Longer Battery Life Pt2 Maintenance – How to get more years from your boat batteries

May 27, 2021

By John Connell, Vice President of SLI Products Group, Crown Battery Manufacturing

Step 1: Make maintenance easy

All marine batteries require regular maintenance, even AGM and lithium-based models.

Put maintenance on your calendar so it’s automatic. Consider storing safety and maintenance equipment near your charging station to save time.

Always wear personal protective equipment, including safety glasses and gloves. Remove jewelry, watches, and other metallic objects or electronics.

Next, visually inspect and clean batteries. Battery covers, ports, and terminals should be clean, dry, and corrosion-free. If you see corrosion (it looks greenish), clean using a wire brush and biodegradable cleaner/neutralizer. Ports, terminals, and cables should be tightly connected and intact with no exposed or frayed wires.

For flooded lead-acid batteries:

– Measure specific gravity (concentration of acid) as advised in your manual.

– Equalize according to your battery manufacturer’s recommendations. (Never equalize sealed batteries such as AGM; it’s unsafe, unnecessary, and damaging.)

– Check fluid levels regularly. After charging, top off with deionized or distilled water to just above the plates — about 2 cm. (3/4 in.) from the top of the cell.

Step 2: Store batteries in a cool, dry place

Since batteries are temperature-sensitive, avoid storing in extreme heat and cold. Charge batteries fully and disconnect the negative cable before storing. Avoid storing flooded lead-acid batteries below freezing, and top off with distilled water before and after storing. Check your manufacturer’s storage recommendations.

When you select the right batteries — and properly care for them — you’ll enjoy more time on the water and more money in your wallet. That’s something we can all appreciate.

Crown Battery | http://www.crownbattery.com