{"id":2952,"date":"2022-08-07T13:41:30","date_gmt":"2022-08-07T19:41:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/?p=2952"},"modified":"2022-08-07T13:41:30","modified_gmt":"2022-08-07T19:41:30","slug":"how-to-keep-boat-batteries-charged","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/how-to-keep-boat-batteries-charged\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep Boat Batteries Charged: Tips to Keep Your Marine Batteries Running"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:56.3%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:56.3%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Most boat owners know the importance of maintaining a marine battery, but many do not know how to keep them charged. A healthy and well-charged battery is crucial for powering your electrical systems, starting your engine, and running accessories such as lights, pumps, and motors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Keep Boat Batteries Charged?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following are some of the simplest ways to keep boat batteries charged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Keep Your Boat Clean. Dirt accumulates on lead acid battery terminals, which can cause a buildup of corrosion. This prevents the battery from receiving power and ultimately shortens its life. Cleaning terminals with a wire brush is easy to avoid this problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Keep Your Battery Cool. Heat causes a battery to lose power, so be sure your boat is not parked in direct sunlight or near other heat sources such as engines, exhaust pipes, and generators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Keep Your Boat in the Water. Batteries need to be kept wet, so if you plan to leave your boat out of the water for an extended period, consider hooking up a trickle charger to keep the battery charged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Don&rsquo;t Overcharge Your Battery. When charging a lead acid battery, it is important not to overcharge it by leaving your boat&rsquo;s engine running while the battery is hooked up to a charger. This can cause damage or even an explosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Monitor Your Battery&rsquo;s Condition Regularly. Make sure you check your boat&rsquo;s water levels and make sure that your battery is still working correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Use a Battery Charger with an Automatic Cutoff Switch. You can buy a charger that automatically stops charging when the battery has reached total capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"Boat Batteries Charger\" class=\"wp-image-2954\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot-960x540.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20563'%3E%3Crect%20width='1000'%20height='563'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Boat Batteries Charger\" class=\"wp-image-2954 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Best-Way-to-Keep-Marine-Batteries-Charged-During-Winter-0-52-screenshot-960x540.jpg 960w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the different types of marine batteries?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The most common type of marine battery is the lead-acid battery. Lead-acid batteries are lead, and sulfuric acid and are usually the most affordable option. However, they&rsquo;re also the heaviest type of battery, so they&rsquo;re not always the best choice for small boats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other types of marine batteries include gel batteries and lithium-ion batteries. Gel batteries are made of a gel that contains lead and sulfuric acid, and they&rsquo;re usually more expensive than lead-acid batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are made of lithium and offer the longest lifespan of any marine battery, but they&rsquo;re also the most costly option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"different types of marine batteries\" class=\"wp-image-2955\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot-960x540.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot.jpg\" alt=\"different types of marine batteries\" class=\"wp-image-2955 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot-960x540.jpg 960w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/The-Different-Types-of-Deep-Cycle-Batteries-0-49-screenshot.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the benefits of keeping your marine batteries charged?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Assuming you have a lead-acid battery, there are three main benefits to keeping it charged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Reduced sulfation: When a lead-acid battery is left discharged for too long, the lead sulfate crystals on the plates can become too large and prevent the battery from holding a charge. By regularly charging the battery, you can help prevent this from happening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Longer lifespan: A lead-acid battery that is regularly charged will last longer than one that is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Improved performance: A lead-acid battery that is kept charged will provide better performance than one that is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How often should you check your marine batteries?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is essential to keep your marine batteries charged and in good condition. Batteries should be checked monthly and cleaned as needed. If you have an older boat, replacing the batteries every few years is a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tips to keep your marine batteries charged:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Check the batteries monthly and clean them as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Replace batteries every few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Use a marine battery charger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Keep the terminals clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Check the electrolyte level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Avoid overcharging the batteries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot.png\" alt=\"cleaning marine batteries\" class=\"wp-image-2957\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot.png 1920w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-728x410.png 728w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-960x540.png 960w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-1080x608.png 1080w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-1200x675.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot.png\" alt=\"cleaning marine batteries\" class=\"wp-image-2957 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot.png 1920w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-728x410.png 728w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-960x540.png 960w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-1080x608.png 1080w, https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot-1200x675.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 96px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Marine-Battery-Maintenance-Cleaning-Charging-1-12-screenshot.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some signs that your marine battery is not charging correctly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your marine battery is not charging correctly, there are a few signs you can look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol><li>Check the voltage of the battery. If it is below 12 volts, it is not charging properly.<\/li><li>Check the electrolyte level. If it is low, it means the battery is not charging correctly.<\/li><li>Check the terminals. If they are corroded, it means the battery is not charging correctly.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you extend the life of your marine battery?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tips to help you keep your marine batteries charged and running:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Use a marine battery charger designed for the type of battery you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Check the electrolyte level in your battery regularly and top it off with distilled water if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Keep your battery clean and free of corrosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Avoid deep discharge cycles by using a marine battery monitor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Store your battery in a cool, dry place when not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your marine battery and keep it running correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are some common marine battery myths?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s a common misconception that you must discharge your marine batteries before fully recharging them. It&rsquo;s best to keep them charged as much as possible to prolong their lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other marine battery myths include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; You should always store your batteries in a cool, dry place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; You should never store your batteries in a hot, humid place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; You should never store your batteries in a cold, damp place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; You should never store your batteries in a hot, dry place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All of these myths are false! The truth is that storing your batteries in a cool, dry place will not harm them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What should you do if your marine battery dies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your marine battery dies, the first thing you should do is check the connections. Make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. You can clean the terminals with a wire brush if the terminals are corroded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you&rsquo;ve checked the connections, you should charge the battery. You can connect it to a charger or start the boat&rsquo;s engine and let it run for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the battery still doesn&rsquo;t hold a charge, you may need to replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you dispose of your marine battery properly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most people don&rsquo;t think about how to dispose of their marine battery properly until they&rsquo;re faced with the task. But adequately disposing of a marine battery is essential for the environment and your wallet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tips on how to dispose of your marine battery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Bring your marine battery to a recycling center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Check with your local waste management company to see if they offer battery recycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&ndash; Take your marine battery to a car dealership or auto parts store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By following these tips, you can ensure that your marine battery is disposed of properly and doesn&rsquo;t end up in a landfill.<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1659901156081\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long will a marine battery hold a charge?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s essential to keep your marine batteries charged and to know how long they will hold a charge. Depending on the type of battery, they can last anywhere from 2-10 years. The most important thing to remember is to keep them charged, so they don&rsquo;t freeze and crack in the cold weather.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1659901162207\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long should a marine deep cycle battery last?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>A marine deep cycle battery can last anywhere from one to three years. This is a function of the size of your boat, the quality and type of battery you have installed, how well it is cared for, and how often it is used.<\/p>\n<p>You can extend the life of a marine deep cycle battery by ensuring that you are using the boat as little as possible when not in use. This means you should turn off all electrical appliances on the boat when not in use, including lights and radios.<\/p>\n<p>You can also disconnect your shore power to ensure no current is being drawn from the battery while you are not using it.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1659901181135\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">How long should a fully charged boat battery last?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>On average, a fully charged boat battery will last about six months.<\/p>\n<p>If your boat is in storage for more than a few weeks, you should fully charge the battery before returning it to service. Batteries can lose their charge over time, even if the boat is unused.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1659901195991\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">How often should you charge your boat battery?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It would be best if you charged your boat battery monthly, but you cannot overcharge a lead-acid battery. In other words, it is safe to plug in the charger and leave it on all day long, but you will only charge the battery for a short time.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1659901206631\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h2 class=\"rank-math-question \">Can I leave my battery charger on all winter?<\/h2>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, you are not recommended to leave your battery charger on all winter. The best practice for charging a marine battery is to charge the batteries once every 3-4 weeks with an intelligent charger.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most boat owners know the importance of maintaining a marine battery, but many do not know how to keep them charged. A healthy and well-charged battery is crucial for powering &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2953,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[211],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2952"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2952"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2952\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2953"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2952"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2952"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakeaccess.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2952"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}