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Boat Battery Maintenance

Mar. 29 2024 Maintenance By JC Sports, Inc

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Your boat’s battery is a critical component that can easily become damaged due to negligence or mishandled maintenance. Like all parts of your vessel, the better you take care of your boat’s battery, the longer it will last and the better it will perform. That’s why the experts at JC Sports, Inc have created this guide to boat battery maintenance. 

Use the Correct Boat Battery

Boat batteries come in many varieties, such as deep-cycle, dual-purpose, and cranking models. Use whichever battery type best suits your needs, as long as it is fully compatible with your vessel. If you’re not sure which battery types are compatible with your model, consult the owner’s manual. Finally, we recommend recording the date whenever you install a new battery into your boat. This will make determining the battery’s age much easier in the future. 

Clean the Boat Battery

Corrosion will slowly build up on your boat battery’s surface as it is used, negatively impacting its performance and eventually leading to long-term damage. Remedy this by cleaning the posts using a solution of baking soda and water to clean the posts. Allow the posts to dry, and then lightly apply a dielectric grease. 

Recharge the Battery Often

Boat batteries typically don’t have an alternator to keep them charged in the long term. Instead, you’ll need to recharge your boat’s batter after every usage, or as often as your owner’s manual recommends. Keeping your boat’s battery well charged is good for its overall health and longevity. Just make sure that you are using a manufacturer-recommended charger. 

Store the Boat Battery Correctly

Always fully charge your boat’s battery and clean the posts before you store it away. Boat batteries should be stored in dry, temperature-controlled locations. Correctly storing a boat’s battery will go a long way towards helping it to last as long as possible. 

Shop boats at JC Sports, Inc in Seneca, South Carolina. We’re proud to serve communities like Anderson and Greenville, South Carolina. We also offer financing, servicing, and parts ordering.