Is Your Boat Battery on Its Last Breaths? Here’s What to Do About It
Boating is a great experience that allows people to explore water bodies as they rejuvenate and relax. However, for a boating adventure to be successful, the boat needs to be in good condition to safely transport the sailor through the open waters. A minor issue like a dying battery can cause the rider distress and put all the people in the boat in danger.
Before hitting the water, it is prudent for those sailing to prepare to handle issues they might encounter. If not, a dead battery could leave them stranded in the sea and put their lives at risk. This article will explore the steps sailors take when they notice their battery is on its last breath.
Check Battery Connections
As technology continues to improve, the boating industry is taking advantage of this to design comfortable and safe boats. These products have numerous technologies integrated into them to prevent battery failure.
Therefore, when the battery fails, it can be overwhelming for them to go through the various systems in the boat to find out what is causing the problem. The first thing they need to check is the battery connection; in some cases, when the boat battery is malfunctioning, chances are that it is happening due to poor connections.
The best way to check the battery connection is to look at the battery terminals to see if all the wires are attached. If the sailor notices that a loose connection, they should try to reattach the wires to the battery. If the cables are damaged, the solution is to replace them with quality Marine battery cables. These cables can withstand harsh boating conditions without falling.
Switch to Reserve Power
It does not matter if someone is new or has been sailing for years; whenever someone starts boating, they need to have a boat reserve power. This system aims to ensure that the critical system of the boat is working even if the main battery is dead. So, when the main battery fails, the sailors should consider switching to the reserve.
The reserve battery can ensure the communication system is working, and those in the boat can use it to share about their battery issues and get assistance. In addition, the reserve ensures that critical systems in the boat remain in operation, giving the users a chance to check and troubleshoot their battery issues.
Test the Battery Voltage
Before starting any sail, boaters need to examine the boat and its parts to ensure that each part works as required. However, beginners sometimes overlook this step, so they do not detect any battery voltage issues before sailing. Thus, they notice any battery troubles when they are on the boat.
If the boat’s battery seems like it is taking its last breath, the sailor should check its health using a multimeter. This device can help them to read the battery voltage, which should be around 12.6 or higher. If this is not the case, it could mean that the battery is discharged, and sailors should recharge or replace it when this happens.
Turn Off Non-Essentials Electronics
Sailors need to know that when the main battery dies, and they are relying on the reserve, they need to conserve the power as much as possible. This means turning off any non-essential devices that might be using the battery power to help ensure they do not strain the remaining power source. It will also help ensure that critical systems like navigation and communications are operational.
While a failing battery can be frustrating, sailors should not let the frustration cause them to make mistakes, such as leaving some non-essential running, which could, in turn, drain the battery. If sailors prevent issues such as battery depletion, they will have enough power to light the boat when it gets dark.
This will help them work in the central battery system even late at night. It will also make it easier for them to connect with a rescue team if they need help troubleshooting or replacing the battery.
Inspect the Alternator
Another common issue that sailors face when dealing with a failing battery is a faulty alternator. The device converts the engine’s mechanical energy into electrical energy. If the alternator malfunctions, the boat’s battery power will fail, leading to unwanted complications.
The tool sailors need to check the alternator’s condition is the multimeter. If the alternator works as required, it should have a voltage reading of 13.8-14.4. Anything blowing this range indicates that the alternator is not working. If this is the case, the sailor will need to get a professional to inspect the part. They will determine if the alternator needs replacement or repair.
Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, a sailor can do everything they know to start the boat’s battery, but it still fails. When this happens, it is time for them to take the issue out of their hands and leave it to the professionals. Marine technicians are trained, skilled, and equipped to check, diagnose, and fix any electrical problems a sailor might encounter.
Therefore, when everything does not seem to work, the boater should contact the main technicians to help restore the boat’s reliability and prevent future issues. The best part is that many waterbodies have trained marine technicians working close by, which means they will respond quickly.
Having a dead battery when on the sea can be a significant problem, especially for inexperienced boaters. No matter how long the sailor has taken to plan their day in the sea, a dead battery can quickly bring those plans to a halt. That’s why sailors need to ensure that their boat’s battery is reliable and in good condition before they start their journey.
If a sailor is not equipped to check the condition of the boat, they should have a professional do it. It is better to spend money on repairs before getting into the water, since this will ensure a successful boating rather than waiting for the battery to fail when they are in the sea.
