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Marine Battery VS Car Battery: What Are the Differences?

Mike Smith
Mike Smith
—
16/07/2024

The debate between marine batteries and car batteries is common among boat shoppers. Many are tempted by the easily accessible car batteries. However, understanding their differences is crucial. These differences can greatly affect their performance.

Part 1. Different Tasks Between Marine VS Car Battery

To compare these batteries, we first look at their distinct roles.

Car batteries serve a specific purpose. They deliver enough power to start a gasoline or diesel engine, no matter the weather. These batteries release high amps quickly. Once the engine runs, the alternator recharges them.

Marine batteries, on the other hand, handle multiple tasks. They start engines, but usually smaller ones than car engines. After starting, they keep the boat's systems running. This includes lights, gauges, pumps, and other accessories. Therefore, marine batteries must provide power for longer periods before needing a recharge.

In summary, while car batteries focus on quick bursts of power, marine batteries offer sustained energy for various needs. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right battery for your vessel.

Feature Automotive Batteries Marine Batteries
Lead Plate Design Thinner, more plates Thicker, sturdier plates
Discharge Current High discharge for strong engine start Designed to withstand tough conditions
Vibration Resistance Standard resistance Better resistance to vibrations
Terminal Design General terminals Specifically designed for boats
Types Available Standard starting batteries Starting, Deep Cycle, Dual Purpose, Lithium Deep Cycle

Part 2. Are Marine Batteries Better Than Car Batteries?

Marine batteries are not better or worse than car batteries; they serve different purposes. Car batteries focus on delivering power to start the engine. Marine batteries do this too, but they also power all the boat’s electronics. They are built to endure harsh conditions, including bouncing and shaking during activities like fishing or watersports.

Marine batteries come in various designs to suit your needs. Starting batteries provide a quick jolt of power for the engine and recharge while you’re on the water. If you need a versatile option that starts your boat and powers electronics, choose dual-purpose marine batteries. For boats with high power demands—like trolling motors or fish finders—marine deep-cycle batteries are ideal. They deliver the sustained energy needed for all your equipment.

2.1 Performance Showdown Between Marine and Car Batteries

Marine batteries serve a unique purpose. They are not better or worse than car batteries; they are designed for specific uses. Marine batteries endure tough conditions. Picture a day of fishing or water sports. Your boat will bounce and shake. This is exactly what marine batteries are built to handle.

Marine batteries also come in various designs to meet your needs. A Marine Starting battery delivers a powerful burst to start your boat’s engine. While you’re on the water, it recharges itself.

If your boat has many power-hungry devices—like trolling motors or fish finders—a Marine Deep Cycle battery is essential. It provides the energy needed to run all your equipment. Whether you’re fishing or enjoying the water, your marine battery supports your adventures.

battery for marine deep cycle using

LiTime 12V 100Ah Trolling Motor Battery

2.2 Evaluating the Suitability of Using a Standard Car Battery on a Boat

When cruising on land or sailing, you rely on a battery. But here’s the truth: batteries don’t create power. Instead, they store electricity, like a pantry stocked with food for winter.. Your car battery charges while you drive, storing energy for later.

Marine batteries are specifically designed for boats. They have threaded studs, making it easy to connect to onboard chargers. They are built to withstand harsh conditions at sea, making them 15 times more resistant to vibrations than car batteries. Plus, marine batteries are fully sealed, preventing battery acid spills even in rough waters.

Marine batteries can serve many purposes, similar to automotive batteries. Some boat engines need little power to start, while others may require several batteries for engine and electronic accessories. Always check your boat’s power needs to choose the right battery for smooth sailing.

2.3 Can You Use a Marine Battery in a Car?

So is it possible to use a marine battery for your car? It depends on several factors.

First, think about the application. A marine battery can jumpstart a car. It has enough cranking power for that purpose.

Next, check the voltage. If it’s a 12V marine cranking battery with enough CCA, it can work in a car. This means it can function as both a starter and deep cycle battery, offering versatility.

Also, consider the dimensions. For a marine battery to fit in a car, the terminals must align with a conventional car battery.

However, remember that cars usually don’t need the deep-cycle power that marine batteries provide. Cars perform best with starter batteries. Marine batteries are designed for deep, uninterrupted cycling, allowing for complete discharges and recharges.

Part 3: Different Types of Marine Batteries

Marine batteries come in various types to suit every boat's needs. Whether you need a Starting (also called starter, cranking), Deep Cycle, or Dual-Purpose battery, each serves a specific role.

3.1 Marine Batteries Differences By Using Purpose

1 Starter Battery

Marine starting battery ignites your boat’s motor. Also known as a cranking battery, it delivers a powerful burst of energy quickly. However, it won’t keep your motor running; that's the role of the next battery.

2 Deep Cycle Battery

These batteries feature thicker plates than starter batteries. This design allows them to provide steady, reliable power. You can charge and discharge them many times. They are ideal for running your trolling motor, lights, GPS, fish finder, and more. 

Suggest reading: Marine Starting VS Deep Cycle Batteries

3 Dual-Purpose Marine Battery

As the name suggests, this battery combines the functions of both starter and deep cycle batteries. However, like many “jacks of all trades,” dual-purpose batteries often fall short. Some may not provide enough power to start certain engines, and others may last fewer cycles than standard deep cycle batteries. The exception is lithium batteries. LiTime 12V 140Ah dual-purpose battery can last more than 4000+ life cycles for deep cycle using.

dual purpose lithium battery's life cycle

3.2 Distinguishing Marine Batteries by Chemical Composition

1. Lead Acid Marine Battery

There are two main types: flooded lead-acid (FLA) and absorbent glass mat (AGM).

  • FLA Batteries: These have lead plates submerged in a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. A chemical reaction produces gases that must escape, causing some water loss. This means FLA batteries require regular maintenance. You need to add water to keep the plates submerged and safe.
  • AGM Batteries: These also have lead plates, but they sit between fiberglass mats that soak up the acid and water mix. This design creates a sealed unit. AGM batteries don’t require maintenance or topping up. They produce little to no gas, and any excess can escape through a vent to maintain pressure.

Lead-acid batteries are common and easy to replace. They are cost-effective, making them a good choice for budget-conscious boaters. They work well as starter batteries because they can deliver a large power burst without electronics.

However, lead-acid batteries need more maintenance than other deep-cycle options. AGM batteries cost more than FLA batteries but offer similar power with less upkeep. Deep-cycle lead-acid batteries can be damaged if discharged below half of their capacity. As they drain, their output decreases, often providing only about half of their rated power.

Though lead-acid batteries are initially cheaper, they typically last only 2-5 years, making them less economical in the long run. Their heavy lead plates can weigh around 80 lbs each, requiring two or three for adequate power. This adds significant weight to your boat and prolongs charging time.

2. Lithium Marine Battery

Deep cycle lithium batteries store power using lithium salt instead of sulfuric acid and lead plates. Their benefits often outweigh their higher initial cost, especially for boats. LiTime lithium marine batteries includes deep cycle, starting and dual-purpose lithium.

Advantages of Lithium Batteries:

You can discharge lithium deep cycle batteries to 80% or more without damage. They charge much faster than lead-acid batteries with the right controller, enhancing efficiency.

Lithium batteries include a battery management system (BMS) that monitors health and eliminates maintenance needs. The BMS optimizes charging and discharging across cells, extending battery lifespan to 2-5 times that of lead-acid batteries.

They are smaller, lighter, and charge faster, reducing your boat's battery weight by up to 70%. Lithium batteries won’t leak, providing a safer option. They maintain consistent output, so your trolling motor and devices perform equally well at the end of the day.

Disadvantages of Lithium Batteries:

The main drawback is the upfront cost. However, their longevity often leads to savings over time, lasting five times longer than lead-acid batteries. Additionally, lithium batteries have lower maximum amperage output, making them less suitable for starting applications that require high cranking amps.

Part 4. Can I Charge A Car Battery with a Marine Battery Charger?

Not all marine battery chargers can charge your car battery. Many are designed for various battery types, featuring waterproof designs that make them suitable for onboard use. However, some marine chargers, especially those meant for onboard installation, may only have connectors for marine batteries, which won’t fit a car battery.

Today, most marine chargers are smart and automatic. They can detect the battery type and select the right charging mode. However, as mentioned, some onboard chargers may still have only marine battery connectors, creating compatibility issues with car batteries.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the type of charger you use, whether it's for lead-acid or lithium batteries. Different battery types require matching chargers for optimal performance, which means you should charge lithium battery with lithium battery charger.

Mike Smith
Mike Smith
Mike Smith is a marine energy expert with 15+ years of experience and a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. Passionate about lithium battery integration, he also enjoys sailing and exploring coastal waters in his free time.

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