equipment,Emergency Lighting, Leisure, Alarm Security and more.
- We aim for quality followed up with quality customer service, Amazon doesn't deal with the return of battery-related products, so please contact the seller directly. Weize support team is on standby for YOU.
Marine Batteries Buyer’s Guide
Marine batteries, commonly referred to as boat batteries, are specifically designed to power the engines of a variety of different types of boats and water vessels and their onboard appliances. If you own a boat or any other type of watercraft, you’re going to have at least one type of marine battery. Because a marine battery is so important to the function of a water vessel – and as such, your safety when you’re on the open water – choosing the right one is absolutely crucial.
Now that you’ve read through our list of top-quality marine batteries, you’re probably wondering which one will best meet your needs. Whether you’re planning on purchasing one of the batteries on our list of you are thinking about buying a different battery, it’s definitely a good idea to take some key factors into consideration before you start shopping. By considering the following factors, you will be able to purchase the best marine battery to suit your specific needs.
Type
First, you’re going to want to decide what type of marine battery you want. You want to be sure that you’re purchasing a high-quality battery that is not only efficient, but that will provide you with a stable source of power when you’re trolling the open on the open water.
The best marine batteries Sealed Lead Acid, which means that they are valve-regulated, which means that they cannot spill or leak; hence why they SLA batteries are also called “dry” batteries. SLA batteries are made with Absorbent Glass Matt (AGM technology that is designed that is designed to prevent battery acid.
And because the hydrogen and oxygen that the battery acid contains are almost totally recombined inside of the battery, there’s no venting to worry about. SLA batteries are maintenance-free and with the exception of upside-down, they can be mounted in virtually any position.
As long as they correct charger is used, SLA marine batteries recharge quickly, too. Furthermore, SLA/AGM batteries are more shock and vibration resistant, which is definitely a benefit when you’re out on the water.
It’s important to note that wet (flooded) batteries are not suitable for use in marine vessels, as they can spill battery acid or vent gasses, which can be very detrimental to the environment. Plus, wet or flooded batteries are more susceptible to shock and vibration, which also makes them poorly suited for use on the water.
Cold Cranking Amps
A marine battery’s starting power is rated in cold cranking amps, or CCA; the amount of amperage a battery provides for a 30 second period while maintaining a minimum of 7.2 volts at 0 degrees F. When a marine battery has a CCA rating of around 500, it can maintain as much as 10 volts. A CCA below 500 is considered low, while a CCA of 300 is considered the absolute lowest level that an engine needs to start.
You might also see a marine cranking amps (MCA) value listed on a marine battery. MCA considers that for a watercraft, a temperature of 0 degrees F rarely applies. As such, MCA indicates the amount of amperage that a marine battery produces at 32 degrees F. It should be noted that the MCA is higher than the CCA.
When determining what your water vessel requires, take a look at your engine to determine the requirements for starting. Choose a marine battery that has a value that is at the very least equal to that, or for better performance, higher than that.
Battery Capacity
Ampere hours is the measurement that is used to determine the capacity of a marine battery. Ampere hours is also listed as (Ah). A marine battery that has a capacity of 100Ah has the ability to deliver a that value for an hours; 5Ah for 20 hours or 20 Ah for 5 hours.
The higher the capacity of your battery, the longer you can run the appliances for. This is particularly important for batteries that cycle deeply, or deep cycle batteries. It’s important to remember that most water vessels don’t discharge the battery in order to preserve the lifespan; rather, they only go to a value that is known as the depth of discharge, which is about, on average, 60 percent.
When used regularly, a water vessel will only spend up to 50 percent of a batteries deep cycle capacity. If you have higher power needs, make sure that you keep this in mind and plan accordingly by building a power bank that is comprised of multiple batteries.
Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity of a marine battery refers to the minutes that a battery can be discharged at a fixed rate of 10 10.5 v by 25A at 80 degrees F. The higher the rating, the longer the battery will last under load.
It should be noted that the reserve capacity of a battery is a theoretical value; in other words, it doesn’t reflect real life consumption. In actuality, you’ll likely pull less amperage at a different temperature, which will mean a longer battery life.
Size and weight
It’s also important to consider the size and weight of a marine battery. On most vessels, there’s limited space, which means that there isn’t a lot of room to install a battery. The larger the battery, the higher the capacity; however, do note that multiple batteries can be wired together to generate more power.
If you need to move the battery, the size is important, as the smaller it is, the more portable it will be. Bare that in mind if you live in a location where your boat won’t be on the water all season and you’ll be wintering it, as you’ll want to be able to pull out the battery so that you can store it, and the lighter and more compact the battery is, the easier moving and storing it will be.
Marine Battery FAQs
To wrap up our guide of the best marine batteries, we provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about marine batteries.
How do you take care of a marine battery?
Taking proper care of a marine battery is so important, as it plays a huge part in keeping the battery in service for as long as possible. A marine battery can be temperamental, which means that if you don’t care for it properly, the lifespan will be shortened. To properly care for your marine battery and extend its lifespan, make sure that it’s frequently kept on a trickle charger, install a quick-charging port, and check the user’s manual and do everything it indicates you should do.
Can deep cycle batteries start an engine?
Yes, but it depends on the battery and the engine. Usually deep cycle batteries offer less CCA, but they may still be powerful enough to start the engine with current.
How do you store a marine battery?
The storage requirements for a marine battery depend on the type of battery. Be sure that you adhere to the instructions offered by the manufacturer to avoid problems.
Will I need more than one battery?
It depends. If you would like to power your onboard appliances, you’ll need a starter and at least one deep cycle battery. The more power your battery requires, the more deep cycles you’ll need.
Conclusion
In order to get the most and the most reliable use of your marine battery, choosing the right option for your specific needs is absolutely essential. With the information presented in this guide, you should be able to select the best marine battery to suit your specific needs.
Here’s our top picks again…
- The Best Pick: Optima Batteries 8006-066 43M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery
Our pick for the best marine battery overall is the Optima Battery 8006-006 43M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery. - The Premium Pick: Odyssey 31 M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery
For the best premium marine battery, our pick is the Odyssey 31 M-PC2150ST-M Trolling Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery. - The Budget Pick: Mighty Max Battery ML35-12-12V 35AH DC Deep Cycle SLA Solar Energy Storage Batter
For mariners who are looking for a reliable, yet affordable marine battery, this option from Mighty Max is a great choice.
