Many people take their marine batteries for granted. However, ignoring this essential powerboat component is a sure-fire way to get caught off guard by a boat that won’t start.
Here’s what you need to know about marine batteries.
What Type of Marine Battery Should You Get?
There are three main types of powerboat battery:
1. Deep-cycle batteries. Designed to discharge slowly over a long period of time, this type of battery is best for running trolling motors. They’re also ideal for powering accessories such as audio systems, fish locators and appliances. This type of battery can be discharged and charged many times.
2. Starting batteries. This variety provides the short bursts of energy needed to start your boat’s engine and are recharged by the engine alternator. These batteries don’t provide the long-term reliability required to power appliances or trolling motors.
3. Dual-purpose batteries. Combining the features of deep-cycle and starting batteries, this variety is the best choice for small watercraft that don’t have space for two batteries. However, they’re not as efficient or as powerful as separate batteries, so they’re not suggested for most boats.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is essential if you want to ensure your marine batteries remain in good working order for as long as possible.
When you’re cleaning your boat, take the time to check your batteries and clean away any dirt or corrosion. A clean battery will last longer than one that’s neglected for months on end.
Additionally, attaching your battery to a trickle charger during the off-season will ensure you’re not faced with a dead battery in the spring. This accessory will help guarantee that your battery never fully discharges. In addition, your batteries should be stored in a climate-controlled environment as winter temperatures can cause them to freeze and crack, thereby making them unusable.
Boat Battery Replacement
Removing your old battery and installing a new one is relatively simple. Before taking the dead battery out of the compartment, the negative (black) cable terminal should be carefully detached, followed by the positive (red) cable. Subsequently, the new battery can be placed in the resulting free space. Lastly, the positive cable terminal should be reconnected before the negative cable.
Get Your Marine Batteries from Prairie Battery
Is it time to replace your boat’s batteries? If so, Prairie Battery has what you need. If you’re not sure what size or type you require, our team can help you figure it out. To learn out more about our products and services, contact us today at a location near you in Edmonton, Brandon, Regina, Winnipeg or Toronto!