Do you love your time on the open water, but feel increasingly frustrated due to ongoing reliability issues? More specifically, do you find that you are constantly replacing the battery in your vessel and as a consequence, cannot take to the waves as much as you would like? Before you head to the store to get yet another replacement battery, think about what you can do to change this habit.

Careful Management

How much attention do you pay to battery management on a regular basis? Did you know that you can get tools to help you monitor their state and you may be able to connect them to your smartphone? When you monitor data carefully you'll be made aware of the chargeable state of the unit, and you will know how much time you have left before it becomes fully discharged. If you don't monitor the data in this way you may let the battery discharge completely more often than not or use it when its level is below 50%. These habits will destroy a perfectly good battery in the matter of a few months.

Size Matters

Are you using the right marine batteries for your needs? It can be tempting to buy something that is relatively cheap, but if it isn't able to cope with your daily electrical consumption, then you cannot expect it to last very long.

Efficiency

Look at all the components on your boat that are energy vampires. Certainly, some devices are critical and you can't live without them, but others can be modified. Begin by changing all of the bulbs to LED and consider whether you could downsize your fridge.

Solar Panel

You may be able to augment your battery by fitting a solar panel. Even a relatively small device can make a difference, and if you look carefully, you will be able to figure out where to fit it for optimal use.

Regular Maintenance

Make sure that the battery is kept in good condition and regularly cleaned after each trip. It is operating in a harsh environment, after all, and every little helps.

Extra Battery

You may be able to add a smaller battery that can be connected to some of the less important, but nevertheless hungry devices on board. This may require some additional wiring and a bit of extra expenditure, but it may be worth it in the long run.

Additional Ideas

While you are at your parts store, ask the attendant if they have any other tips to help you prolong the life of your replacement.