batterys

[royela]

Learned something new, the batteries on my boat are LA not gel or glass mat. My house battery did not seem to hold a charge very long and after further investigation discovered that the cells were dry. I filled them up with distilled water and recharged the battery and all seems back to normal. The charging battery is fine re water levels. If my Service Dealer did their job I would presume they check the battery levels and if so, is it possible that the cells would dry up since May. This is the 3rd season for both starting and house batteries, should these be replaced after this season?

[trich11]

If yotu have your boat serviced by a dealer/mechanic each year I would expect they would check the water levels but I typically check mine every 6-8 weeks as we are plugged into shore power all season and the battery charger will "cook" the water out of batteries. Most of the people at my club expect to get around 4 years out of their batteries. It seems to be split down the middle on what brand to buy. Half buy inexpensive batteries and the other buy Interstate. I am more prone to buy high quality batteries because I hate anything getting in the way of fun on the boat!! 

[Black_Diamond]

Most people around me are on the 3-4 year cycle too.

Just make sure if you decide to use AGM/gel batteries you have the correct charger.  A charger meant for LA batteries will kill AGM/gel types.

[royela]

Thanks for the info. I just checked the house battery today and found the water level down below the plates. There is no evidence of water or staining around the battery so why would the levels go down this fast? Should I replace or just keep topping up the battery until season's end (October)?? and then replace next year.

Thanks in advance,

Royela

[Black_Diamond]

the battery will lose water from normal use and charging, noting odd about that.  Just refill with distilled water, tap water is not clean enough..it will work, but eventually it leads to faster battery failure.

[DaleM]

The batteries won't leak it out but it will evaporate and boil off as part of the charging process.

[carmelo6middleto]

Learned something new, the batteries on my boat are LA not gel or glass mat. My house battery did not seem to hold a charge very long and after further investigation discovered that the cells were dry. I filled them up with distilled water and recharged the battery and all seems back to normal. The charging battery is fine re water levels. If my Service Dealer did their job I would presume they check the battery levels and if so, is it possible that the cells would dry up since May. This is the 3rd season for both starting and house batteries, should these be replaced after this season?

I dnt think so....bt do check before replacing!!