Best Lightweight Marine Battery (Rated in 2023)

If you are a fishing or boating enthusiast, we are sure that you will want to make sure that your boat is in great shape at all times before and when you are at sea. To ensure your boat is up and running, there are different things you will have to consider, and one of them is the marine battery. Powering your boat with the right battery is the only way the outboard motor will start, and not only that, the marine battery will get other electrical functions in the boat to work. But beyond having the right battery, you need the best lightweight marine battery.

This is because every item you install or bring on board the boat adds to its weight. But how do you know the best lightweight marine battery for your boat?

In this review, we analyze some of the best battery brands for leisure boats. So take your time to read our review so you can make an informed decision.

Best Lightweight Marine Battery Summary

Optoma OPT8016	Best For Smaller Battery Boxes
Odyssey Thunder Marine	Best Overall Marine Battery
XS Power Series	Best For Beginners
Mighty Max	Best For Pontoon Boats
Nermak 12V	Best For Onboard Accessories
VMAX	Best For Heavy-Duty Trolling Motor
Weize 12V	Best Environmentally Safe Battery

Let us review each one in detail.

1. Optima OPT8016-103 BlueTop Starting/Deep Cycle Marine Battery

The first battery we want to review is the Optima BlueTop battery. This model is both a deep cycle battery and a starting battery, so you get a dual or two-in-one function in a single battery box. Optima is designed to supply power for your boat’s energy needs. With this trolling motor battery, you are guaranteed strong cranking, sure starting, and nonstop access to power to ensure every single gadget onboard is working as well as it should be. Optima has a unique SpiralCell design that is unique to the Optima model.

The power is clean and uninterrupted, so you don’t have to worry about fire incidences or overheating. Furthermore, it has a very high reserve capacity to sustain its shelf life and operationality. With Optima, your boat will always start whenever you crank the engine, regardless of the time of day or weather. It is designed for small marine boats with appropriate accessory loads. This battery is made with Polypropylene case material, and it has a series of spiral wound cells that have a set of pure 99.99% plated made of lead and coated with lead oxide. These plates are precision controlled, which makes them far better than AGM batteries.

So if you are looking for an affordable and dependable marine battery that will not increase the total load on your boat but guarantee a stable power supply to start your engine and keep all gadgets onboard working, this is a very good battery to buy.

Pros

• You can mount it in any position
• Works well even under bad Weather
• 120 minutes reserve power capacity
• High cranking amperage

Cons

• The blue top can easily stain

2. Odyssey Thunder Marine 31M- PC2150ST Dual Purpose Battery

The second brand on our list of the best lightweight marine battery is Odyssey dual-purpose marine battery m, this one has an SAE brass terminal with a massive starting and deep cycle capacity. As long as your boat’s load capacity is of the right specification, this battery will carry it just fine. It has a discharge depth of 80% and as many as 400 charging cycles. Overall, Odyssey has a shelf life of about 3 times the shelf life of batteries of this ilk. This means that should you go for it, you won’t have to buy a replacement for a very long time. You can use the battery for trolling, powering onboard accessories, and starting your engine. You get the best of all three with this battery box.

Rather than buy a starting and deep cycle battery, why not go for this dual-purpose version? You get a battery that can perform both tasks without spending more money on two but one battery. You are guaranteed robust power when you need it, and this battery can deliver massive cranking power. Odyssey has five virgin plates and an AGM design, so you don’t have to deal with acid spills. The plates are coated with tin, so they do not rust while also boasting high conductivity. Furthermore, it packs 15% more plates in the surface area and as much as 40% reserve capacity.

The overall weight of Odyssey makes it a very good alternative for your boat if you want a dual-purpose battery but bear in mind that you may need to buy two batteries depending on the power requirements of your boat.

Pros

• Longer shelf life than many batteries
• Fast recharge between 4-6 hours
• Non-spill design
• 3-4 years replacement warranty

Cons

• Your boat may require two units
• Mounting inflexibility

3. XS Power XS Series AGM High Output 3300 Battery

XS Power is a popular brand for boaters looking for stable and reliable power for their boat. It is a 12V battery with 3300 amperages. If this is the power specification your boat needs, then you definitely should go for it. It has an M6 Terminal bolt and a Hugh output capacity. The good thing about the XS Power AGM battery is its multi-purpose value; you can use it for other applications besides powering your boat.

You can use it to power trucks, cars, solar systems, and lots more. This is a battery that will work well in any weather, both on land and at sea. It has High-density energy chemistry, and it is of an absorbed glass design with a regulated valve and vibration-resistant design. In addition, XS Power is spillproof with a sealed top to protect the battery box and the surrounding parts where it is mounted. With an ultra-low internal resistance, rest assured that you are at liberty to mount it wherever you choose to do so on your boat.

XS Power is compact and lightweight, so it will not take up too much space on your boat.

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy setup
• Mounting flexibility

Cons

• Limited power
• Less reserve capacity

4. Mighty Max 12V 55Ah battery for Pontoon Boats

Mighty Max Battery is another popular brand not uncommon among boaters. This 12V battery is a deep cycle battery with a state-of-the-art design specifically built for marine vessels. The heavy-duty build insulates the internal elements from moisture and saline air, while the alloy grid provides premium performance and long service life. Mighty Max battery is made with AGM technology with a special valve design. This means you can install it in an enclosed compartment with minimal air penetration, which will never leak due to overheating.

Secondly, you can use it for a variety of applications, including for toys, solar systems, medical equipment, motorcycles, and any battery-powered accessory that comes to mind. Weighing just 38.58 lbs, Mighty Max will not make your pontoon boat heavier than it should be. Truth be told, it is specially designed as a lightweight power source for small applications. It will also interest you to know that it is UL certified for safety, so even in unstable weather, Mighty Max will deliver a stable power supply.

If you want the best Marine battery that will guarantee you a high discharge rate in a wide range of operational temperatures, this is one option for you. Regardless of whether the temperature is high or low, Mighty Max will supply your boat with stable power so you can enjoy a wonderful time doing what you love on the water.

Pros

• 30-day refund policy
• Anti-shock and anti-vibration
• Versatile design

Cons

• Limited reserve capacity

5. Nermak 12V LifePO4 2000+ Cycles Deep Cycle Battery

Nermak is a 12V and 18Ah Lithium deep cycle battery with as many as 2000+ cycles. This lithium phosphate rechargeable battery is multifunctional so that you can use it for your marine applications, scooters, solar panels, RVs, and more. The high-density energy design is built to deliver stable and superior performance at all times and an extended cycle of battery life. One complaint boaters make is that their trolling motor batteries never seem to last, so they have to replace them every few months. However, they don’t have to worry about short-term value with Nermak lithium battery.

This brand delivers safe and stable performance with no memory effect. It has an inbuilt BMS protection, so it doesn’t over-discharge or short circuit. You will also not have to deal with a low self-discharge rate common with many poor-quality batteries too. With this motor battery, you get lightweight and a longer operational life which guarantees value for money. Nermak is not an AGM but a traditional lead acid battery with between 200-500 cycles. It doesn’t have acid, which also makes it a safer bet.

Being an environmentally friendly battery, you have the option to leave it on board or to remove and store it in safe storage until when next you have a need for it. Nermak is built to last and can be a main or backup power source for your boat.

Pros

• Lightweight at only 5.1 pounds
• Heavy-duty discharge
• Fast charging

Cons

• It requires a special Life Po4 charger

6. VMAX Sealed Marine MR137-120 AGM Battery

If you prefer AGM batteries, VMAX is a good option for you. This model is also lightweight, with between 50lb-110lb total weight for trolling motors m VMAX is a deep cycle battery with a heavy-duty float system that has a life span of between 8-10 years. This is music to the ears of an avid boater who sails regularly and would prefer a battery that will serve for many years to come.

VMAX uses an electrolyte suspension system with a relatively high level of porosity. The absorbed glass matt can absorb the electrolyte completely with no silica gels or any other contaminants added to the mineral ingredients. The battery has heavy-duty tin alloys for extra performance, and you can use it on your cyclic or float applications.

This is a battery that will guarantee you a stable supply even after repeated discharges. Its heavy-duty build ensures that it can handle your boat accessories as long as it is of the right power specification.

Pros

• Long-term value
• Heavy-duty capacity
• Ideal for multiple applications

Cons

• Not the best fit for unstable temperature

7. Weize 12V LifePO4 8000 Cycles Lithium Battery

Last but not least good lightweight lithium marine battery on our list is none other than Weize LifePO4 battery. This model has an inbuilt BMS smart design with versatile features. It is highly rated as one of the best lead-acid trolling motor batteries with a minimum guaranteed operational life of 10 years. The manufacturer claims that it is built to handle more than 2000 cycles at 100-8000% cycles with a guaranteed 50% depth of discharge rate. This converts to five times the operational life of conventional batteries.

The BMS design makes it a maintenance-free battery since it protects it from overcharging and excessive discharge. The design also protects from short-circuiting, over-discharge, or excessive current supply. While some other batteries may place your onboard accessories at risk, Weize offers nothing but a stable and consistent power supply when called upon. The battery management system is also built to shut it off when power drops to below 1 volt to preserve its operational life.

It reactivates after 1 second after a circuit is cut off, and it is made of non-toxic materials. Weize is safe and stable and not prone to thermal influences like overheating or fire outbreaks

Pros

• Environmentally safe
• High-density discharge
• Safe for onboard accessories

Cons

• Slightly heavy

Top-Rated Lightweight Marine Battery Buying Guide

Batteries come in different weights and capacities, but they are designed for one purpose alone; to power to its boat’s engine and other onboard accessories. However, choosing the right battery in the market is easier said than done. This is because there are so many brands on sale today, and unless you have at least an average knowledge about batteries, you may end up buying the wrong battery that may either not suit your needs or last long.

So in this section, we want to look at the different types of Marine batteries and the features to look out for when shopping for batteries for your boat. After you are done reading our guide, you should be able to make the right decision when making your battery selection.

Types Of Marine Batteries

There are three basic types of marine batteries designed to do a particular job on boats. They are as follows.

Starter Batteries: Starter batteries are essentially made to start the motor of your boat. Also called a cranking battery, starter batteries release a high volt within a short period to get your engine started, but they cannot keep your motor on since that is not what they are meant for.

Deep Cycles Batteries: This type of battery comes with thicker allow plates, and they release stable and steady power. Deep cycle batteries can be charged and discharged several times; that is why they are the best designs for onboard accessories like GPS, onboard lights, and fish finders. Deep cycles don’t have the kind of powerful discharge that starting batteries have, so they are not strong enough to start the motor. Rather it keeps the engine and other accessories running.

Dual Purpose Batteries: A dual-purpose battery is a combination of deep cycle and starter batteries. This means that this type of battery is designed to do both. It can start the trolling motor and keep onboard accessories running. Dual-purpose batteries are the economical choice for boat owners who don’t want to buy two batteries (Starting and deep cycle battery

Now, let’s look at the things to consider when shopping for a lightweight marine battery.

Battery Chemistry

The first thing you want to look at is battery chemistry. Two common batteries that have flooded the market in recent times are flooded electrolytes and absorbed glass mat (AGM). The one you choose to buy should be down to preference and your needs.

Flooded electrolytes have long been the gold standard for boats, and they are far more affordable; however, they are not the most efficient. Due to their high discharge rate, they lose power if you don’t charge them or top up the cells with distilled water. They also need to be placed in an upright position; otherwise, they will spill over and cause a potential explosion. Furthermore, they are susceptible to damage due to the frequent rocking of the boat by the waves.

As for AGM batteries, they are more durable and will not spill over due to their anti-spill design. But the downside to AGM is that they are more expensive. So the choice is yours to decide which one to go for. If you want an affordable option, flooded electrolytes are ideal but require frequent water top-ups and don’t last long. For something more durable, AGMs are the go-to model but are far more expensive.

Starting/Deep Cycle/Dual Purpose Batteries

Many inexperienced boaters still learning the boating art often ask which of these batteries to buy. That will depend on the budget and what you are really looking for.

Your boat needs a starting battery to kick the engine into life, and it needs a deep cycle battery to keep all the appliances on board running. So it can’t do with both. If you only get a starting battery, you can start the boat, but none of the onboard accessories will work because it can only discharge power for a brief period. On the other hand, if you only get a deep cycle battery, you will only keep the onboard accessories running, but the motor will not start because it doesn’t have enough power to do so.

So should you go for a dual-purpose battery?

You can since it can do both, but dual-purpose batteries are not very efficient. They also have a shorter life span, after which you will have to change it. So unless weight and space are a concern for you, we recommend you buy a starting and deep cycle battery to run concurrently. Although you will spend more money, you are guaranteed a stable power supply and a longer shelf life for both batteries.

Cranking Amps

When shopping for a starting or dual-purpose battery, ensure that it has enough cranking amperage to start your motor m this condition is also necessary so that it stops charging when it is full. A good and suitable starting motor battery should deliver a high-density surge for at least 30 seconds. Before you buy one, consult your owner’s manual to see what the amperage requirement is before you place the order for a suitable model.

Battery Ratings

Besides the cranking amperage, there are others you should take note of when shopping for a dual-purpose battery, such as Battery Ratings.

Ampere Hour Rating

This is also called the reference rating, and it refers to the number of Amos it can discharge over the course of a 20-hour period. Any dual-purpose battery with a high amperage means that it can discharge a lot more power, and such a battery will cost more. Before you order a deep cycle or dual-purpose battery, make sure you consult your user manual to know how much power your onboard accessories will need to keep running.

Also, know that these accessories only draw power when they are turned on, so calculate the total amperage requirement on your boat and multiply their total value by 20 to find the total amps your boat needs.

Reliability

You want a marine battery that is reliable and will last for a considerable period. When selecting a Marine battery, make sure it is a brand known ln for quality. You can make the judgment call by reading the review of what previous buyers have said about it. The last thing you want is a battery that will pack up when you are miles away from shore. Also, when you consider the fact that batteries are expensive, you want to make sure that the one you are buying is valuable.

Weight

The weight of the battery also matters as much as any other accessory you bring onboard. Remember that exceeding the total load capacity of the boat is dangerous. Secondly, having more weight on board will give the motor more work to do and will reduce your speed. So consider the overall weight of your boat when buying the battery.

If you decide to go for a starting and marine deep cycle battery instead of a marine dual-purpose battery, you should consider lighter-weight versions.

Size

How big do you want the battery to be? This should be down to the size of the boat and the compartment space. Fortunately, the boat manual will have the size specification that you can use to guide your choice. Failure to consult the manual may lead you to buy a battery that is too big for the compartment. If this happens, you may have to resize the space to accommodate it. To avoid such a scenario, you should consider buying a flooded lithium battery and go for an AGM version instead. AGM batteries can be installed at an upright or sideways angle, so you don’t have to worry about the battery is too big since it will not leak due to its anti-spill design.

Charging rate

You also want a battery that is easy to recharge, right? For this, you need a battery with a much higher charge current rate. Batteries with low internal resistance charge very quickly. Some even charge 20% faster than normal, so they never lose power quickly. If you only take your boat out occasionally, you want a battery with a low discharge rate.

Charging Accessory

Another thing you should consider is whether the battery needs a special charger or will work with normal SLA chargers. The good thing about normal batteries is that they can work with any charger you have. But if you decide to go for a battery with a special charging terminal, you may need to buy the charger separately, which will cost you more.

Conclusion

Buying the best lightweight marine battery doesn’t require knowledge of rocket science. You only need to know your boat requirements and let your budget decide the rest. To ensure that it lasts, always ensure that it is well charged, and if it is a flooded battery, don’t allow the eater in the cell to run dry before topping it.

Lightweight Marine Battery FAQ

1. Why is it important to buy a lightweight boat battery?

A lightweight marine battery will not increase the total onboard weight on your boat more than necessary. Weight doesn’t always mean efficiency, so the lighter the weight, the better.

2.  What battery do I need to start the boat’s motor?

To start the motor, you need a starting battery. Starting batteries can discharge a high voltage for a short period of time to start the motor.

3.  Can I install only one battery on my boat?

Yes, you can. A dual-purpose battery can start the motor and keep onboard accessories running.