Boat Battery Cables
It's "Maintenance Monday", and today we're talking about your boat's battery cables. Most of our boats in Southwest Florida are 100% saltwater use, which makes them highly susceptible to corrosion. Salt-laden moisture and even battery-acid vapor can penetrate the cable insulation — either at the lug connection or through a pinhole. Bad cables can lead to other problems, including fire. As the alternator tries to move juice through a deteriorating wire, heat can climb to the point of combustion. A bad negative cable can also hamper an alternator’s charging capability. And, an inability to return excess voltage to the battery can result in blown diodes.
So if the batteries seem weak, start by checking your cables using these six proven tips:
Danger Signs -
Listen: Weak starting performance is your first clue of something amiss. Don’t ignore it.
Touch: Feel each battery cable after a run. If one feels hot, search for the problem.
Smell: Overheating cables give off an odor. If you whiff something odd, address the issue.
Bend: Give each cable a gentle bend. If it resists and crackles, you’ve found a problem.
Look: Keep an eye on the voltmeter. More than 14.5 volts of output is a bad sign.
Test: Use a multi-meter ohm scale to test for resistance. More than one ohm means trouble.
If you're concerned about the condition of your vessel's battery cables, call us today at#MarinerServicesInc. at (239)776-4253 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation!
