Even if you’re not playing golf, a golf cart is a fun and convenient mode of transportation. A dependable battery is essential to owning a high-quality golf cart. If your golf cart’s lead-acid battery constantly fails, you don’t want to be stuck miles from home.
So, can You Use Marine Batteries in a Golf Cart?
Marine batteries can be used in a golf cart if the cart is equipped with a compatible connector.
However, it’s important to note that marine battery is designed for use in harsh environments and should not be used in a golf cart if they’re not going to be regularly drained or recharged.
Well, I know you are dying to learn more. Here is a full-fledged article waiting for you.
Dive In.
What are Marine Batteries Typically Used for?
Marine batteries, as the name implies, are often found in watercraft like boats and jet skis. As a result, they have many advantages over traditional batteries, including heavier plates and more excellent water resistance.
It’s possible that a marine battery won’t perform as well as a typical golf vehicle battery in a golf cart.
Short bursts of extreme power are what marine batteries are built for. Unlike marine batteries, golf cart batteries tend to be more efficient and long-lasting and often have a higher amp-hour capacity.
Golf carts are made for pleasure and a more leisurely pace, while boats and jetskis are built to be quick and explosive vehicles.
Are Marine Batteries Different Than Golf Cart Batteries?
Marine and golf cart batteries have a few fundamental distinctions despite their shared characteristics.
- The plates in marine batteries are much heavier than in golf cart batteries. So they can store more energy.
- Compared to a marine battery, a golf cart battery can withstand greater temperatures.
- Golf cart batteries have a significantly faster drain rate than marine batteries.
- Golf cart batteries aren’t as tough as marine batteries.
In a nutshell, yes, marine batteries vary significantly from golf cart batteries in many respects. However, their physical size is comparable enough to be used as synonyms.
Should You Use a Marine Battery in Your Golf Cart?
Suppose you’re still on the fence about whether or not you want to replace the battery in your golf cart with a marine battery. The following list of advantages and disadvantages can help you make up your mind.
Pros
Low Temperature
Low-temperature charging is the norm for marine batteries, unlike 12-volt golf cart batteries. Marine batteries seldom charge above a temperature of 90 degrees F. Golf carts are exposed to higher temperatures.
It is critical to consider the ambient temperature. To get the best charge out of a marine battery, it must be utilized in a golf cart. Instead of lasting the 18-hole course, the cart only lasts nine holes.
Power
Marine batteries come in a variety of sizes and power capacities. On the other hand, Marine battery is much more robust than golf cart battery since they are designed to start an engine rather than power a long-distance drive.
Durability
In contrast to golf carts, marine batteries have been engineered to withstand harsh and rocky seas. As a result of the more challenging circumstances and bumpier rides that marine batteries are subjected to, they are more resilient.
Affordable
In addition to the numerous varieties of marine and golf cart batteries, there are also various other battery options. Some batteries cost more than others, depending on the kind you choose to buy. But on average marine batteries are less expensive than those used to power golf carts.
Cons
Mechanical Issues
A golf cart battery isn’t going to have the same characteristics and capabilities as a marine battery would. Installing one in your golf cart can cause mechanical issues. A marine battery can cause issues with mechanical components such as lights, starters, and more.
Lifespan
Marine batteries tend to have a shorter lifespan than golf cart batteries. Compared to golf carts, marine batteries have a lower use rate and a shorter life span. Because of this, utilizing a marine battery in a golf cart can cause the battery to die sooner than if it were used in a golf cart.
Charging Time
Marine batteries have a shorter lifespan than golf cart batteries because they generally have a lower amp-hour capacity, but it also takes longer to charge them when needed.
How to Install a Marine Battery in a Golf Cart?
So, you’re determined to have a marine battery installed in your golf cart? Let me suggest you take this project as DIY, saving you some money.
You can install marine batteries in the golf cart. Just follow the simple step-by-step guide given below. Before you begin, though, here is a list of materials you’ll need first.
Required Pieces of Equipment
- A 1/2-inch and 9/16-inch wrenches
- Rough-bristled scrub brush
- A hose and a steady stream of water
- Cleanup supplies in case anything goes wrong
Walkthrough on Installing a Marine Battery in a Golf Cart
- Remove the existing batteries from your golf cart and photograph the wiring to record how everything is connected.
- Remove the battery’s positive and negative wires from their corresponding connections. Doing one at a time is better than doing many at once.
- Take out the battery that is already in the golf cart.
- Make use of the brush to clean the terminals on your marine batteries. Also, be sure to clean the wires that are attached to your golf cart.
- Ensure the area where your battery is inserted is free of debris and dirt.
- Reconnect the wires to the terminals of your golf cart’s marine battery. Do this one at a time until all the old ones are removed.
- When all the wires have been reconnected, and the cart has started, do a trial drive to ensure everything works as expected.
Frequently Asked Question
- What is the Difference Between a Marine Battery and a Golf Cart Battery?
The fundamental difference between marine and golf cart batteries is the amperage hours and maximum amperage output. Most marine batteries are rated for about 80 amp-hours and can put out up to 500 amps at their peak. Most of the time, the amperage level of a golf cart battery is somewhere between 600 and 1,800.
- What battery do I need for my golf cart?
Almost 95% of golf carts on the road now run on 6-volt golf cart batteries. Therefore most search results for golf cart batteries will direct you to 6v possibilities alone.
- Can I add more batteries to my golf cart?
Yes, most car batteries are 12 volts, and you could pair up to 3 or 4 of them together in a row to give your golf cart motor the 36 or 48 volts it needs.
Ending Thoughts
Now you know how Can You Use Marine Batteries in a Golf Cart? Here I have covered everything with every tiny little detail.
This detailed guide should solve most of your issues. If you have any questions & confusion, feel free to leave a message.
Now, go out there and have fun with your Golf Cart.