5 Tips To Extend the Life of Your Marine Battery

If you're a boat owner, you know how much fun you can have on the water. However, you should do everything you can to extend the life of your marine battery.

Your boat's battery is as important as the boat itself. You won't be going anywhere if it isn't in good condition. By following these five tips, you can extend the life of your marine battery and enjoy fun boating for years.

Charge the Battery

One of the most important things you can do to prolong the life of your marine battery is to keep it fully charged. A neglected battery will lose its ability to hold a charge over time. After docking your boat, recharge the battery according to the manufacturer's recommendations. We recommend using onboard boat battery chargers to juice up after a fun day on the water.

Check Battery Fluids

Marine batteries last a long time. However, you need to monitor them and check their fluids regularly, especially during seasonal changes. Regular battery fluid checks keep the electrolytes stable so that the chemical reaction can occur.

If the battery fluid levels get low, add water to prevent the plates from being exposed to air, which can decrease their lifespan.

Clean the Battery

Debris on the battery can lead to discharging and even short circuits. Regularly clean your batteries with a soft, dry cloth to prevent them from getting dirty. If corrosion builds up on the battery's terminals, apply some baking soda mixed with water to clean it up. Cleaning a marine battery can extend its lifespan and prevent battery-related issues from leaving you stranded on the water.

Store the Battery Properly

Storing your battery correctly is the key to extending its life. During the off-season, remove the battery from your boat and store it in a cool, dry place. Make sure the terminals are disconnected and no metal objects touch the cell. This step ensures the battery stays pristine when not in use.

Do Battery Tests Regularly

Don't wait for your battery to die before checking it. Testing your marine battery before and throughout the boating season can help you prevent problems on the water. If you notice that your battery is taking longer to charge than usual or your boat doesn’t run as well as it's supposed to, you need to have your battery checked.

Enjoy a Worry-Free Boating Experience

Your boat battery is the heart of your vessel; it provides the power that keeps everything going. By following these five tips, you can extend the life of your marine battery and enjoy smooth boating. When you take good care of your boat’s battery, you can look forward to years of worry-free boating!