Deep Cycle Marine Batteries 101 - Stuff You Must Know

Oct. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Deep cycle marine batteries are used in fishing boats, solar power systems and recreational vehicles, these batteries are built to provide a continuous flow of current to motors over a long period of time. Deep cycle batteries are also designed to provide large bursts of electrical power at a time. Unlike, other batteries such as car batteries - a deep cycle battery can be completely discharged or drained of its electrical power over and over again, without damage because it has thicker lead plates.

This short article will provide you with the most important information regarding marine batteries. We will also attempt to give you a brief deep cycle marine battery review in the coming paragraphs.

A Marine battery is a combination of deep cycle and starting batteries. These types of cells are also known as hybrid batteries. They contain thick lead sponges, which can be cycled down to 20% or less . Though, it is difficult to tell what you are getting in a marine battery , they are usually rated in cold cranking amps (CCA) or marine cranking amps (MCA) .

A battery cycle is one complete discharge and recharge, a simple description would be when a battery discharges from 100% down to 15% then charged back to 100% when this occurs it is known as a "cycle". Marine batteries can withstand 660 cycles and above, giving it a lifespan of 2 years or more.

In rating deep cycle batteries, amp-hours (AH rating time) is used as a measure. A 20 hour rate is generally accepted as a good standard. Amp-hour rating indicates the total amount of electrical energy, deep cycle batteries can discharge constantly over a period of 20 hours, before it completely runs to a dead voltage. Higher amp-hour ratings indicate a battery can perform for longer periods without stopping. Let's assume you own a 20 amp motor and you run it for 30 minutes - the amp hours consumed would equal 20 amps x 0.5 hours = 10 AH (amp hours).

A Marine battery state of charge is measured in DC ( direct current) voltage. A fully charged battery reads between 12.6 volts to 13.5 volts, while dead batteries give readings 10.5 volts.  A voltmeter can be used to read the state of charge in your battery. It has two leads , red which is positive and black indicating negative.

Charging a battery is very important, an alternator is normally used to charge a battery. It works fine only if the battery is not heavily discharged. However, an alternator is not the best way to charge a marine battery. Marine batteries are usual deeply discharged and can only reach optimal charge safely using smart chargers. Smart chargers perform the famous 3 step regulated charging process.

This process starts with bulk charging where up to 80% of the battery's energy capacity is replaced by the smart charge - it does this at maximum voltage. When the deep cell marine battery approaches 81% charge the smart charger reduces the voltage it supplies to the battery this stage is called absorption charge. Finally, when the battery approaches 98%, absorption charging stops and float step charging begins - at this point the float charge will not boil, over-heat or over-charge the battery but will ensure 100% state of charge . This will also prevent cycling due to long term inactivity. You can get descent smart chargers from BassPro, at the moment rewarding promos is offering a $250 BassPro coupon. This coupon can be used to order a descent smart charger.

Deep cycle marine battery review : Whats the best marine battery to buy

There are several battery manufacturers such as
● Concorde.
●  Exide.
●  Surrette.
●  Xps.
● Trojan and Crown .

While these batteries are built by reputable companies, they are not only graded buy who built them but also lifespan, cost, battery drain, shelf life and many more factors. In the first paragraph, we learnt that deep cycle marine batteries are hybrids of starting batteries and deep cycle batteries. Marine batteries are categorized under three names - wet cell, gel cell and AGM ( absorbed glass mat). The wet cell is sold in two styles - serviceable and maintenance free - this battery is filled with electrolyte liquid, has very negligible MCA rating and dangerous. We strongly advice against buy such batteries.

The gel cell and AGM batteries cost more but store power very well, barely degrade and have a very little chance of explosion unlike the wet cell which may explode when it is over charged. These batteries are the safest marine batteries you can use. However, the best deep cell marine battery is the AGM battery. It is the most versatile marine battery in the market. This battery can hold a charge for several months even when you don’t use or charge them.

AGM batteries will provide you with power without end. AGM batteries are also maintenance free, spill and leak proof with greater life span and higher number of cycles. The XPS 12volt AGM deep cycle marine battery is sold from $130 - $250 depending on where you order from.

At the moment - rewarding promos is offering a $250 BassPro coupon for a limited time. This coupon is only valid for US residents and will not work for orders outside the United States. This $250 BassPro coupon will help you save money. You can use it to order the XPS AGM battery and smart charger.

If you live in the United States, love fishing and want to purchase a spanking new low maintenance, high powered deep cycle marine battery you should consider the XPS 12-Volt AGM marine battery from BassPro.

Go to http://americanconsumers.us/ to claim your $250 BassPro coupon.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
https://plus.google.com/111484857834272115615?rel=author