Deep Thoughts on Deep Cycle Batteries

The lifeblood of our boat, they help us enjoy the great outdoors while being 'off the grid'

By Greg LeBreton

I am brainstorming ideas for this article. We are sitting at anchor in a beautiful bay watching the sun go down. My laptop is plugged in, the reading lights are on, our stereo whispering softly, and a cold beverage in our refrigerator waits for me to overcome writer’s block. Without our deep cycle batteries, this evening just wouldn’t be the same.

When I first started boating, I ignored batteries. They were plastered with danger warnings and looked scary. While full of lead and some other environmentally unfriendly materials, deep cycle batteries are pretty eco-friendly. They help us enjoy the outdoors and hold green energy from solar panels. By looking after them, we can save money and protect the environment. 

There are many different varieties of batteries for marine applications. Some of the most common are lead acid batteries. Generally, there are starter batteries for firing up the engine and deep cycle batteries for running appliances and lights on board. Make sure you use the right battery. Making a deep cycle battery start an engine will seriously shorten that battery’s life.

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