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Showing posts from November, 2022

Marine Batteries: Types

  Marine batteries are made specifically for use on boats and feature thicker plates and sturdy construction to withstand the vibration and pounding that can happen on any powerboat. The fact that marine batteries are typically more expensive than car batteries may tempt some boat owners to buy an auto battery rather than a marine battery . Don't choose that bad option. An auto battery in a boat won't last as long or be as dependable as a marine battery. Types of Marine Batteries There are three basic types of marine batteries: A separate deep cycle "house" battery should be used for any electric trolling motors, thrusters, windlasses, or other battery-operated accessories that consume more current. Only applications with frequent high rates of discharging and recharging should use deep cycle batteries. A deep cycle battery has thicker, heavier plates than a cranking battery and is built differently. Trolling motors and windlasses, for instance, have longer, hig...

Marine Battery Charging

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  The majority of us are aware that the batteries included when purchasing a new or used boat may not always be of the highest caliber. We don't give them much thought if they appear to perform their function. However, in hotter regions, ordinary heat is a battery's worst enemy and can significantly reduce its lifespan. How the battery is treated during this time is also crucial to extending its life in regions of the country where we are required to store boats for the winter. - car battery The best way to maintain charge while not in use is to keep batteries on a regulated "trickle" charger. If a battery is not charged (and kept charged), it may freeze in cold weather, which could lead to a cracked case. Use it or lose it applies to many things in life, including batteries! Because a car is used frequently and the battery is kept charged, it typically lasts longer than a boat battery. The proverbial "two years is all a battery needs" holds true a lot of...