If you own a pontoon, boat, or other small watercraft you will need a marine battery to keep things running. There are numerous options available, and choosing the right one can become overwhelming.
Do you need a starter, deep cycle, or dual-purpose battery for your watercraft?
Regardless of what you’re looking for, there’re simply too many options to choose from. Luckily for you, we have already researched this. Keep reading, and below you will find the best marine battery reviews.
Following the reviews, we have put together a buying guide to help you choose the best marine battery for your particular boat, pontoon, trolly, etc.
Top 7 Best Marine Battery In 2023 Reviews
1 Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Marine Battery
The first option on our list of the best marine batteries is from Optima. This is a great option for those looking to install a battery they won’t need to worry about for a few years.
Minimal maintenance is required, which is something we all can appreciate.
Is this the best starting marine battery?
Optima is well known for its high product quality, and for their edge in battery power technology. This becomes readily apparent on first inspection of their model #8016-103 D34M.
We like this option for both on and off boat applications…
This option would make an excellent replacement for your old marine batteries. It’s designed to provide great cranking power for motors, and engine starting.
It is not the best deep cycle marine battery though…
This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows batteries. Starting batteries, such as this one, can be used for deep cycling. However, this option doesn’t perform as well as true deep cycle options.
If you’re looking for a deep cycle battery, keep reading. There’s more to come…
We like the AGM technology used in these batteries. The spiral cell technology provides improved efficiency and performance. It also reduces issues that can arise from water levels.
It provides optimal starting power no matter how bad the weather may be. The unit is also more compact than regular lead-acid batteries. Plus, it can withstand ten times the level of vibrations and parasitic electrical drain.
(4 / 5)Pros
- 12-Volt, 750 Amps Cold Crank Capacity.
- Compact and versatile.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
- Spill-proof.
- Long battery life of up to 8 years.
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
- Shock and vibration resistant.
Cons
- It’s on the heavy side compared with the competition.
- More expensive than many other options.
2 VMAXTANKS MR107-85 12V 85AH Marine AGM SLA Deep Cycle Battery – Best Long Life Marine Battery
Vmaxtanks makes a good deep cycle battery for smaller watercraft. The model #MR107-85 12V-85AH is ideal for boats and trolling motors. The AGM technology provides a long-lasting marine battery.
Does it charge quickly?
Yes, it’s fast to charge and spill-free as well. Vmaxtanks uses battery plates with a special treatment that produces a unique physical and chemical structure. This makes for stronger performance and increases reliability.
How long does the battery last?
If you have it in float mode, you can get a solid 8-10 years from this model. This is in part due to the recovery rate in cyclic use. The battery can recover full capacity at a 60% discharge. We think everyone will appreciate this long service life.
Is there anything better than maintenance-free operation?
We certainly don’t think so. Part of what we like so much about this option is the lack of required maintenance. You won’t need to check the electrolyte gravity or add water to tanks.
Instead, VMAX tanks have an electrolyte suspension system with Absorbed Glass Matt. This has a high porosity and will completely absorb and contain the electrolyte. There are no contaminates, like silica gels, used in the construction.
(3.9 / 5)Pros
- 12-Volt, 25-Amp hours.
- High power battery in a compact size.
- Designed for trolling motors.
- Extensive battery life.
- No maintenance required.
- Backed by a 1-year replacement guarantee.
Cons
- More expensive than other options reviewed here.
3 Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery – Best Performance Starting Marine Batteries
If you liked the look of the Optima battery we reviewed as our first listing, this next option might really blow you away. The model #8052-161 D31M is a bit more expensive. In fact, it’s one of the top-end options on our list of product reviews.
How many cold cranking amps do you need anyway?
If you’re looking for the top-end, this model has you covered with 12-volts and 900 cold cranking amps. That’s a lot more power, enabling you to run larger motors. No matter the conditions, this battery will get you started and running.
Is it resistant to vibration?
Yes, it’s 15 times more resistant to vibrations. That’s even more than the option reviewed above. It also offers a reserve capacity of 155 minutes. For constant performance, this is one of the best starting marine batteries.
It is worth noting, there are some shipping restrictions with this style of battery.
(3.8 / 5)Pros
- 12-Volt, 900 Amps Cold Crank Capacity.
- Works well on boats and RVs alike.
- Requires minimal maintenance.
- Spill-proof and can be mounted in almost any position.
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
- Shock and vibration resistant.
Cons
- It’s on the heavy side compared with the competition.
- More expensive than most options.
- Cannot be shipped to some locations.
4 Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery – Best Vehicle Starting Battery for Marine
Optima also makes a RedTop starting battery. Their model #8020-164 is a brilliant starting battery for trucks, SUV, streetcars, hot rods and more. It can also be used for marine applications, just check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Are you looking for a lightweight starting battery?
This unit weighs only 31.7 pounds. Even with the minimal weight, it provides 12-volts and 720 cold cranking amps. There is also a reserve capacity of 90 minutes, meaning it provides reasonably good constant performance.
Does it do well in bad weather?
Yes, this unit is fifteen times more resistant to vibrations compared with the competition. It provides optimal starting power in bad weather and is race proven for optimal every day driving.
Optima batteries are top of the line thanks to the unique manufacturing process. Rather than the typical flat plates found on AGM batteries, these have spiral lead plates winding continuously.
This provides a more precision-controlled environment, for a better all-round battery.
(3.9 / 5)Pros
- 12-Volt, 720 Amps Cold Crank Capacity.
- Provides a strong starting burst.
- Shock and vibration resistant.
- Spill-proof and can be mounted in almost any position.
- No maintenance required.
- Recharges faster than most competition.
- High-power delivery.
Cons
- Shipping restrictions apply.
5 Universal Power Group 12V 100Ah Solar Wind AGM SLA DEEP Cycle VRLA Battery – Best Affordable Marine Battery
Another option for powering your boat accessories is the model #UB121000 from Universal Power Group. For the price-conscious, this will be a welcomed option.
What is the battery capacity then?
This battery offers 12-Volts, with a power capacity of 100 amps per hour. It will run a 200-watt appliance for ten hours at a 20% charge capacity loss. We would also recommend this for trailing motors, or building a power bank for your boat.
This is not the battery you want to crank your boat engine though…
If you’re looking for a starter battery, we would recommend looking elsewhere. This is a deep cycle battery. It will provide a solid backup for an extended period of time.
It’s spill-proof, which is good. It is still an acid battery, but the design means there are no water levels to monitor. Plus, it will pick up a charge even after sitting idle for weeks.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- 12-Volt, 100Amp hours.
- Shock and vibration resistant.
- Leakproof.
- No maintenance required.
- Backed by a 1-year warranty.
- Priced aggressively.
Cons
- Not built with the best quality control.
6 Mighty Max Battery 12V 75Ah SLA Battery
This next option is from Mighty Max Battery and is designed for the Wayne ESP25 Back-Up Pump. For those on a budget, this is another contender for the cheapest battery on our list.
What kind of battery is this?
Here we have the ML75-12SLA, which is a 12-Volt with 75 amps per hour battery. It is a rechargeable, and maintenance-free, sealed lead-acid battery. This means that it’s ready to use right out of the box, with no fluids to add or monitor.
Are spill-proof batteries reliable?
This battery has a high discharge rate, deep discharge recovery rate, and a long service life. It will also operate in a wide range of temperatures. For these reasons, we’d consider this one of the best marine batteries under $150.
We like that it is easy to mount, and ready to go immediately. However, we aren’t fans of the short life the style of battery is plagued by. For the price, it’s a good option. Still, we’d recommend spending a bit more for a longer-lasting option.
(4.7 / 5)Pros
- 12-Volt, 75Amp hours.
- Shock and vibration resistant.
- Leakproof.
- No maintenance required.
- Backed by a 1-year warranty.
- Priced aggressively.
Cons
- There are better options available in this price range.
7 Interstate Batteries 12V 35Ah (SLA) AGM Deep Cycle Battery (DCM0035) – Best Marine Battery for Trolling Motor
The final item on our list of the best marine batteries is from Interstate Batteries. This is a 12-Volt with only 35 amps per hour. It’s the cheapest deep cycle battery that we reviewed.
Is it strong enough to get the job done?
That will depend on the job you have in mind. It’s plenty strong for most trolling motors, and at this price, it’s easily one of the best marine trolling batteries available. It can also be used for numerous other applications.
Is it spill-proof?
Yes, this is a maintenance-free, spill-proof battery. It has AGM & VRLA technology. This valve regulation eliminates overpressure and spills completely.
This battery was designed for heavy demand applications like wheelchairs and mobility scooters. That makes it a great option for those in need of a long-life deep discharge battery for their trolling motors.
(4.1 / 5)Pros
- 12-Volt, 35Amp hours.
- Leakproof.
- No maintenance required.
- Backed by a 1-year no-hassle warranty.
- One of the least expensive options we reviewed.
Cons
- The life span is rather short, though that is somewhat expected at this price point.
A Buying Guide For The Best Marine Batteries
As you can see from our above list of the best marine battery reviews, there are a few different types of batteries to choose from. This can make things complicated. To help you with this, we have broken things down for you below.
Three types of marine batteries explained…
Once you understand your power requirements, you will still have a choice to make. Thus, we have various features of batteries further discussed in detail. But first, we should discuss the three types of marine batteries available.
Starting Or Cranking Marine Batteries
Starter batteries are designed to get your motor started. This requires a large number of cold cranking amps or marine crank amps. The sudden burst of power requires a different internal construction.
Starter batteries, or cranking batteries, have a great number of, and thinner, lead plates. This means that they can provide a sudden burst of power in the cold. They also can be more easily damaged by deeply discharging them.
Deep Cycle Marine Batteries
Deep cycle batteries are what run your onboard 12-volt electrical appliances. They can also run an electric motor. These provide a slower, more steady discharge of power.
These batteries provide a greater depth of discharge without causing damage to the inner workings. This means that they will continue to maintain their recharge capacity.
However, they often cannot deliver enough cold cranking amps to get an engine started.
Dual Purpose Marine Batteries
As you likely guessed already, dual-purpose batteries offer a middle of the road option. They won’t perform either task as well as a battery specifically designed to do the job. However, if space is an issue, this is your best choice.
Wet vs. Sealed Batteries
The above list is made up completely of SLA, or sealed lead-acid batteries. These are spill and leak-proof, using a valve-regulation to maintain their dryness. The inner workings are maintenance-free, which makes them ideal for marine applications.
Flooded or wet batteries, on the other hand, are not ideal for marine use. They tend to easily spill, or vent, which can become an environmental issue quickly. They also don’t hold up to vibrations as well as sealed batteries.
What Are Cold Cranking Amps?
CCA refers to the starting power of a battery. This denotes the number of amps the battery has to offer for 30 seconds at 7.2V at 0°F. Thus, the term cold cranking amps.
MCA, on the other hand, refers to Marine Cranking Amps. This is set at a temperature of 32°F, rather than at zero. Make sure you check your engine’s requirements before purchasing a battery.
You should also check the capacity or amp hours you require from the battery…
Ampere hours, or Ah, can be understood as such: 100Ah can supply 100 amps for 1 hour, or 5 amps for 20 hours, or 20 amps for 5 hours.
Thus, a higher capacity can run appliances for longer without needing a recharge. This is important for deep cycle batteries. Also, you never want to completely drain a deep cycle battery.
Deep cycle batteries can often be linked to create battery banks…
This is a great option for those that need to run multiple appliances. It’s always better to have more power available than you’re likely to need rather than run out.
Do You Need Further Information?
Take a browse through our What is a Deep Cycle Battery article for a more comprehensive explanation on this if you need it.
Then, if you know you want a marine battery specifically for your trolling motor, head on over to the Best Trolling Motor Battery Reviews, for our top recommendations.
While you’re here, also check out our comprehensive comparisons of other great marine accessories, such as our Best Lunch Cooler Reviews, the Best Fish Finders Revews, the Best Kayak Seat Reviews, the Best Kayak Trailer Reviews, the Best Trolling Motor for Kayaks Reviews.
Our Final Thoughts On The Best Marine Battery
That completes our review and buying guide for the best marine batteries. There’re several things to consider when shopping for a new battery for your boat or pontoon. Hopefully, we have helped you narrow down the options.
If you’re still scratching your head then we will make one last suggestion. The…
Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M BlueTop Starting and Deep Cycle Battery
…might be a bit on the expensive side, but it’s totally worth it.