When choosing powering systems for vessels, all eyes are on a robust marine engine, auxiliary counterparts, and gensets. Without a supportive energy storage unit, the entire working system may fail to deliver the quality performance and efficiency. Marine batteries are the unsung heroes continuously engaged in the process of power storage and seamless distribution across various electronic applications. These batteries are primarily available in three forms: starting, deep-cycle, and dual-purpose modules.
This blog post highlights the key attributes of a marine battery, including its deep-cycle capabilities and their contribution to seamless boat operations.
Is there a Difference Between Marine Batteries and Automobile Batteries?
As the term depicts, a marine battery is uniquely designed for various vessel powering needs. These items differ from the car batteries in several aspects. The regular automobile battery is a simple element responsible for aiding the starter system. Conversely, marine batteries cater to diverse power applications for various boat equipment and electrical systems.
The marine batteries feature corrosion-proof terminals, providing a resilient, sturdy, and durable demeanor that meets performance requirements in the marine environment. These batteries support operations for the starting power, regulate deep-cycle energy, and provide various onboard electricity for lamps, pumps, and navigation systems. Marine batteries are typically heavy, long-lasting, and feature protective construction to safeguard against the hazards of saltwater, high vibration, and temperature fluctuations.
Factors to Look for When Purchasing Marine Batteries
Heavy-Duty and Rugged Construction
These batteries feature dense, reinforced plates and separators for supreme resistive protection against shocks and vibrations resulting from engine, turbocharger, and vessel movement. There is a leakproof, robust outer casing to protect the cells and other internal parts from the impact of extreme temperatures, saltwater, and other elements. Such features guarantee enhanced protection, durability, and overall safety.
Uninterrupted Power Supply for Extended Periods
The standard car batteries produce a short burst of power to start the engine. Conversely, marine batteries perform consistently for extended periods, ensuring continuous energy transmission across multiple machinery and devices throughout the boat. The dynamic stream of power is necessary for operating the navigation system, trolling motors, and more, even during long-distance voyages.
Anti-Corrosive Terminals & Connectors
The terminals and connectors are at a high risk of damage due to prolonged exposure to saltwater and humid conditions. These parts are made from corrosion-resistant materials to protect against wear, damage, and short-circuit issues. Corrosion proofing prevents the loss of power, oxidation, and rusting, and eliminates the need for regular caring and maintenance.
Heavy Weight for Stability
The dense material composition and casing, paired with reinforced plates and separators, contribute to the rugged structure and higher weight compared to standard batteries. Added weight is excellent for enhanced stability, particularly in high-speed boats.
Protective Against Shock and Vibration
Due to their weight, marine batteries feature protected internal components that resist shocks and vibration in marine machinery. Additionally, these items can withstand the pressure of turbulent marine conditions, rapid vessel movement, and other factors. The vibration-resistant framework also protects the external casing from cracking, wearing, and loosening the seals/ joints.
Sealed Design for Safety in Marine Conditions
Look for reinforced casing and protective seals to ensure the batteries are safe from exposure to temperature variations, saltwater, vibrations, and harsh weather conditions.
Extended Lifecycle
Marine batteries typically offer a long service life, along with the convenience of low maintenance. Regular diagnosis and charging can ensure peace of mind for the vessel operators.
Look for Dual-Power Modules
Marine batteries are available in various versions, including single–purpose and dual-power models. The dual-power batteries offer excellent deep-cycle performance, in addition to providing high burst energy for starting engine operation at low temperatures. When working in the deep-cycle mode, the same item provides a continued power supply for running the bilge pumps, onboard lights, and navigation systems.
Common Faulty Marine Battery Problems & Best Ways to Avoid these Issues
#1. Complications in the Engine Starter System
A low or no power supply from marine starter batteries can cause the engine to produce slow cranks. In the worst case, the engine fails to start and resume operation. The cause of engine starting issues is often rooted in non-performing batteries, which can result in low cranking amps, sulfur formation on the plates, or a weak charge. Stranded vessel operation or emergency halt during voyage are some consequences of using faulty starter batteries.
Regular battery inspection helps identify signs of a bulged structure. Performing a load test is necessary to check the cranking power. Charge the batteries fully before every trip to ensure a continuous power supply.
#2. Interrupted & Irregular Power Supply to the Equipment
Inconsistency in power supply to the bilge pumps, lights, and navigation systems compromises the machinery’s performance and safety. Besides the risk of equipment failure and accident, the devices may depict poor performance or stop operating.
Inability to retain charge, loose wires or connections, and poor cell condition are possible causes for such issues. Check the voltage during the load test to determine whether the battery is safe for continued energy transmission. Marine engineers recommend using the deep-cycle batteries for accessories, pumps, and other intense operations. Avoid using starter batteries for these tasks. Inspect the connections during routine checks, clean and tighten the loose fasteners and connections.
#3. Acid/ Electrolyte Leaking
Chipped seals and broken casings may cause the internal components to leak. If acid is leaking from the batteries, check the nearby equipment for signs of corrosion or wear. Take precautions as the acid and electrolyte compounds are hazardous to the environment and cause injuries. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a safe method of disposing of batteries.
Do not wait for the batteries to leak before replacing the parts. Inspect the batteries regularly to find any possible signs of damage early. If minor cracks or broken chips are visible, contact a technician for servicing immediately. Battery replacement is the safest option if the seal or casing is chipping or damaged.
#4. Lead Sulfation on the Plates
Insufficient charging or running the batteries on low charge can trigger the batteries to form lead sulfate crystals on the plates. Regularly charge the batteries as needed. Using batteries on low charge can diminish performance, cause difficulty in charging, reduce capacity, and shorten service life.
Charging the batteries in the desulfation mode at the right time is the easiest option to prevent such problems. Never leave the battery on a low charge condition. Consult an engineer to learn more about the battery charging schedules based on the specific engine configuration.
#5. Other Battery Failure problems
- overheating during charging/ engine operation
- rusting and wearing in the terminals
- Reduced battery lifespan
- bulging/ swelling
- non-functioning or failure
Genuine Marine Batteries and Battery Spare Parts
Marine battery replacement at the right time can save your expensive boat machinery, engines, electrical systems, and other devices. All engine brands work best with specific battery systems (preferably their own manufactured items). At Alfa Marine Spare Parts, our engineers and technical support team highly recommend choosing only OEM marine battery replacement parts that are compatible with the engine room’s electronic setup.
Here are our best-selling items in the marine battery category from Cummins. Alfa Marine Spare Parts also offers an extensive range of OEM parts, coolant solutions, and electrical systems for Cat, DEUTZ, Detroit Diesel, Perkins, Scania, Volvo Penta, MTU, and other brands.
515068 – BATTERY COOLER DLD-344-2120-4-1.8
EL16KDLD – BATTERY COOLER EL16KDLD
0098-7525 – LABEL-BATTERY B
0338-3577-01 – HARNESS-BATTERY
0338-4176-03 – HARNESS-BATTERY
0338-4935 – HARNESS-BATTERY
0416-0987-02 – BATTERY-CABLE ASSY
0416-1391-06 – CABLE-BATTERY
0416-1350 – CABLE-BATTERY
0416-1369 – CHARGER-BATTERY (TRICKLE)
0416-1451 – TRAY-BATTERY
0416-1454 – BATTERY-TRAY
0416-1461 – HOLDDOWN-BATTERY
0416-1050 – TRAY-BATTERY
A030Y976 – 125336 BATTERY 12V, GRP4D, 1080 CCA
A052A181 – KIT, BATTERY CHARGER
A048G602 – CHARGER, BATTERY
0333-0770 – HEATER-BATTERY
0416-0796 – BATTERY-12V,625 CCA, WET
A052A484 – TRAY-BATTERY
0416-1210-02 – TRAY-BATTERY
0333-0469-01 – HEATER-BATTERY
0338-5298 – HARNESS-BATTERY
0405-9623 – PANEL-ENCLOSURE (BATTERY)
0410-1244 – BATTERY DISCONNECT SWITCH
0416-1098-02 – COVER-BATTERY (RH)
0416-1100-02 – TRAY-BATTERY
0416-1164 – COVER-BATTERY
0416-1166 – CABLE-BATTERY
0416-1210-02 – TRAY-BATTERY
0416-1211-02 – CLAMP-BATTERY
0416-1236-02 – HOLDDOWN-BATTERY
0416-1240-03 – CHARGER-BATTERY
0416-1241-02 – HOLDDOWN-BATTERY
0416-1283-02 – TRAY-BATTERY (WELDED ASSY)
0416-1292 – TRAY-BATTERY
0416-1381 – ROD-BATTERY HOLDDOWN
0416-1391-04 – CABLE-BATTERY (-VE)
0416-1392 – CHARGER-BATTERY (110 V)
0416-1418-02 – TRAY BATTERY
0416-1420-02 – TRAY-BATTERY
0416-1433 – CABLE-BATTERY
0416-1434 – CABLE-BATTERY
0416-1435 – ROD-BATTERY HOLDDOWN
0416-1442-02 – HOLDDOWN-BATTERY
A019X751 – ROD, BATTERY HOLD DOWN
A024J753 – PLATE, BATTERY CONNECTION
A026F327 – ROD, BATTERY HOLD DOWN
A026M001 – LEAD, BATTERY
A026M008 – LEAD, BATTERY
A026M010 – LEAD, BATTERY
A026M015 – LEAD, BATTERY
A026M019 – LEAD, BATTERY
A028Y664 – LEAD, BATTERY
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