Choosing a reliable cranking battery for your bass boat is important since your fishing trip won’t even begin without it.
A good cranking battery should provide you with the power you need in different weather conditions.
If you’re unsure where to start, continue reading to learn more about cranking batteries and which one should you get for your bass boat.
Cranking Battery vs Deep Cycle Battery
A cranking battery is used to start the engine of your boat. It gives strong bursts of energy to ignite the engine and move the boat.
The bigger the plate surface area in the battery, the easier it is for the battery to provide sufficient power.
This is the reason why cranking batteries have multiple thin plates, to maximize surface area and make starting a boat as reliable and smooth as possible.
Once you start your boat’s engine, you no longer need those powerful energy bursts. Instead, you need continuous power for trolling.
That’s the exact purpose of deep cycle marine batteries.
They consist of thicker and fewer plates than cranking batteries, allowing them to deliver continuous power output over an extended period of time.
There are dual-purpose batteries that are designed to work as both cranking and deep cycle batteries. However, these batteries may not be the best option for your boat.
They don’t necessarily allow your boat to perform at the same level as having two separate batteries. Moreover, they’re more expensive than dedicated cranking and deep cycle batteries.
If you already own a reliable deep cycle battery, it’d be more economical to get a dedicated cranking battery.
How to Choose the Best Cranking Battery for Your Bass Boat?
Here are a few tips to help you select the suitable cranking battery for your bass boat.
Capacity
Ampere hours is the measurement unit of marine batteries’ capacities. A capacity of 100Ah means that your battery will provide your boat with that value for one hour.
Obviously, the higher the capacity, the longer your fishing trips will last.
Reserve Capacity
The reserve capacity is expressed as the number of minutes it takes for the battery to discharge at a steady rate of 10.5V by 25A at 80°F. A higher rating is better because it means your battery won’t die quickly under load.
It’s important to know that it’s a theoretical value and in reality, the battery will likely draw less amperage at a different temperature, giving you longer battery life.
Spilling
Acid spilling is a big problem with marine batteries. You should consider getting a battery that’s designed to be spill-proof. Check the specs of the battery to know whether it’s spill-proof or not.
Dimensions & Weight
Size and weight can be an issue on bass boats, especially because they’re limited in size. A bigger battery usually has a higher capacity.
It’s better to get a battery with just enough capacity for your boat’s requirements. You can check the battery’s specs and see if they’re compatible with your boat’s design.
Portability is another factor to consider, especially if you usually need to move the battery.
The Best Bass Boat Cranking Battery 2019 – My Top 4
To make the choice easier for you, We’ve reviewed four of the best cranking batteries for bass boats.
Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M BlueTop Starting
This battery from Optima features Spiral Cell Technology that boosts efficiency.
It’s also spill-proof, thanks to the absorbent glass mat plates that hold electrolytes. The technology also prevents intense vibration, corrosion or acid leaks that may take place.
This battery provides triple the tuning power of other standard batteries.
Even in extreme weather conditions, you can rely on the battery for an optimal starting power.
The reserve capacity of the battery is 155 minutes, ensuring a steady performance.
Oh, did I mention they offer a warranty? Yes, they do, so you know you have a quality product that is going to last you a long time.
What We Like
- Spill-proof battery
- Requires little to no maintenance
- Optimal starting power in all weather conditions
- Shock and vibration resistant
You May Also Enjoy Reading: What Is The Lightest Battery For A Trolling Motor? – My Top 3 Choices
Optima 34M BlueTop Marine Starting Battery
The Optima 34M BlueTop Marine Starting battery has a 100-minute reserve capacity in addition to a CCA rating of 800A, which is more than enough to start most engines even on cold days.
Just like the Optima 31M, this battery features the same Spiral Cell technology used in the Optima 31M battery, delivering more power than other flat-plate batteries.
It also takes less time to recharge. Its self-discharging rate is quite slow and it can hold for quite a while.
This makes the battery suitable for infrequent boaters.
Lastly, they do offer a warranty.
What We Like
- 100-minute reserve capacity
- Spill-proof
- Vibration resistant
Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery
Is your bass boat’s engine too old and difficult to start?
If that’s the case, then you need to get this battery from Optima. It is Optima’s Red Top Starting Battery.
It provides a strong burst of power to start the engine no matter how old it is. Like most modern batteries designed by Optima, it features Spiral cell Technology.
The battery will start your engine no matter how bad the weather is. The 90-minute reserve capacity ensures a constant performance.
It has high resistance to vibration, preventing premature failure and frequent maintenance. Recharging time is quite fast compared to other batteries.
Use this battery for normal engine starting if an alternator continuously monitors the state of charge and provides enough energy to the battery whenever it’s required.
What We Like
- Doesn’t require regular maintenance
- Fast recharging time
- Optimal starting power
You May Also Enjoy Reading: How To Drive A Bass Boat Safely
Odyssey 31M-PC2150ST Marine Dual Purpose Battery
As the name implies, Odyssey’s Marine Dual Purpose battery can be used both as a cranking and deep cycle battery with outstanding efficiency.
It offers 1150 CCA (cold crank amps), making it capable of starting any recreational inboard or outboard motor, even on cold days.
Moreover, it has an impressive deep cycling capability. It can last for up to 400 cycles at 80% depth of discharge.
Recharging of this battery takes no time. You can get a full recharge within four to six hours.
The battery’s AGM design means that you don’t have to cover it with distilled water or deal with spilled acid as you would with other low-quality wet batteries.
AGM batteries also have better shock and vibration resistance, in addition to a low self-discharge rate.
Although it’s a little on the expensive side, it’s still a cheaper alternative to purchasing two separate cranking and deep cycling batteries.
What We Like
- Dual-purpose capabilities (cranking & deep cycle)
- Fast recharging time
- Spill-proof
- Good shock and vibration resistance
- High starting power
Wrap Up
Out of the five products we’ve reviewed, our top pick is the Optima Batteries 8020-164 35 RedTop Starting Battery.
It’s one of the most reliable marine batteries out there and it’ll start your bass boat’s engine no matter how old it is and how cold the weather is.
The slow self-discharge rate, coupled with the high reserve capacity and the high vibration resistance makes this battery our favorite choice.
Now it is your turn. What do you think is the best bass boat cranking battery? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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