Understanding Auto Parts

Posted on: 2 November 2021

Marine batteries are used in many different ways, most commonly, boats, but sometimes in other vehicles that get wet regularly. There are some significant differences in marine batteries compared to standard 12-volt batteries, and maintaining them requires some specific care.

Charging Marine Batteries

One of the most significant differences between marine batteries and standard 12-volt batteries is the charging methods. A typical marine battery should be charged completely, but the voltage requirement specified by the manufacturer to ensure you do not overcharge the battery. 

You should charge the batteries in stages to ensure they reach the peak charge without going over, and there are some special chargers available through a marine battery supply that can do that for you. 

These multistage charges work in several stages to protect the battery as it charges it. Once full charge is reached the charger maintains the battery voltage by engaging only if the voltage drops, and only long enough to top the battery up. This is different from trickle charging, where the power is always on, and charging the battery. 

Charge Controllers

Once the marine batteries in your boat are charged, maintaining them is essential. A charge controller is used on many boats to monitor the batteries and the available current for charging. The charge controller can then determine how much power should be sent to the batteries. If the charging current is too high, the electrolyte inside the battery will boil and gas off or evaporate, shortening its life. 

The solution is to use a charge controller on your boat that pulses on and off to add more charge when needed and isolate the battery once charged. Solar charge controllers are common on boats because they can collect energy from the sun to charge the batteries as needed. If you are at anchor away from a dock, this is an excellent way to ensure that you have the power you need onboard. 

The solar system can also charge storage batteries onboard for lights, radios, and other electrical needs. The charge controller will always monitor and charge the main batteries before others on the vessel. 

Maintenance And Care

Most marine batteries are sealed, so you cant add any acid or water to the batteries. General maintenance is often limited to cleaning the connections, adding dielectric grease to prevent corrosion, and keeping the area around the batteries clean and free of water or debris. 

When taking the boat out of the water for the winter, it is essential to remove the batteries and store them in a place with moderate temperatures. Putting a battery conditioner on them to discharge and recharge the batteries a few times while out of the boat will help ensure they are in good shape when you are ready to reinstall them.