Boat Battery Maintenance

Taking care of your boat’s battery will allow it to last longer and perform better. On the other hand, negligent or poor maintenance can just as easily damage your battery. This guide from the experts at Gordy’s Marine can help you take better care of your boat’s battery.

Use the Correct Boat Battery

There are many different types of boat batteries, including deep-cycle, dual-purpose, and crank models. When shopping for a new boat battery, make sure that whichever one you purchase is compatible with your boat model. Your owner’s manual should have more information about which types of batteries your boat can use. Don’t forget to record the date on which you install the new battery so that you can easily determine the battery’s age in the future. 

Clean the Boat Battery

Your boat battery’s posts will slowly start to corrode over time. Luckily, you can avoid poor performance and long-term damage by cleaning the posts using a solution of baking soda and water. Once the posts have dried, lightly apply some dielectric grease and your battery should be ready to go. 

Recharge the Battery Often

Generally speaking, boat batteries should be kept well charged. Of course, how often your boat’s battery needs to be recharged depends on the battery type and how often you use it. A boat battery that goes unused for a month or more, for example, may lose much of its charge. The owner’s manual should have more information in regards to how often you’ll need to recharge your boat’s battery. 

Store the Boat Battery Correctly

Be sure to recharge and clean your boat’s battery before storing it. Always store your boat’s battery in a dry, temperature-controlled location. Proper battery storage will go a long way towards helping your battery to last longer. 

Shop boats at Gordy’s Marine. We operate several locations throughout Illinois and Wisconsin. We’re proud to serve communities like Fontana, Wisconsin and Waukegan, Illinois. We also offer boat storage, servicing, rentals, and parts.