Introduction:
For all boating lovers, knowing marine batteries is essential. Why? It brings confidence in you when you sail. How long do marine batteries last? Also, what can you do to maintain these batteries? These two are the most important questions that people have in mind.
Having your boat’s battery properly helps you enjoy the water for a long time. But, if you are unaware of this, it can cause issues, and that too when you are in the middle of nowhere. Thus, being aware of the lithium marine batteries can make a lot of difference.
These days, lithium marine batteries are a lot on the scene. Also, there is a lot of progress these days when it comes to batteries. So, are you ready to get all the necessary updates about your boat’s batteries? Well, we are here to help you.
In this blog, we will be talking about a lithium marine battery. How long do marine batteries last, and what can you do to maintain their health? So, without waiting further, let us proceed with the blog.
How Long Do Marine Batteries Last?
The first question we have to consider is how long the lithium marine battery will last. Well, the duration for which the battery will last depends on several factors. Yes!
There is no specific time limit that comes with batteries. Moreover, the life of a boat battery is a result of many factors. Let us discuss these factors first to find out how long the battery will last.
What are the Storage Conditions?
Yes! The first factor responsible for the life of the boat battery is the storage conditions. Is the battery at the right temperature? Different batteries need different temperature conditions for their storage. When we talk about lithium marine batteries, you need to store them between 32 – 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
It takes a lot to maintain such temperatures for a boat’s battery. Moreover, if you live in icy conditions, you will have to be more careful about this factor.
What is the Charging Technique that you Follow?
Do you know that the charging technique you follow also affects the life of your boat battery? Yes! For example, when you are not using the boat for a long time, keeping the battery untouched will not be the right decision. You have to charge it periodically to ensure that the health of the battery remains good.
Not only this, but sometimes we undercharge or overcharge the battery. It is one of the most critical factors that affects its health. So, you should avoid these things, and the life expectancy of the battery will be set right.
How Often Are You Using the Battery?
It is one of the most basic factors to decide a marine battery lifespan. How often do you sail? Yes! You have to know that the life of the boat battery depends on how often you are using the battery.
Usage directly affects the battery’s life. The more you use, the more it will drain—it’s as simple as that!
What Maintainance Practices You Follow?
Two people buy the same boat batteries on the same day. But did one have to get the battery replaced earlier than the other? Why? This is because of the marine battery maintenance practices they followed.
The person whose marine battery lasted longer was following good practices. Thus, it also plays a role.
So, after discussing these factors, let us know the general lifespan of the battery that is a result of it. Well, if you keep the battery in ideal conditions, it will last for about four to ten years.
If we look at the lower end, any battery lasts about two to five years. But on the other end, a good battery will last even more than a decade.
But wait! There are always some practices you can follow to enhance the lifespan of your battery. We will discuss it in the next section.
How To Maintain The Health of Your Battery?
Now, we have the next big question. What can we do to maintain the health of the battery? How can we increase its life? Well, we have some marine battery maintenance tips for you below.
Proper Cleaning is Important
Yes! Did you know that dirt, corrosion, and other debris can impact the health of your battery? Corrosion can play a major role in this.
These impurities can be present at the terminals or on the cables. Thus, it can resist the flow of the current. So, what can we do here? Well, proper cleaning of the battery is essential.
First, choose a cleaning solution that experts suggest. If not, prepare your own cleaning solution. You can do that with baking soda and distilled water. Once done, the next step is to disconnect the battery and bring it to a safe spot. It is always advisable to disconnect electrical appliances before you clean them.
Now, clean the surface and the terminals well with the cleaning solution. Also, remember to check for any cracks in cables or other parts of the battery. For further protection, you can apply an anti-corrosion spray to the battery. Thus, this is how to clean the battery.
Checking and Maintaining Proper Water Levels
Ignoring battery water levels is one of the primary factors affecting poor health. Why? It can cause a phenomenon called sulphation. It happens because the lead plates get exposed to air, lowering the ability to hold a charge.
Consider yourself the battery. Without proper water levels, you will dehydrate soon and not perform well. Similarly, the right amount of water is important for the battery to function well.
What can we do? Check water levels in proper intervals. You can keep a monthly schedule to check the water level. Also, ensure that you do not overflow the battery during the refill.
There is one more thing that you should consider. Do not use tap water when refilling the marine battery. Certain minerals in tap water can reduce the battery’s lifespan. Thus, it is always advisable to go for distilled water. The battery should maintain proper water levels.
Being Cautious While Charging
The charging patterns you follow are crucial in the battery’s life. Yes! Sometimes, we become very careless about how we charge the boat batteries.
Make sure that you charge the marine battery appropriately. Also, keep in mind to drain the battery for too long. Charge it well, use it, and then recharge it again. Check the meter readings to understand them. It will let you find out when the battery is completely charged.
If you are not using the boat for a long time, make sure you give the battery a trickle charge at regular intervals. This step will enhance the battery’s health.
Inspection of Damage
When was the last time you carried out a battery damage inspection? Believe it or not, it is as crucial as any other step of battery maintenance.
You do not need to be a professional or a battery expert to carry this step. There are certain points that you need to consider.
First, check if there is any swelling or bloating in the case of the battery. It is a common situation that can result from overcharging. Also, it can even take place when you expose the battery to high temperatures for a long. Consult a professional if you see this happening.
The next thing to do is check for damages or cracks. If any of this happens, you should not compromise on security. It is a clear sign that the battery has physical damage. Also, are there any signs of leakage in the battery? If there are any indications of acid leak from the battery, get it replaced as soon as possible.
Keeping the Temperature in Check
Batteries have a major effect on the temperatures in which we keep them. Most people make this mistake and overlook it. Temperatures play a critical role in the health of the battery.
You will observe that boat batteries tend to drain more when it is very cold outside. On the other hand, if the battery is present around hot temperatures, overcharging is present. So, what to do about it?
So, how long boat batteries last depends on how they are maintained. Always ensure that your battery is in a cool and dry place. Optimal temperature will help you maintain the marine battery lifespan.
Wrapping Up!
How long do marine batteries last? Now, we know the total life of a marine battery and what you can do to maintain it. Following these tips will help you enjoy the water for a long time. Have a worry-free sail!