Nothing holds you back when you’re ready to hit the open water. Your boat is your escape from the world. The engine isn’t turning over, however. The most likely reason for this scenario is a bad battery.
A few steps are all that lie between you and a fantastic day on the water. Go over this basic guide to marine battery replacement. You’ll look and feel like a professional in no time.
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Prioritize Safety
Locate the marine battery switch. Turn it to the “off” position. Verify that the boat engine ignition switch is also in the “off” position. No power from any on-board appliances should be activated at this point.
- Gather Your Tools
Before you access the old battery, gather the tools for the job, such as:
- New battery
- 9/16-inch wrench
- 1/2-inch wrench
- Petroleum jelly
Be sure to pick the proper battery for the application. There are no boat-battery substitutes. Selecting the wrong battery might damage the electrical system.
- Snap a Photograph
Remove any covers from the marine battery. Grab a camera or smartphone. Snap several photographs of the battery and its connections.
The photographs help you with connector placement and wiring arrangements during the new-battery installation. Some wires can be snaked and looped in particular orientations. Copy the same configuration in the photograph so that the installation looks professional.
- Remove the Cable
Loosen the negative cable from the battery’s connector by using the appropriate wrench. Use a gentle hand with the loosening process. Cable connectors aren’t robust. They can bend and snap off.
Slide the negative cable off of the battery. Secure it to the side. Verify that the metal end isn’t touching any components.
Repeat this step on the positive cable. Secure it away from the negative side. You prevent sparks and possible electrical issues by keeping the two ends separate from each other.
- Pull the Battery
Slide the battery out from its box by releasing its secure straps. Place it to the side. Inspect the boxed area for any battery leakage or corrosion.
If you see any corrosion, wear gloves and clean it out. Leaving the corrosion inside the battery’s box will only negatively impact the new installation.
- Clean the Cables
Scrub the cable connectors with warm water and baking soda. Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear. Allow the connectors to dry.
This extra step fights off corrosion across the metal. Every battery creates some level of corrosion. You don’t want it to overtake the entire battery compartment.
- Slide the New Battery Into Place
Select a marine battery that fits your application. Popular choices often include:
- Flooded
- Gel
- AGM or absorbed glass mat
Carefully slide the battery into the box. Verify that it’s resting level against the base by giving it a gentle jostling.
Strap the battery into its secure position. Add petroleum jelly to the battery’s contacts.
Slide the positive wire onto the positive side of the battery. Repeat for the negative side. Tighten the contacts’ nuts with a wrench to secure the wiring to the battery.
- Consider Parallel or Series Configurations
Add a second battery to your boat as an enhancement feature. Connect them in either series or parallel configurations with these instructions, including:
- Series-Positive to negative, negative to positive
- Parallel-Positive to positive, negative to negative
You’ll gain more voltage and steady power from a series arrangement. Select parallel configurations for extra amperage and long-lasting batteries.
If you have any further questions about marine batteries, contact Northeast Battery. Our professional team can discuss any basic or complex theories regarding your battery use. With the right battery and proper installation, the open water is yours to explore.