Caring for Marine Batteries

Marine batteries can endure harsh conditions and can last a long time. However, like any battery, they require proper care.

Providers of marine technical services emphasize that proper battery maintenance ensures long life and safe operation. The following tips will help you maintain your battery in the best way possible:

1. Keep Marine Batteries Clean and Clear of Pollutants

Batteries frequently become filthy and oily, resulting in diminished performance and failure.

Ensure that you regularly check the battery terminals for dirt, grease, or corrosion. If necessary, clean them with a wire brush or some other appropriate cleaning tool.

Be sure to keep the area around the batteries clean and free of debris. This will help prevent any foreign objects from coming into contact with the batteries and causing damage.

Also, avoid putting things on top of the batteries that could cause them to become dirty or greasy.

2. Keep Marine Batteries Away From Heat Sources

Avoid exposing your boat battery to extreme heat sources. These can cause the battery to overheat and potentially fail.

Instead, try to keep your battery in a shady spot or in an area where the temperature is moderate. If you need to store your battery for an extended time, keep it in a cool, dry place. Talk with your marine technical service provider for the best storage options.

3. Fully Charge Any Unused Batteries

Charge batteries to full when not in use. If you don’t fully charge them, sulfation and capacity loss can occur.

Sulfation can occur when sulfuric acid in the battery combines with the lead on the plates to form lead sulphate. This can cause several problems, including decreased battery life, decreased power output, and difficulty in starting the engine. Capacity loss can also result in reduced performance and shorter run times.

4. Fill the Cells After Charging 

Filling the cells after charging is another critical step to taking care of your batteries. One common mistake made by boat owners is filling the battery cells before charging. This can cause the electrolyte to expand during charging and pump it out on top of the battery. The electrolyte in lead-acid batteries is very corrosive. If allowed to escape from the battery, it can cause severe damage.

5. Maintain Corrosion-Free Connections and Cable Clamps

If not kept free of debris and corrosion-causing agents, your terminals and cable clamps can easily corrode. Corrosion can cause electrical shorts, decreased efficiency, and even equipment failure.

A wire brush is an excellent tool for removing corrosion from these components. Just clean the brush regularly to avoid adding to the corrosion problem.

Partner With a Trusted Marine Industrial Construction Provider

Allied Marine & Industrial can help with various aspects of marine industrial construction. Our staff of skilled technicians can assist you in keeping marine batteries in top working order. Contact us today to learn more about our industrial marine services or book a consultation.