Size Considerations with Boating Batteries

Once boating needs surpass that of a simple canoe or rowboat, power becomes more of an issue. And not just for propulsion, although that certainly is a priority. I just returned from a fishing trip with my modest little watercraft which could have used better boating batteries for the amp-drawing trolling motor to manage the heavy aquatic vegetation. There can be additional electronic demand with bigger boats, and this may require even larger electrical suppliers. Here are a few things to think about regarding batteries and other power sources for recreational boating.

Small

Traditionally, thanks in part to their silent operation, deep cycle marine lead core batteries have carried the load of small and medium boat electric power demands. Lithium batteries are now a common option as battery technology continues to advance. Lithium battery benefits include being smaller, lighter, and even more powerful than regular boating batteries. The initial cost may be greater, but the warranty and life of the battery are greater too.

Medium

At some point, bigger boats, with more bells and whistles may exceed the load or time-running constraints of operating off just boating batteries so you may want to look into small generator options. Depending on your power demands, these could be compact, space saving, portable units. Inverters are generators that are more expensive but have the feature where they will run harder if electrical demand is needed, or idle down when there is less of a draw, thus increasing energy efficiency.

Large

Eventually, really big boats will likely require “gensets.” Short for “generator set,” a genset is an electric generator and an engine combo. These engines can run on gasoline, natural gas, or diesel. There can be drawbacks of gensets (noise, fumes, maintenance) and the cost can be significant. In fact, it looks like gensets diesel generators replacement for a yacht or houseboat could run anywhere from $3-15 thousand dollars. And, it appears gensets diesel generators replacement is something for the professionals to install for efficiency, sound considerations, and safety of the unit, and is not a DIY project. However, once properly installed, this can be a reliable electric power plant that is capable of handling creature comforts such as air conditioning, even for long distance voyages.