How Battery Boxes and Chargers Help Maintain Your Boat's Battery

In our last blog we provided you with the basics of boat batteries. Now that you’ve determined which battery is right for your boat, let’s talk maintenance. In order to get the full life out of your battery, it’s important to keep your battery safe and regularly charged. A battery box and a high-quality charger will help to keep your battery safe, secure and charged up for a long day on the water.

Battery Boxes

As its name implies, a battery box is a secure storage solution that helps to protect your battery from damage. It prevents exposure to potentially harmful elements like rain, heat and corrosive or flammable substances. Battery boxes are also important for when you’re out on the water, preventing sudden waves from shorting out your motor battery and leaving you stranded. Plus, they make transporting your battery easier too. Battery boxes contain two main parts, a base that helps to reduce shifting and collect any spilled contaminants and a snap-top lid that allows you to easily access your battery for regular maintenance.

Battery boxes are denoted by size groups, such as group 24 sized batteries. The numbers refer to the dimensions of each battery’s case as defined by the Battery Council International (BCI). In order to select the right box for your battery, match the BCI number of your battery to a battery box with the same group number. For example, if your boat is running on a group 24 battery this group 24 Noco battery box is ideal for your needs. It features locking tabs to secure the case, reinforced plastic handles and allows adequate ventilation of battery acid vapors. Plus, it’s both impact and UV resistant. If you’re using a group 27, group 31 or some other type of battery, you’ll find a full range of additional battery box sizes available online.

Chargers

In order to get the most out of your batteries, it’s important to keep them fully charged. That means placing them on a charger when they’re not in use. There are a couple of important things to keep in mind when selecting a battery charger. First off, different types of batteries have different charging needs. Start off by checking whether your marine battery’s voltage is 6, 12 or 24 volts and then look for a charger with the same voltage setting.

Another thing to consider is the kind of battery you have. Boat batteries fall into one of four categories: flooded, gel, AGM or lithium. Be sure that the type of charger you purchase works for the specific type of battery that you’re using.

The Duracell Ultra Marine Battery Charger is ideal for your boating needs. This 12 volt charger features two separate 4 amp outputs, allowing you to charge two separate batteries at once. It is also compatible with flooded, gel and AGM batteries and manufactured to protect against sparks, reverse polarity, overcharging and overheating. Plus, it has a hardened outer casing which protects it from water, dirt, pressure and UV radiation. Best of all, it is water resistant up to 4.9 feet (1.5 meters), making it the perfect charger to take out with you on the water.

Another great option is the Noco Genius 4 Bank Battery Charger. The G4 is a 4-bank battery charger/maintainer for both 6 volt and 12 volt batteries. It features four independent charging banks which allow you to charge multiple types of batteries (flooded, AGM, gel and lithium-ion) from the same charger. It also features spark-proof technology and reverse polarity protection and has a built-in battery desulfator to help recover worn-out batteries. These just two of our charging options. For additional chargers, shop our full selection of marine battery chargers online.

A battery box and a good marine charger are must-have items, allowing you to get the most out of your boat’s battery. If you have additional questions, please stop by any one of our Batteries Plus Bulbs locations. Our associates will be happy to assist you in finding the right products to fit your specific needs.