Flip any random battery over, and you’ll find many numbers and letters describing that product’s type. As if it wasn’t difficult to decipher between lead-acid and AGM batteries, you may have encountered marine battery group size descriptions. Don’t muddle around in the dark anymore. It’s time to take a hard look at this battery size chart so that it makes sense during your next purchase.
A General Description
A battery group size refers to the product’s physical dimensions, including:
- Length
- Width
- Height
The BCI or Battery Council International created this battery size chart to standardize the industry. By selecting a group 24 battery, for example, you know the exact size that you’re purchasing. Regardless of the battery’s manufacturer, the group size is a standard value to trust in.
BCI tries to minimize the number of changes to the chart, but adjustments can be made over the years. If you’re in the market for a new battery, verify the old battery’s group size and current specifications.
Associations With Amp Hours
If you compare a group 24 battery and group 27 deep cycle battery together, you’ll notice that the mp hours are slightly higher on the group-27 product. This specification difference is made on purpose by the manufacturers.
In general, a group size with a higher number has more amp hours than lower values. This fact translates to more power in your battery as the day goes on. You shouldn’t have to drag your boat into the dock because of inadequate amp hours on the battery.
Going With the “M”
Along with the group-size numbers, you might see letters printed on your battery. For marine applications, look for group sizes indicating the letter “M.” These batteries are designed for watercraft applications.
Although you may find the right group size for your vessel, don’t use a battery without the “M” designation. The internal construction won’t work in the long run for your boat. Batteries will decline with rapid ease. Don’t leave yourself stranded with an improper battery.
Customizing the Boat’s Power
You might discover that an enhanced battery might help your progress on the water. The battery’s tray, however, limits the marketplace sizes. You can change battery sizes by upgrading your tray. Pay careful attention to the surrounding items so that nothing is pinched or hindered otherwise.
Remember that there are two different batteries for marine applications, reports Bass Pro Shops. These products include:
- Cranking
- Deep cycle
Always replace each battery with the same type. The new battery might be enhanced with additional amp hours, but it contains the same functionality as the previous product.
Considering Extra Power
A clever way to add extra power to your boat is with a dual-purpose battery. This product is different than the cranking or deep-cycle battery on your boat. The dual purpose product supports your marine accessories so that you can lower the strain and costs on the other batteries.
Add these accessories to your extra battery, such as:
- Fish finders
- Fishing scales
- Radios
By removing the accessories from the main batteries, you allocate their power to the engine and critical operations.
Prolonging the Battery’s Lifespan
Every deep cycle battery that you own can have a long life if you give it a full charge each time. The battery’s internal construction doesn’t respond well to short bursts of power.
If you take the marine battery off the boat, the charging session should last between 14 and 16 hours, reports Battery University. This time period allows the battery to saturate with the electrical power so that decline is largely avoided. It’s impossible to avoid all possibilities of decline, however. Batteries must eventually wear down.
Visit Northeast Batterytoday for your battery needs. Try a group 27 deep cycle battery or other model to meet your marine needs. Our team can help you make an educated decision about power options, which will get you out on the water in no time at all.