4 Ways to Make Your Marine Battery Last Longer

Correctly wiring your boat is essential. Batteries are the primary part of a vessel’s electrical system. That’s why it is crucial to look after your marine battery. If you also want to know how to sustain and extend the battery lifespan, this blog is for you. We’ll share some of the most useful marine battery maintenance tips here.

How to Optimize Your Boat Battery’s Performance & Longevity

As an owner, you know how vital your vessel’s marine electronics are. Dealers and experts always recommend using standard batteries because they are designed to withstand challenging water & weather conditions. However, purchasing and installing a battery on your boat is not good enough. You must follow a routine boat maintenance and repair schedule and act whenever required.
One process you can do is charge and discharge the boat’s battery properly. Remember not to overcharge it as it can affect the lifespan. Also, using all the charges regularly can create issues later. While not in use, you can store the battery in a cool, dry place to maintain its condition for extended periods.

Types of Boat Batteries

When you go on the water with your favorite fishing vessel, you expect your marine equipment & electronics to work smoothly. A reliable power source is essential to keep the boat electronics and motor running correctly.
Selecting the correct type of boat battery depends on your requirements and the usage of fibreglass or aluminum fishing boats. You can find many options when you look for the boat battery in the market. One of them is a deep-cycle battery. You can discharge and recharge it multiple times without damaging the battery. Such batteries are generally used for boat trolling motors because of the steady power supply they can provide for a longer time.

Gel and lead-acid batteries are the other types. These battery types are common because of their durability and affordability. However, you can use lithium-ion batteries if you want faster charging and high energy density capabilities. The significant drawback of this battery type is its high price. You can consult a boat service center in BC to identify a proper match for your boating needs.

Battery Maintenance – Best Practices

Once you have selected the correct battery type with the help of a professional, you need to create a handy checklist to ensure the longer lifespan of it.

1.Cleaning

Inspect the connections and terminals regularly to identify any corrosion. Keep the battery clean and free of any dust or debris.

2. Safety

Always wear gloves when you work around batteries to keep your hands safe from acid. Also, stick with one type of battery once the boat dealer recommends it. Using different types of batteries can lead to underperformance of your boat electronics and shorten the lifespan of the battery bank.

3. Charging Practices

Avoid overcharging. Don’t use all of its charges regularly. Both these cases will harm the battery life and performance. Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper charging. Keep the area around the battery ventilated, especially during charging. It will help you maintain the battery’s condition.

4. Care

Like the outboard motors and other boat components, batteries require your attention. Turn off the battery master switch when you leave the vessel. When you are not using your boat for longer, disconnect the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place to avoid unnecessary problems.

Conclusion

Marine batteries are designed with a specific purpose. People often use them seasonally. That’s why a good battery maintenance schedule is crucial. Experts recommend taking the help of British Columbia boat dealers with experienced marine technicians for installing or uninstalling batteries. Though the process can be simple, it requires good supervision and steps to avoid any possible issues.
If you are interested in getting more knowledge or buying new or used boats for sale, engines, accessories, and electronics, contact Alberni Power & Marine. We offer a wide range of vessels, boat motors, parts, and more with a dependable quality you can count on.