Boat batteries, also known as marine batteries, are costly. Boats typically have two batteries to hold one in reserve in case of any problems on the water. Proper care is required to extend their life. The kind of battery you need onboard depends on what you want the boat battery to do. There is a cranking battery ideal for a simple motor without electrical gadgets. Its function is to start the engine with a lot of energy.
A well-maintained deep cycle marine battery can last for up to six years. However, most batteries are poorly maintained, and their true lifespan is closer to three or four years. Marine batteries will normally need to be recharged during the duration of this time.
This type of battery is ideal for going for an early morning fishing trip even though they’re not reliable to keep your radio going throughout the day. The deep cycle battery is suitable for electrical equipment such as the GPS, radio, or depth finder. It provides a steady and lower rate of energy compared to the cranking battery. You can use it to run all of your electrical equipment without worrying about charging the battery on water.
Different types of boat batteries fit various purposes. They are not interchangeable. It is best to stick to the kind of battery meant explicitly for your boat. Failure to do so could result in battery failure. For your boat batteries to last long, you need to take care of them by cleaning them correctly.
Remove any corrosion or dirt that may have built up when cleaning the rest of the boat. You should check out any cracks or malformations in the casing because it is a sign of a problem with the voltage. When you store the batteries for the winter, ensure you charge them fully in a climate-controlled environment.
What is the average life of a marine battery?
The average life of a marine battery is three to four years. However, in the right conditions, it can last up to six years. Ensure your battery is connected to a maintenance charger to keep it fully charged to ensure it lasts for the whole life span. The amount of time your battery lasts is dependent on different factors. Using the correct battery is essential. Using the wrong type of battery, such as an automotive battery, could be why it does not last for long.
You need to buy one specifically designed for your type of boat. A marine battery that is well-maintained should last for four to five years. The older the battery, the more the probability of positive plate shedding. When you notice your older battery has sludge at the bottom of the case, it is a sign that you need to change it. Temperature and humidity also affect the length of time your battery should last. Too much cold can result in the shading or flaking of the positive plates found inside the battery when charging.
On the other hand, too hot or higher-than-normal temperatures can shorten the battery’s lifespan because the grids will shrink and expand, causing the water found in the battery to evaporate and the parts to rust. Storage is also a determinant of how long your battery should last. When batteries are in storage, they can discharge up to 30% a month.
A storage environment that is too hot or too cold may make it harder to charge the battery, especially if it is left in deep discharge reducing its life expectancy. Overcharging the battery takes out the electrolyte from the cells because of overheating. Undercharging also causes sulfate hardening shortening its life expectancy. Taking shortcuts such as using tap water instead of distilled water causes sulfation. A battery that is not well maintained could be a potential hazard. A well-maintained marine battery will give you its best.
How do I know if my boat battery is bad?
You have to test your boat battery to determine if it is bad. It is sometimes possible to tell if your battery is bad by inspecting a few things: excessive leaking, discoloration, broken terminal, crack of the plastic, or a bump in the case. Broken terminals can cause a short circuit. You can tell this if there is some indication of melting or burning. A short circuit can cause the battery to explode.
It is because of the production of too much heat which unloads all the power instantly. If you notice a bulge in the case, it is a sign of overcharging. Splits, holes, and cracks may not necessarily stop a battery from working, but it should be labeled unsafe to use for safety reasons.
Refill wet cell batteries with distilled water to maintain the water levels. A battery that has been dry for a long time could result in a problem when the plates get exposed to oxygen. It causes a buildup of sulfation. Sulfation is the leading cause of battery failure.
Charging a dry battery will make it burn up. When you notice the fluid in the cells is dark in color or brownish, it is a sign that the battery is bad. Even if only one of the cells is brown, the entire battery becomes useless and needs replacement.
If the battery’s voltage is at 0 volts, it shows that it has experienced a short circuit. You will know it has a dead cell if it goes higher than 10.5 volts during charging. Also, when fully charged and the voltage is at 12.4 or less, it is an indication that it is sulfated. Charging a sulfated battery will not restore it to its healthy condition. Even if you do, it will self-discharge at a rate that is quicker than average. You have no choice but to get a replacement battery.
How long should a deep cycle marine battery last?
The majority of deep-cycle batteries last up to six years with proper care and maintenance. Charging depends on the frequency of use. It is upon you to ensure you don’t damage your battery with your charging routine. It is best to charge your battery slowly as possible to extend its life. The best time to slow charge the battery is overnight instead of using a rapid charger for a few hours. Fast chargers are known to raise the battery’s internal temperature, which could be detrimental to its internal components.
When not in use, ensure your deep cycle battery is stored correctly and fully charged. The batteries are designed to last long and therefore don’t lose a lot of charges when they sit idle. When in storage, check them periodically and top them up if they discharge to about 20%. Store the battery in a cool and dry place. Having a proper understanding of the depth of discharge specification for your type of battery will prevent damage. Your deep cycle marine battery will last long when fully charged as opposed to opportunity charging.
Make sure the battery is charged to full every day. It helps to prevent sulfation damage to the plates because the battery will have undergone a conditioning phase. Opportunity charging is when you plug and unplug the battery sporadically throughout the day without allowing it to complete an entire cycle. Your battery will not have enough time to condition itself, leading to the deterioration of its life. Maintenance is necessary to extend your battery life significantly.
Can you recharge a dead marine battery?
Yes, it is possible to recharge your dead marine battery. However, a battery that has an open or shorted cell is impossible to revive. Most batteries that many people think to be completely damaged only need recharging. When properly recharged, they work fine. The best thing to do is to try and fully charge the battery with a charger.
You should know that the charger will not charge the battery if the battery is below a charger’s minimum operating voltage. Before you start charging, ensure you measure the battery’s voltage. You need to measure the voltage before and after charging to know if the charger delivered enough current. Some charges will indicate that the charger is charging but shuts off if it fails to register the minimum voltage level.
It can take a few days to several weeks to fully revive a dead battery. This is determined by how bad it is, its size, and the number of times you cycle the battery. The majority of modern chargers provide de-sulfation steps to help recover your battery. They also work well with lead-acid batteries. For most deep cycle batteries, you can discharge them down to no power, and then you can recharge them back up.
Before you begin charging your dead battery, you need to inspect it to ensure that it has no corrosion, no cracks, and has a proper liquid level. Rectify any issue before you begin to recharge the battery. If you are using a charger you have had for a long time; you should inspect the connectors and wires. There should be no frayed wires to help maintain a steady current to the battery.
Conclusion
To test load your battery, you need a digital voltmeter. You can purchase one and do this test at home, or you can take the battery to your local automotive shop. For the test to be accurate, ensure you charge the battery to full. If the voltage instantly drops, it is a sign that there is a problem.
