The 6 Best Marine Batteries of 2024 (2024)

Updated on 06/21/24

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Odyssey’s Marine Dual Purpose Battery fulfills the twin roles of a cranking and deep cycle battery with incredible efficiency. It offers 1150 CCA, giving it a massive cranking power capable of starting any recreational inboard or outboard motor, even in cold weather. It also has impressive deep cycling capability, lasting up to 400 cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge with a reserve capacity of 142 minutes. Rated to 100 amp-hours, it should deliver 5 amps of current per hour for 20 hours, giving you plenty of time to troll your local lake, river, or ocean without recharging.

A full recharge takes just four to six hours. The battery’s AGM design means that you don’t have to top it up with distilled water or worry about spilled battery acid as you would with traditional wet-cell batteries. AGM batteries are also more resistant to shock and vibration and have a lower self-discharge rate. Although expensive, it’s still cheaper than purchasing separate cranking and deep cycling batteries of the same quality.

Dimensions: 13 x 6.8 x 9.4 inches | Weight: 77.8 pounds

If you have a small to medium horsepower engine that doesn’t need all the cranking power provided by the other dual-purpose batteries on this list, you can save big bucks with the Bass Pro Shops Pro Series Deep-Cycle Marine Battery. Despite a retail price of around $200, it has a CCA rating of 545 amps and a reserve capacity of 120 minutes at 25 amps.

Once your engine has started, the battery’s deep-cycling capabilities power your trolling motor and other electronics (your fish finder or electric radio, perhaps). It is built to withstand repeated deep discharges and is conveniently quick to recharge. You can rely on the durability and vibration resistance of the AGM construction, while the dual terminal design makes installation easy. A one-year free replacement and a 36-month pro-rated marine battery warranty back your purchase.

Dimensions: 6.75 x 8.75 x 10.87 inches | Weight: 56 pounds

Well under the $100 price point, the Mighty Max ML35-12 Deep Cycle Battery costs less than a sixth of the price of the most expensive battery on this list. It is made with small-thrust trolling motors like the Minn Kota Endura C2 in mind and is rated to just 35 amp-hours.

Some customers recommend wiring two batteries together to provide 70 amp-hours for less than the price of a top-brand single battery. Despite its affordable price, the battery offers all the benefits of AGM construction, including zero leaking or maintenance. It doesn’t require any ventilation and can be mounted at almost any angle—making it easier to fit it around other accessories when deck space is limited. Its durable calcium-alloy grid promises excellent performance and extended service life.

Dimensions: 5.16 x 7.68 x 7.13 inches | Weight: 23.25 pounds

The deep cycle Mighty Max Battery 12V 55Ah Trolling Battery is an affordable, effective option for those who want to power a small-to-medium trolling motor. Depending on the size of your motor and the speed at which you plan on traveling, it can last for a weekend-long fishing vacation without needing to be recharged. It's ideal for tenders, inflatables, fishing kayaks, and canoes.

The battery has a 55 amp-hour rating, 350 CCA, and AGM technology. Sealed, spill-proof batteries are a reliable, environmentally conscious choice that require zero maintenance and can be stored at any angle in an unventilated battery box. The Mighty Max battery has a wide operating temperature range, making it a good choice for year-round use. The manufacturer's one-year warranty protects you if you're not completely satisfied with your purchase.

Dimensions: 9 x 5.4 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 38.58 pounds

If your sole reason for buying a marine battery is to start your medium-power inboard or outboard engine, the Optima 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery is a trustworthy choice. It has a100-minute reserve capacity, 50 amp-hour rating, and a CCA rating of 800 amps—more than enough to start most recreational engines, even in winter. The battery’s patented SpiralCell technology delivers more power in a single burst than conventional flat-plate batteries and allows for triple the number of recharges. It also recharges faster.

The battery’s tightly wound construction keeps plate movement to a minimum and offers 15 times the vibration resistance for reliable cranking power even in rough conditions. The sealed AGM batteries are spill-proof and maintenance-free (a win for vulnerable marine ecosystems like coral reefs), and you can mount them in whatever position best suits your boat’s configuration. Infrequent boaters will appreciate the battery’s super-low rate of self-discharge, which means that it can hold its charge for up to a year as long as it’s kept at room temperature or lower.

Dimensions: 6.88 x 10 x 7.8 inches | Weight: 38.4 pounds

First of all, this isn't a budget battery (not even close). But, the scales start balancing out when you factor in that this single powerhouse can replace three 12-volt lead acid batteries and give you the same time on the water. This pick is part of Lithium Pros Trolling Motor Series, meaning it's made for trolling motors and other deep cycle applications that benefit from fast recharges, charge efficiency, and over 3,000 cycle lives.

The Bluetooth battery connects to the QuickView App where you can monitor the time remaining, state of charge, voltage, amperage, and temperature. You also get 155 reserved minutes along with those 38.4 volts, plus an internal management system that keeps your battery cells balanced and protected against issues such as overheating or short-circuiting.

Dimensions: 13 x 6.8 x 8.4 inches | Weight: 42.9 pounds

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long do marine batteries last?

  Generally speaking, marine batteries will last anywhere between two to five years. However, that's entirely dependent on how well the battery is maintained. You can extend the life of your boat's battery by connecting it to a charger when not in use.

• How do you charge a marine battery?

  It's best to start by switching the battery off and removing it from its box. From there, ensure you have the correct charger for your battery size and connect the charger clips to the terminals. Then switch on the battery—it should start charging. Smart battery chargers with LED displays will let you know when your battery is fully charged. When it is, switch it off, disconnect the clips, and place the battery back in its box. It's as simple as that.

• Is an AGM battery the same as a marine battery?

  Well, this is one of those "all fruit is produce, but not all produce is fruit" situations. AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries are one type of marine battery. The other three are flooded (wet), gel, and lithium.

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