How often do you think about your boat battery? Probably not much until your boat’s electronics, lighting, and engine system stop working. If this happens while you’re out in the middle of the bay, you’re stuck.
Having fun on your boat and avoiding getting stuck with a dead battery requires knowing when you need a battery replacement.
Keep reading to learn about the five signs you need to buy a new boat battery.
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One of the clearest signs that you need a new boat battery is if the electronics on the boat aren’t working. That includes things like the radio, depth finder, GPS, and anything else connected to the battery.
If one device isn’t working, don’t automatically jump to the conclusion that your battery is dead. Instead, check a few other devices and make sure the problem isn’t with that singular device. If multiple devices aren’t powering on at all, it’s a good sign that the battery is dead.
The boat engine won’t be able to start if the battery is dead. That’s because the starter battery is the beginning of a long line of connections that lead to power the engine.
There are several other possible reasons the boat engine won’t start, so don’t immediately replace your battery if you’re having trouble getting the boat started. You should check some of the other signs described in this article before determining to change the battery.
You can tell a lot just by looking at your battery. If the exterior of your battery looks like it’s bulging or cracking, it’s probably time to consider new boat battery options. Bulging and cracking are signs of overcharging which can damage the integrity of the battery.
Regular battery maintenance includes checking the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion. If you try cleaning the battery with a wire brush and the terminals still look corroded, it might be time to replace the battery.
Is your battery taking a lot longer than normal to charge or losing its charge faster than normal? These are both common signs that something is seriously wrong with the battery.
Replacing damaged batteries as soon as possible is important. It’ll help prevent your battery from dying or burning out while you’re using it and will spare you the headache of dealing with a dead battery.
A load test measures the amount of power your battery is producing. It’ll let you know whether the battery is generating enough power to start the motor.
Load testing requires a battery load tester. If you’re only performing load tests occasionally, there’s no need to buy one. Any boat battery provider, like marine or RV stores, will usually load test for free. Bring your battery to a local store or learn how to run a battery load test yourself.
If your battery fails the load test, it’s time for a new one. There are several different types of marine batteries on the market to choose from. When looking for a new one, you should consider a lithium trolling motor battery.
By recognizing these five signs, you’ll be sure to know the next time you need a new boat battery. From battery corrosion to failing a load test, these signs will help you identify when you need a new battery.
If you’re looking for more articles like this, check out the rest of our blog!
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