Juice

Boats and IPads are very different, yet they share one thing in common, namely, batteries. All boats with engines carry at least one battery and oftentimes, two or more. In New England, fall is a great time to check out the batteries and charge them for the long winter hibernation. Recently, I charged my boat batteries and here are some important points from that process.

When working around batteries, practice safety first. Battery acid, splashed on clothing or the body, will start to eat into the “surface” quickly, so always wear work clothes and safety glasses, When you remove the battery wires, either mark them or tape them together to help ensure proper replacement. If you plan to move the batteries from their cases, make sure you have a good angle, as batteries are heavy and improper handling could lead to a prompt visit to your MD.

Before charging, check the water levels in the cells and bring them back up to par if necessary. Double-check your alligator clip placement before plugging  the charger in, to avoid equipment or battery damage, Avoid smoking, and sparks from other sources such as the charger, as the cell gases are highly volatile and one small spark could cause a major explosion. If possible, monitor the trickle charging process on a regular basis to ensure everything is working properly. Fully charged batteries can be stored in the boat or at home.

A small time investment in the fall can pay large dividends in terms of a safe and enjoyable start to your next boating season.