The engine is the beating heart of your jet ski, as the cliché goes. But without a strong battery, you can’t activate it! Every jet ski must thus have a dependable, fully charged battery!
But periodically it’s necessary to change jet ski batteries, just as with vehicle and motorbike batteries. While buying a new one may seem straightforward, selecting the ideal jet ski battery for your particular model might be challenging. It’s because the wide options might be overwhelming if you do your study. Are you trying to figure out which jet ski battery is the best?
The ideal battery for a jet ski is an AGM sealed battery that is spill-proof and made specifically for use in boats. Additionally, it must be correctly positioned, powerful enough to start the engine without difficulty, and compliant with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Please continue reading to find out how to choose the finest battery for your jet ski. JetDrift has compiled the key considerations you should keep in mind when looking around. Additionally, you may discover how to take care of your battery and how frequently you should change it.
Is A Jet Ski Battery AGM?
Even with the finest sealed AGM jet ski batteries, many (even newer) skis still use standard flooded lead-acid OEM batteries. The greatest thing you can do if you still have a conventional battery is pick a sealed AGM battery when it’s time for a replacement.
Which Jet Ski Battery? Buying Advice
Jet skis typically utilize 12V batteries, which, depending on the type, may contain between 12 and 30 amps. While the precise type of battery used varies from jet ski to jet ski, the most recent jet skis use batteries with an amp hour rating of 18 to 30.
It would be difficult to provide the precise battery type for every model of jet ski because so many distinct models have been produced since 1972. However, always consult your owner’s handbook for further information if you’re thinking about purchasing a new battery. You might be wondering which is the greatest jet ski battery to get given the wide variety of batteries available on the market. I’ll go over each of your choices one by one.
For Pwc Use, There Are Really Only Three Size Choices:
- 16 ” generally used for 2 stroke engines
- 20 and newer Sparks and Sea Doo
- 30 ” most 4 stroke engines
Three different battery types are currently or formerly used in jet skis. Gel, lead acid, and AGM.
Wet cell or lead acid batteries were typically used for jet skis in the past. They required routine maintenance and charging before use. Lead acid floods these batteries, thus it is necessary to frequently check the liquid level and maintain it by adding water or additional battery acid as needed when the liquid level drops. These batteries are unsealed due to the requirement for access, creating the possibility of leakage or spillage.
They must be handled cautiously, and if the electrolyte and salt water mix, a poisonous chlorine gas will be released. Gel batteries are sealed, require no maintenance, and feature a substance that is semi-solid in between the plates.
Although they may be charged using a standard battery charger, they do need extra care because overcharging them can harm them irreparably. Compared to other batteries, gel batteries are more costly, have a shorter lifespan, and come in fewer size options.
Batteries that have been packed with a substance that has absorbed any internal liquid are known as AGM or Absorbed Glass Mat batteries. These sealed, maintenance-free batteries may be used right off the shelf without a pre-charge. They are also lighter and more robust than the other batteries and do not need a separate charger.
If the appropriate AGM battery is not used, several manufacturers (Mercury Marine and Chrysler vehicles, for instance) may be able to nullify warranties. AGM is the greatest option for contemporary electronics nowadays.
We advise against using and promote AGM batteries for jet skis. For your jet ski requirements, they are simpler, safer, stronger, and lighter.
What Is The Best Battery For A Jet Ski?
Undoubtedly, sealed AGM batteries make the greatest jet ski batteries. In addition to being stronger and lasting longer than standard batteries, they also need less care and upkeep. They’re becoming the norm in the boat and jet ski industries because of this.
What is a Sealed AGM Battery?
The electrolytes of AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries are located on unique glass mats, setting them apart from conventional flooded lead-acid batteries. In order to provide a larger surface area that can contain sufficient electrolytes on the cells, these thick mats are constructed of thin glass fibers. The AGM types are superior to conventional batteries in terms of strength, durability, and vibration and other adverse impact resistance.
Are AGM Batteries Maintenance Free?
This is a frequent inquiry about various battery kinds. The fact that AGM batteries require no maintenance at all is one of the key factors contributing to their popularity. It’s because a cap may be used to seal the top once the battery has been loaded with acid. This implies that in the future, you won’t need to add extra distilled water to it.
It should be noted, however, that even if you are not need to monitor the liquid level in these batteries, you must still charge them often while the jet ski is not in use.
AGM batteries also have the great benefit of being entirely spill-proof due to their construction, increasing security. In addition, these versions are lighter and more robust than standard variants.
What Are The Advantages Of An AGM Battery?
AGM batteries are a dependable addition to any standard (flooded lead acid) battery because of their many benefits. They are not only more resilient, but also more lightweight and have a longer lifespan than standard batteries. However, they have no spill hazard, are fully maintenance-free, and are more powerful.
AGM batteries also have a low self-discharge rate, which is very advantageous for wintertime battery storage. Be aware that the sealed AGM batteries are a little bit smaller than the jet skis’ original OEM batteries.
Can You Put A Car Battery In A Jet Ski?
Many riders wonder if it’s feasible to use a car battery in a jet ski since both vehicles utilize 12V batteries. The simple response is “NO”! Never put a vehicle battery in a jet ski out of concern for safety! Instead, you must adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions and utilize a battery that is especially made for jet skis. Comparatively speaking, car batteries are larger, heavier, and have more amps than jet ski batteries.
Can You Use A Lawnmower Battery In A Jet Ski?
Again, the answer to this often asked issue is “no”; it is strongly advised against using a lawnmower battery in a jet ski. Jet ski batteries feature thicker plastic walls than garden batteries. During a jump, if your battery malfunctions, acid might leak into your hull!
Garden batteries are frequently not spill-proof, so there is also a chance of spilling even if the battery doesn’t break. A heavy-duty, spill-proof AGM jet ski battery is a much superior option as a result of this!
Manufacturers
You might be unsure of which brand to pick now that you are aware of the types of jet ski batteries that are most frequently used. The majority of the most recent jet ski models utilize YUASA batteries, so if you want to remain with OEM components, you should get one of those. You can’t go wrong with YUASA if the producers believe in them. The DEKA batteries are another option that is preferred by many riders. They have a fantastic price-quality ratio and are dependable and long-lasting.
Conclusion
A dependable and fully charged battery is essential for any jet ski. The best battery for a jet ski is an AGM sealed battery that is spill-proof and made specifically for use in boats. It must be correctly positioned, powerful enough to start the engine without difficulty, and compliant with the manufacturer’s instructions. While many newer skis still use standard flooded lead-acid OEM batteries, it is recommended to choose a sealed AGM battery when it’s time for a replacement.
AGM batteries are more robust, lighter, and require less maintenance than other battery types. They are also entirely spill-proof, making them safer and more convenient to use. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific information when looking to purchase a new battery. It is strongly advised against using a car battery or lawnmower battery in a jet ski as it may result in safety hazards. Stick with reputable brands like YUASA or DEKA to ensure reliability and long-lasting performance.
