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Getting Your Boat Ready for Spring: Replacing Your Battery(s)

Getting Your Boat Ready for Spring: Replacing Your Battery(s)

If it’s time for a new battery for your boat, the main decision you’ll have to make is: wet cell or AGM?

The most common – and least expensive choice – is a wet, or flooded cell battery. It provides lots of cranking amperage, making it an excellent choice as a starting battery. Wet cell batteries are available in many sizes and terminal configurations. Similar to the batteries in most cars, however, these require periodic maintenance and are best installed where you can get to them easily.  They can be damaged by excessive vibration, must be kept in an upright position, and can be permanently ruined if left discharged.

At something like four times the cost of wet cell batteries, AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries will normally last longer and deliver much higher power and efficiency.  AGM’s are heavier than wet cells, but they can operate in any orientation, won’t spill, and they are quite impact and vibration resistant.  When stored, AGM batteries typically lose less than 3 per cent of their charge per month at room temperature.

How long your boat’s battery will last depends a lot upon how it is used, how it is charged, and how it is cared for. Generally, batteries will last from 2-5 years when properly maintained.

If you have any questions about charging, caring for or replacing your battery(s), please call Chris in our Service Department at (508) 563-7136, or by email at [email protected].


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