Boat Batteries – Maintenance Free or…?
Captain Chris: Here’s a good prop for talking about boat battery maintenance. While checking the batteries on my newly acquired boat for the first time, I opened one of the boxes to see this sticker affixed to a G31house battery. Both starting batteries are G31 maintenance free, so my first thought was “Gee, here’s another one.”
Then I did a double take…….
It dawned on me that this meant this battery had not been checked since it was installed. And I know I didn’t install it. So it had been here and on the charger since at least before I first saw the boat in December. With some trepidation, I peeled off the label and opened a cap.
YUCK!!
This battery had boiled dry a LONG time ago. The internal plate structure has collapsed and the case had bulged so much is was difficult to lift it out of the box. As part of a multi-battery house bank, it’s condition was masked by the other healthy batteries in the bank.
The moral of the story? CHECK THEM ALL EVERY TIME!
Thanks, Wade G. aboard a Cruisers 455
Need to learn more?
Thanks Wade. We love hearing from you. We appreciate your sharing this important experience. You were in the moment and took an extra minute or two to read….not assume.
It’s great when we get an email or phone call from a new boater. Sometimes it’s to let us know how much you are enjoying the cruising life. And other times it’s to share a lesson so that others can benefit too. Keep those cards and letters coming!
In addition to the many videos we have in our YouTube Maintenance Playlist, here is one that may help you think about your battery maintenance aboard your boat.
Join us at a seminar to learn what you need to know before you go. Whether it’s about batteries or anything else about Boat Systems, we can help you learn. Click here to see our next available dates and other fun stuff that can help make your adventure a more confident one. Just Ask Captain Chris by email or call 772-205-1859.
