Boat Battery Maintenance
If you want your boat’s battery to last as long as possible and perform well throughout its operational lifespan, you need to conduct regular maintenance on it. However, there is always a chance that you will accidentally cause more harm than good if you don’t know what you’re doing. That is why the experts at Island Watersports have created this guide to boat battery maintenance.
Install The Correct Boat Battery
There are many different types of boat batteries, including deep-cycle, crank-start, and dual-purpose. What’s most important is whichever battery you install is compatible with your particular model of boat. If you have any questions about compatibility, consult your owner’s manual or talk to a boat expert. When the time comes to install a new boat battery, record the date to make it easier to determine the battery’s age.
Clean Your Boat Battery
As corrosion builds up on the posts of your boat’s battery, you’ll begin to see reduced overall battery performance. Eventually, the battery itself will suffer permanent damage. The good news is that you can clean off the posts using a mixture of baking soda and water. Once you’ve cleaned the battery, allow it to dry completely before lightly greasing the posts using dielectric grease.
Recharge The Battery Often
Most types of batteries benefit in the long run from being kept well-charged, and this applies to boat batteries. Unlike a car battery, a boat battery does not possess the kind of alternator you would need to allow the battery to just keep itself charged. That’s why you should recharge your boat’s battery after every voyage, or as often as your owner’s manual recommends. Speaking of your owner’s manual, it should have information about the best chargers to use with your boat’s battery.
Store The Boat Battery Correctly
Proper storage is also important when it comes to boat batteries. If your boat’s battery is not kept in a dry, cool place when not in use, it can negatively affect the battery’s performance. As mentioned above, keeping the battery charged is also very important. We recommend recharging your battery at least once a month while it is in storage. Don’t forget to clean the battery as well!
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