Nothing stays perfect forever. We get plaque on our teeth, and our tummies get a little broader. Lead-acid batteries also put on a little extra weight over time.That is due to their lead plates gradually acquiring a sulfate coating. This makes it a little harder for the electrons to do their job resulting in a sluggish battery. This phenomenon is quite common in boats that seldom start their engines because this allows the sulfate to harden. Fortunately, there is a way to equalize your boat battery to get the power back, at least for a while.
A Cautionary Warning before We Start
Please do not dash off and attempt to equalize your boat battery before you understand the process.
In fact, we would prefer you ask your auto dealer or battery store to do it for you. We say so because there is a process to follow. We just want you to be aware of the possibilities.
So you know enough to ask a technical expert to equalize your boat battery for you. Because there is the possibility of overheating when removing sulfation.
How Periodic Overcharging Could Equalize Your Boat Battery
If we overcharge a lead-acid battery by 10% higher than the manufacturer’s recommendation, we can ease the sulfating off the plates.
This rejuvenates the battery plates by removing the sulfate that has been hindering the electrons. In theory, we now have a balanced lead-acid battery with all cells at similar levels. But, there is a catch.
Why We Recommend Asking an Expert to Do the Job
There is a certain amount of judgement AKA guesswork in determining the optimum overcharge rate. Moreover, every overcharging event reduces the thickness of the lead plates shortening the battery’s life. Finally, the removed sulfate coating accumulates at the bottom of the battery where it could eventually cause a short circuit. Thus we recommend asking a specialist to equalize your boat battery, but only when this becomes essential.
Related
Battery Health What to Look For
Making Deep Cycle Lead-Acid Batteries Last
Preview Image: Magnesium Sulfate
1 Comment
Some good detail here about the maintenance required which most people forget. Cool to see the details that go into this process, thanks for the post!