Table of Contents
New boat battery season
New boat battery season
So, as Christmas drifts away into the past and we start to get deeper into the new year, we start to think about preparations for summer and the New boat battery season, ahead. Like millions of others, I too look forward to the long nights and warmer weather. As I am starting to write this post, the temperature outside is -5, which is pretty cold for us in the temperate UK!
Of course, this is also the time
when caravan, motorhome, and boat owners begin preparing for the holiday season ahead. Significantly, we know this because our leisure battery sales increase this time of year. So, our busiest time is between Christmas and the Easter break, depending on the weather! When it’s cold like today, I am sure that people prefer to stay indoors rather than mess about with their holiday vehicles.
Batteries a prime consideration-New boat battery season
Consequently, one of the first things that people check are the batteries. Of course, some people remove the batteries and store them in their garage or outbuilding! Many people just leave them connected up as they have left them before the winter break. Many boat owners will just leave the batteries in the place where they left them! However, the best step before winter arrives is to make sure your boat batteries are fully charged.
Of course, this is easy to do!
All that is required is a simple multimetre. In fact, many modern boats have an attached voltmeter installed on them. So, it is an important point that you should never really let your battery “state of charge” drop below 75% when it is laid up for the winter or any other extended period. So, if your batteries are 12.60 volts when fully charged, then they will be 12.30 volts on a 75% state of charge.
batteries can freeze?-New boat battery season
Don’t forget that batteries can freeze! although this is unlikely on a boat here in the UK. Deep frosts are pretty rare. Of course, a few years ago, the temperature in Halifax dropped to 10 below, and we were inundated with frozen car batteries! (great for us). I digress? So with a fully charged battery or batteries, it is then best to disconnect the battery terminals. Starting with the negative terminals first.
So, by doing this simple thing, once fully charged, the self-discharge rate of the batteries will keep them in a good “state of charge” up to the Easter holiday period. However, many people do not do this simple task and find that the old batteries have failed to recover. New batteries are the only answer, and this happens year after year!
When contemplating your new boat battery season,
which batteries do you prefer to use? In my experience, no two boat owners are the same! Consequently, many boat owners just go for the best-priced leisure battery. So far, the Group 31 battery has proven to be the most popular. which includes our own ApolloPower 110 Ah twin-post batteries. Others prefer the AGM batteries that are completely sealed but are more expensive in the short term.
Larger vessels do fit, say, a bank of 6-volt semi-traction batteries, which have a deeper cycle than the standard lead-acid leisure batteries. Of course, there are many choices, and to be fair, boat owners are pretty “savvy” when it comes to fitting out their boats.
marine battery chargers-New boat battery season
I am sure that I am “teaching my grandmother to suck eggs!” But this is important and may not be known to, say, novice boat owners. Consequently, all boat owners have to start somewhere. So, I will start by saying that having a marine battery charger for the New boat battery season, is important.
Especially on long boat rides! So, ensure that your boat batteries have enough juice to power your battery. This is especially true when travelling from one port to another.
Having an onboard battery charger will assure you of this wherever you go.
Significantly, a marine battery charger will always be available for emergency situations. On the other hand, a portable charger is a great addition to any boat trip. So, you can rest easy knowing that you have a backup if something happens.
Make sure to have a marine battery charger on your boat. This is crucial for long boat rides and ensuring that your boat batteries have enough power.
It’s especially important when traveling between ports. Having an onboard battery charger provides peace of mind and is always available for emergencies. Additionally, a portable charger is a valuable backup option for any boat trip.
A marine battery charger will guarantee a reliable power source during your boat journeys. It is particularly essential when navigating between different ports.
By having an onboard battery charger
you can be confident that you have a backup solution at all times, even in unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, a portable charger serves as an excellent supplementary accessory for your boat adventures, ensuring that you are well-prepared for any situation.
When dealing with dead batteries, pay special attention to your on-board charger. Charging stations are available at some marinas. So it would be a good idea to check in advance if you are visiting certain ports.
Finally, Optima blue-top batteries are now becoming more popular. Especially on ships outfitted with satellite navigation systems. On more luxurious boats, electrical extras are included.
starting battery keeps dyingnew boat, marine batteries in the winter, beginners guide to marine boat, guide to marine boat batteries.
- Deep Cycle batteries-to Reedley Marina.
- Electric Wheelchair Casualty
- Unlock Your Freedom-with Mobility Scooters and Electric Wheelchairs That Are Exempt from VAT
- The Future of Mobility- Say Goodbye to Lead-Acid Batteries in Electric Wheelchairs!
- Extended VAT relief: on adapted motor vehicles for disabled people and charities (VAT Notice 1002) – GOV.UK
- Deep Cycle batteries-to Reedley Marina. - December 4, 2024
- Electric Wheelchair Casualty - December 3, 2024
- Unlock Your Freedom-with Mobility Scooters and Electric Wheelchairs That Are Exempt from VAT - December 2, 2024