Stay Afloat By Keeping Your Boat's Battery In Tiptop Shape
Just like your car, your boat needs a working battery to remain functional. Boat batteries are made to last a long time, but old age, improper care, and frequent use can deplete your battery's power faster. If you need to buy a new battery, you can browse through all the great selections of boat batteries that many suppliers carry to find something that will work with the type of boat that you have.
Know When It's Time for a Replacement
Even the best boat batteries will expire eventually, so you should be aware of the signs of a failing boat battery so that you can replace yours as soon as possible to avoid being stuck with a battery that's completely dead. Some signs of a failing battery may show in the way that your boat performs, while other signs can only be identified by inspecting the battery. You should consider getting a battery replacement as soon as possible if you notice any problems like:
- Corrosion around the battery's connectors
- Fraying or splitting of battery cables
- The smell of burning rubber or acid
- A slow boat engine turnover
- A faster-than-normal power drain
Test the Battery Regularly
You can test your boat's battery regularly with different tools to determine if it's still in good condition. A voltmeter that measures the battery's voltage is a great testing tool, and you can be sure that your battery has maximum power if the voltmeter reads 12.6 volts or higher. A reading of 12.4 volts or lower with the voltmeter should be a cause for concern. A hydrometer that measures the electrolyte's gravity can also be used to determine if the gravity reads 1.265 or higher and is at an optimal level for your battery. You can also test your battery with a load test and replace the battery if it fails the test.
Provide the Proper Care
The proper care can keep your battery from wearing down as soon and will help you identify battery problems that need attention. Some of the best things that you can do to preserve your boat's battery include:
- Cleaning it at least twice a year
- Charging the battery when needed
- Using distilled water to fill low or empty cells
- Applying a little dielectric grease to the battery terminal posts
You don't want to take your boat's battery for granted, and giving your battery the amount of attention it needs can help the other components of your boat function better. If you need a new battery, you can check out the different boat batteries that are for sale to find the best match.
Contact a parts supplier to learn more about boat batteries.
