Boat Batteries

[heyitskirby]

I have a 2009 Nitro X4 that has probably been on the water 30 - 40 times since I've owned it (I really have a lot less time for fishing than I thought I would).  Having owned it for 4 years and going into year number 5 with the boat I was wondering if I need to think about changing out the batteries.  I haven't had a problem with them before, but would rather not find out I have a problem while on the water.  

 

Should I change them out?  Or should I be fine to keep on going for another year?

[Fishing Rhino]

Have them load tested.

 

Interstate Battery Stores will do it for free.   Most auto parts places will do it as well.  Just check ahead to be sure.

[Traveler2586]

Have them load tested.

 

Interstate Battery Stores will do it for free.   Most auto parts places will do it as well.  Just check ahead to be sure.

 

X2,  if your boat has a good multi-bank charger, and you've been using it, you should be OK.  Have it load tested and the cells checked with a hydrometer; then just keep the water levels correct, the terminals clean & tight, and you should be good to go.

 

I just changed out my cranking battery that had ten years service on it; I also changed out my deep cycles that had six years on them.  I only changed the cranking battery because my alternator went bad; I changed the deep cycles just for good measure while I had the boat in the shop.

 

Properly maintained your batteries could last longer.  If they start loosing power too soon, then it's time for a change.

[BassnChris]

X2,  if your boat has a good multi-bank charger, and you've been using it, you should be OK.  Have it load tested and the cells checked with a hydrometer; then just keep the water levels correct, the terminals clean & tight, and you should be good to go.

 

I just changed out my cranking battery that had ten years service on it; I also changed out my deep cycles that had six years on them.  I only changed the cranking battery because my alternator went bad; I changed the deep cycles just for good measure while I had the boat in the shop.

 

Properly maintained your batteries could last longer.  If they start loosing power too soon, then it's time for a change.

 

What is the correct levels for water in the battery? just above the plates, just to the tops of the little notches in each chamber or  all the way up?

And I understand it should be distilled water, is that right ?

 

Sorry....I am just not too smart on the battery stuff.

[Traveler2586]

A quick search on-line and pulled this for you........

 

 

Checking electrolyte levels of non-sealed (with filler caps) wet batteries every three months is recommended.

In hot climates, checking the electrolyte levels at least once a month during the summer is recommended.

 

The plates need to be covered at all times to prevent sulfation and reduce the possibility of an internal battery explosion.

 

For non-sealed wet car and small deep cycle batteries (less than 200 amp hours), allow the battery to cool to room temperature. Then add only distilled water to the level indicated by the battery manufacturer, UPPER LEVEL mark, or just to the bottom of the filler tubes (vent wells or splash barrels) as shown in the diagram below.

 

For large deep cycle batteries, fill to within 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6 to 10 mm) below the bottom of the filler tubes.

 

Avoid overfilling, especially in hot weather, because the heat will cause the electrolyte to expand and overflow.

 

Do not use tap water or water from residential Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems to refill batteries because it could contain chlorine, calcium or magnesium and produce calcium or magnesium sulfate crystals. These crystals can gradually fill the pores or coat the plates which will reduce the battery's capacity.

 

State-of-Charge (SoC) readings will be inaccurate immediately after the addition of water, recharges or discharges.

 

ELECTROLYTE FILL LEVELS FOR SMALL BATTERIES
Less Than 200 AH

[source: Exide]