How Long Do Boat Batteries Last?
Marine
- Sponsor
- OPTIMA Batteries
- Location
- Glendale, WI
How long do boat batteries last? We've heard of some boat batteries that have last a decade or longer, while others can't seem to make it through their first season on the water. Flooded lead-acid batteries don't tend to last as long as AGM lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries should last longer than all of them. While there isn't a single answer for every boat battery out there, we can share some tips that will help you maximize the lifespan of your boat battery.
The lifespan of any boat battery is largely determined by two key factors- how it is used and how it is maintained. Boat batteries that are used for shallow discharge cycles (only engine starting on a modestly sized outboard) and/or boat batteries that are used in temperate climates will tend to last a lot longer than boat batteries used in deep-cycle applications like trolling motors or in extreme temperatures, like in Alaska or Lake Havasu.
Likewise, proper voltage maintenance will help maximize both boat battery performance and lifespan. Fully charged, OPTIMA's BLUETOP batteries will measure about 13.0-13.2 volts, except for the 34M BLUETOP, which will measure about 12.6-12.8 volts. Whenever lead-acid batteries of any type are discharged below 12.4 volts and are left sitting in that state, sulfation begins forming in the plates, which diminishes both capacity and lifespan.
That makes a quality battery charger an excellent investment to maximize boat battery lifespan. Best practice for properly maintaining a boat battery is to charge it as soon as you come off the water and if possible, keep it on a charger until you are ready to use the boat again.
On the lithium side, OPTIMA ORANGETOP boat batteries won't suffer the same ill effects from sitting in a discharged state, but it's still good practice to keep your ORANGETOP fully charged to 14.0 volts, to ensure it will deliver maximum performance the next time you're out on the water. One of the great features about the OPTIMA ORANGETOP boat batteries is that it has an on/off button on top of the battery, so once you fully-charge the battery, you can turn it off and prevent any accidental discharge while the battery is in storage.
The lifespan of any boat battery is largely determined by two key factors- how it is used and how it is maintained. Boat batteries that are used for shallow discharge cycles (only engine starting on a modestly sized outboard) and/or boat batteries that are used in temperate climates will tend to last a lot longer than boat batteries used in deep-cycle applications like trolling motors or in extreme temperatures, like in Alaska or Lake Havasu.
Likewise, proper voltage maintenance will help maximize both boat battery performance and lifespan. Fully charged, OPTIMA's BLUETOP batteries will measure about 13.0-13.2 volts, except for the 34M BLUETOP, which will measure about 12.6-12.8 volts. Whenever lead-acid batteries of any type are discharged below 12.4 volts and are left sitting in that state, sulfation begins forming in the plates, which diminishes both capacity and lifespan.
That makes a quality battery charger an excellent investment to maximize boat battery lifespan. Best practice for properly maintaining a boat battery is to charge it as soon as you come off the water and if possible, keep it on a charger until you are ready to use the boat again.
On the lithium side, OPTIMA ORANGETOP boat batteries won't suffer the same ill effects from sitting in a discharged state, but it's still good practice to keep your ORANGETOP fully charged to 14.0 volts, to ensure it will deliver maximum performance the next time you're out on the water. One of the great features about the OPTIMA ORANGETOP boat batteries is that it has an on/off button on top of the battery, so once you fully-charge the battery, you can turn it off and prevent any accidental discharge while the battery is in storage.