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Deep cycle marine batteries are essential for energy storage in many applications. There is a huge demand for these reliable batteries as they can meet high user demands, whether they are used to store DC power for boats, RVs, or golf carts.
Deep-cycle batteries can be used with an inverter to provide critical backup power. It’s a great option for off-grid power supply and those that can’t do with power outages, even for a short time.
In this article, we will be reviewing the 5 best deep cycle marine batteries. We will discuss the pros and cons and how you can get the most out of your deep cycle batteries.
After reviewing the deep cycle batteries, we will provide more information on this type of battery in the form of a buying guide. Let’s get down to it!
Contents
Deep Cycle Marine Battery Review 2022
![ExpertPower 12v 33ah Rechargeable Deep Cycle Battery [EXP1233 ]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41veonTkiML.jpg)
1. Optima OPT8016-103 – Editor’s Choice
The Optima OPT8016-103 Bluetop is part of the BlueTop battery range from the manufacturer Optima Batteries. Specially designed for the sea, this AGM nautical battery incorporates the patented Spiralcell technology which brings it many advantages.
It ensures a lifespan up to 2 times longer than conventional marine batteries. The battery also has a faster charging time, exceptional resistance to vibrations and harsh conditions, and more starting power during the first seconds than conventional lead/acid batteries.
Optima BLUETOP marine batteries are lightweight and leak-proof. They can be mounted in almost any position! This model is the ideal companion for your boat trips, both for operating your nautical accessories and for starting the engine.
It can be strongly discharged and stored for several months without being used and without suffering significant damage. It is therefore ideal for seasonal use.
With its AGM SPIRALCELL design, the Optima boat battery will give you great autonomy to operate your nautical accessories, navigation equipment, or signaling lights and can easily start your engine.
Finally, to facilitate connections, the Bluetop marine battery has double terminals. Despite its fairly high price, it’s a high-end marine battery with incredible reliability.
The Optima Bluetop dual-purpose battery holds its charge longer and recharges faster, thanks to its extremely low self-discharge rate. In other words, it allows a quicker return to the water after the off-season. Its patented SPIRALCELL® technology is synonymous with longer operating time, faster recharging, and up to twice the life of conventional nautical batteries. In addition, it is designed specifically to meet the challenges posed by nautical applications.
If you only use your battery a few times a year, no problem! The Optima Bluetop maintains its charge level over long periods. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- Starting and deep cycle battery
- Lead-acid cell composition
- Patented SpiralCell technology
- 870 cranking amps
- Designed specifically for boats and RVs
- Can be mounted in almost any position
- Longer life than traditional batteries
- The vibration resistance is 15 times higher than that of other batteries
- Can be used for deep discharge applications or for starting
- A little expensive to buy
2. Weize 12V Deep Cycle Battery – Best Multipurpose Battery
The Weize 12V 100Ah AGM Battery is designed for deep cycle and standby applications. It’s a true deep cycle model and shouldn’t be deployed as a starting battery.
The acid composition is sealed lead acid and it’s a rechargeable battery. It has a long life with deep discharge recovery and can be used for off-grid solar panel applications at home and camping trips in the RV, van, a travel trailer, a mini Sevylor, for a sump pump, or even for a power mobility wheelchair.
It comes in a reasonable size, making it one of the best travel-friendly batteries available on the market. The battery does not leak and does not need maintenance.
When you use it in cyclic applications, the charging voltage must be between the 14.50 to 14.90-volt range. Also, when you deploy it for standby applications, its charging voltage needs to be between the range of 13.50 to 13.80V. Regardless of use, the charging current must be below 30 A.
The battery has a calcium-lead alloy grid. This ensures a self-discharge rate that is lower as well as better durability, inasmuch as the battery isn’t deeply discharged too often.
The battery has great recovery characteristics. Also, it is a true deep cycle battery. However, the cycle number can be increased significantly. Just ensure the battery isn’t discharged lower than 50% depth of discharge (DoD) and especially 80%.
The battery is an AGM general-purpose battery that needs no maintenance. It is designed for a lot of applications such as for sump pump, trolling motor, golf cart, wheelchair, RV, etc. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) technology
- Sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery
- Deep cycle and rechargeable
- Anti-overheat cover
- Excellent resistance to heat
- Ready for immediate use
- Easy to install
- The battery does not leak
- Does not need maintenance
- Cannot be used as a standing battery
3. VMAX XTR27-110 – Best AGM Marine Battery
The VMAX XTR27-110 is a high-quality option that promises a reliable power supply on the water. It is an AGM battery, which means it can be installed at any angle and is maintenance-free. Unlike wet cell batteries, they can even be temporarily submerged without causing any damage. This battery has top plates and a floating service application life of 10-12 years.
Classified as a Group 27 battery, it measures 12.7 x 6.8 x 8.9 inches in dimensions and weighs 70 pounds. It is an ideal power supply for larger trolling motors, rated at 110Ah. Reserve capacity is 220 minutes.
The battery is however designed as a deep cycle battery only. It is therefore not recommended for or incapable of starting engines in an emergency.
Anglers with larger trolling motors (50-100lbs thrust) inevitably need to upgrade to a more powerful battery for best results. The VMAX deep cycle marine battery is an incredibly popular choice, featuring AGM technology for increased shock and vibration resistance and reduced self-discharge, like all the batteries on this list.
The VMAXTANKS XTR27-110 comes in a different league and is priced fairly. This battery can handle extremely high discharge currents and deep cycles like no other. It is a reliable and durable choice for anyone looking for a long-lasting and efficient battery.
The VMAX XTR27-110 has all the characteristics of an AGM battery. It is robust, reliable, and very efficient. This battery is ideal for trolling motors and boats. It will also work well as a small starter battery for recreational vehicles.
The American battery manufacturer is a premium brand. Their batteries are long-lasting and virtually indestructible. Expect a battery that lasts many years and has a longer life expectancy. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- 12 volt 110 AH battery
- Sealed deep cycle battery
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- 1-year replacement warranty
- For tough applications
- Resists shocks and vibrations
- 220 minutes reserve capacity
- Lasts for several years
- Quite heavy
4. ExpertPower Deep Cycle Battery – Our Budget Pick
This ExpertPower battery is an affordable choice for smaller boats and home electric systems, which justifies its compact size. You can get this battery for less than $70.
The ExpertPower battery is a 12 volt 33 amps per hour rechargeable deep cycle battery. It will hold a single charge for an impressively long time.
This is also a lead-acid battery, which in addition to reliable and permanent maintenance means the least possible self-discharge.
The special thing about this is that the battery is equipped with AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) technology to provide a wide temperature range. So you don’t have to worry about quality assurance.
You can install the battery in your car without having to periodically fill it with water because it does not require regular maintenance.
This product is mainly sold to customers who have a demand for water transportation, such as boating. They are happy with its compactness and say that it can be charged for a long time even when plugging in devices like wheelchairs, general electronics. Some customers have cautioned against purchasing this battery before fully researching which vehicle it is for.
The battery fits perfectly and can be charged for a very long time before it needs to be recharged. With intermittent use, you can go 2-3 months without charging the ExpertPower deep cycle battery. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- AGM technology
- Lead-acid battery
- 12-volt battery
- 33 amps per hour capacity
- High quality and durable battery
- Ease of maintenance
- Compact and powerful
- Superior vibration resistance
- No-spill absorbent AGM technology
- Cannot be used for a trolling motor
5. ExpertPower LiFePO4 – Best Lithium-Ion Battery
The ExpertPower LiFePO4 is part of the new line of batteries from ExpertPower. The LiFePO4 battery provides 2500 to 7000 cycles and, according to the brand, it has a 10-year lifespan compared to 200 to 500 cycles and a 3-year lifespan in batteries with lead-acid chemistry.
Very energy efficient, the LiFePO4 battery’s good discharge curve ensures production of more than 12V for as much as 95 percent of its usable capacity, providing astronomical boosts in runtime compared to just 50 percent that is applicable with lead-acid.
Lightweight, the LiFePO4 battery is just 1/3 the weight of lead-acid batteries, making it a good choice for marine, RVs, as well as other off-grid applications that require towing and mobility.
One thing you should know about LiFePO batteries is that they have a somewhat lower energy density than the more common lithium cobalt oxide batteries that are frequently found in electronics. However, they offer greater durability (up to 10X), higher power, and are inherently safer, thus frequently used in robotics, electric vehicles, and energy storage.
The LiFePO battery uses chemistry derived from lithium-ion technology and shares many drawbacks and advantages of batteries of this type. However, there are substantial differences.
The chemistry has higher durability than other Lithium-Ion batteries. Like nickel-based rechargeable batteries, (distinguishing themselves from some lithium-ion batteries), LiFePO4 batteries have a very constant discharge voltage. Its voltage remains close to 3.2 V during discharge until the battery is empty. This allows the battery to deliver virtually all energy until fully discharged. And it can greatly simplify or even eliminate the need for voltage regulation circuitry. Click here to see the best price.
Key features
- Lithium-ion phosphate battery
- 2500 to 7000 cycles
- 8 pounds low weight battery
- Built-in battery management system
- Low self-discharge
- Has up to 10 years lifetime
- Durable and lightweight battery
- Weighs 1/3 of other regular batteries
- Ideal for off-grid applications such as in RVs and marine
- Longevity issues
Things To Consider Before Buying a Deep Cycle Marine Battery
It’s hard to determine if you’re getting the best deep cycle RV battery for your needs without a thorough understanding of how deep cycle batteries work and the materials they’re made from. Below, you’ll find out the criteria to consider before choosing to buy a deep-cycle marine battery.
Battery Capacity
Start by determining your battery storage needs. This is how much power you are using at any given time and how long it will take the battery to recharge.
Most of the time, the capacity and the rate of discharge of a battery are indicated at the time of purchase. You must pay attention to these two criteria, as they are related. Indeed, the amount of energy contained in a boat battery depends on its discharge time.
Thus, the longer the discharge time, the more the battery will be able to provide a significant amount of energy. You should make your choice based on the gear your battery will be attached to.
Be sure to check the part that mentions the capacity of your battery in the product sheet. Depending on your energy needs, you will have to make different choices. If your boat is equipped with power-hungry electrical devices, it goes without saying that you will need a high-capacity battery.
Moreover, as far as boat batteries are concerned, it is advisable to opt for those that have fairly large energy reserves. It will not only be used to power your boat and its components. You will need it to survive for days on the sea. You should at least take a battery with a capacity of about 200 Ah.
Voltage
As for the voltage, it must be in accordance with the capacity of the battery. The most popular batteries generally have a voltage of around 12V. It is relatively sufficient to accomplish simple tasks. Consider, however, the number of equipment you want to power before making your choice.
This is the first criterion to take into account so that the battery can adapt to the default voltage of other devices. The recommended voltage is 12V, so you can have two batteries in series to power a large car such as a truck.
It is then necessary to check the run-time or the capacity of charge of the battery with slow discharge. It is expressed in Ampere/hour and represents the flow of current that the battery can supply in one hour. In this regard, the minimum value to choose is 50 Ah.
Charging Method and Time
When choosing the right battery for an application, many people overlook the importance of battery charging methods and charging time. Lithium-ion batteries and lead-acid batteries require different charging requirements. An improper battery charger can damage the battery. The consistency of your battery charging process is another consideration. For example, solar charging is unpredictable.
Charging Lead-Acid Batteries
We discussed lead-acid batteries and discovered that not all lead-acid batteries are created equal. Poor quality flooded lead-acid batteries should not be charged too deeply and should be fully charged immediately after discharge. Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries can be charged in shorter cycles than regular batteries. Even so, VRLA batteries can still benefit from steady charging and less than 50% cycles.
A flooded lead-acid battery is a better option if you only use the battery for a short time and can recharge it quickly after discharging. An RV equipped with a generator is a good choice. The battery will be used at night and recharged in the morning. You can save money by using cheaper batteries if you have a good idea of your battery needs.
Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries may be an option if you need backup power for only a few minutes to around four hours. You should consider AGM or VRLA (gel) batteries if you are using a solar charger and need backup power for long periods. Flooded lead-acid batteries will not work with solar or wind chargers because you cannot predict the amount of sunlight available.
There are many days when there is little or no sun. Sometimes the sunlight required to charge the batteries may be insufficient for several weeks. There may be only a few hours of sunshine per day. This can make it difficult to charge your batteries for several weeks. The battery can receive a charge for only a few hours. The battery does not reach full charge, so it is never fully charged. This can mean that the battery cycle can be unpredictable.
The actual cycle, which includes discharging and charging to 100%, can take several weeks instead of hours. A flooded lead-acid battery that is supposed to last several years may then actually last only one year.
Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries
A battery charger specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries will be required. A constant current charger is essential for a lithium-ion battery.
The constant current charger will provide constant amperage which will only increase briefly when the battery is fully charged. The battery charger should be turned off once it has reached full charge.
A lithium-ion battery can be damaged by floating or trickle charging. Many lithium batteries come with an integrated Battery Management System (BMS). These batteries can be charged with a standard charger or a power converter designed for lead-acid batteries. The battery is protected against overcurrents and overloads by an electronic circuit.
Size/Weight
The size and weight of a marine battery have a lot to do than just offer portability.
The Dimensions
The greater the capacity of a battery, the greater the dimensions. Examples of sizes are explained using the table below:
| 75 A/h capacity | Length: 24 cm | Width: 17 cm | Height: 19 cm |
| 105 A/h capacity | Length: 33 cm | Width: 17 cm | Height: 24 cm |
| 200 A/h capacity | Length: 52 cm | Width: 23 cm | Height: 24 cm |
A battery should be placed in a place that is as cool and ventilated as possible. Depending on the space available on the boat, you will choose to reach the necessary capacity, either to buy a large battery or to buy two small ones.
The Weight
This point is also important because the greater the capacity requirement, the greater the weight. Some boats have a capacity requirement that can exceed 800 Ah, which implies more than 600 pounds of battery. You must ensure that the installation is optimized (correct charging system and wiring sizing, etc.) before installing such a battery bank.
However, marine batteries are not that heavy in general. Lithium-ion batteries are generally light in weight while the lead-acid models are often heavier.
To ensure ease of transportation, it may be necessary to install two batteries in parallel rather than a single one of greater capacity. It is always better to have a single battery but the installation of batteries in parallel does not pose a problem from the moment when they are of the same size and the same technology.
How to Maintain a Deep Cycle Marine Battery
For a deep cycle marine battery to remain efficient and useful over the long term, it must be very well maintained.
You have the option of maintaining your marine battery in several ways. Among other things, routine maintenance and wintering.
Very often, sulfation is the main reason for the deterioration of marine batteries. Thus, when it completely reaches the battery, sulphation gives rise to a white powder on the terminals. This then affects the performance of the battery. A battery is more exposed to sulfation when it remains discharged for too long.
Thus, to avoid damaging your battery sooner than necessary, it is advisable to recharge it well before winter and then disconnect it. If the sulfation powder is already present, all you need to do is put the battery in a surge for a while.
Always ensure the terminals are always clean. Also, lead-acid batteries need to be topped up with water all the time.
FAQs
What is a deep cycle marine battery?
A deep cycle battery is a rechargeable battery capable of high discharge rates for a long period. Charge vs discharge is the definition of a battery cycle. A complete battery cycle includes charge, supply, then recharging. A deep cycle battery can discharge up to 80% of its total capacity before needing to be recharged. Rechargeable batteries for engine starting are usually designed to discharge at a high current but use only a small fraction of the total charge. A high discharge, short cycle battery for deep cycle applications can damage the battery and reduce battery life. Lead-acid electrochemical reactions are the most popular type of deep-cycle battery. Some of the best types of deep-cycle batteries that are commercially available are flooded lead-acid batteries, valve-regulated lead-acid batteries (VLA), Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, VLA-gel batteries, and lithium-ion batteries
Is there a difference between deep cycle and marine battery?
There is no big difference between marine batteries and deep cycle batteries which is why a deep cycle battery is also called a marine battery or a leisure battery. However, deep cycle batteries have better usable capacity and longevity.
How long do deep cycle marine batteries last?
It's not easy to predict how long a battery will last. A deep-cycle RV battery can last anywhere from one to fifteen years, depending on its type and how it is used. A flooded lead-acid battery should last 3-5 years if properly charged, discharged, and maintained. A high-quality VRLA lead-acid battery should be able to last 7-10 years. A good deep-cycle lithium-ion battery should last 10-15 years.
Can you use a car battery in a boat?
Yes, you can. But a car battery isn't the best for use in a boat. Marine batteries are the best as they have thicker internal plates. Also, marine batteries, especially the deep cycle, will last longer than a car battery.
What is the advantage of a deep cycle battery?
Deep cycle batteries have higher capacity and discharge slower than other regular batteries. They have marine protection which will make them more durable for use in a boat. Deep cycle batteries produce continuous energy, although at a lower level than regular batteries.
Conclusion
Choosing the right deep cycle marine battery is easy with this comprehensive review and buying guide! The products reviewed in this post are of high quality and perform well, so be sure to read the detailed information before making your purchase to make sure it suits your needs.
Having quality batteries in your boat is just as important as having the best flashy boat. You’ve seen some of the best deep cycle marine batteries available in the market that you can consider buying. Each of these batteries has its special features and comes in different price ranges.
In addition, we have mentioned some considerations that you should take into account when buying the batteries to ensure that you get the best offer. Follow them and you’ll get the best batteries that offer a fast and hassle-free marine transit.
