How to Charge Trolling Motor Battery Properly |8 Killer Tips
From time to time, the charge in the trolling motor will usually get depleted and render the motors incapacitated. You will have to recharge the batteries to let them be capable of discharging their roles yet again. Unless you know how to charge trolling motor battery properly,it may get damaged permanently.Here below, we shall offer you the step-by-step guidance which you have to adhere to in order to accomplish this noble objective.
Tools and Materials Required
- Charger
- Clean cloth
- Protective gears
- Chronometer
- Spanner
- Pliers
Learn How To Charge Trolling Motor Battery Properly
#1 Check The Current Battery
It is always necessary to check the current battery to understand its reserve capacily over period of time as a matter of first priority. While at this, look out for the dirt, dust, and other kinds of debris which may have settled and hardened on the battery. Clean these issues and get rid of them before commencing the re-charge process. You may have to disconnect the wires just so as to avoid any shocks.
#2 Prepare The Battery For The Charging Process
Now you have to go ahead to prepare the battery for the subsequent charging process. To do this, locate it and remove the battery box from its location. Proceed to switch off the battery to guarantee your safety throughout the entire process of charging.
#3 Ascertain The Locations Of The Terminals
Look at the battery to check out the positions of the terminals and the associated connections. If there be any visible dirt or corrosions on these terminals, you may yet again have to clean them before proceeding. This is necessary to minimize the loss of electricity and expedite the pace of re-charge.
#4 Connect The Charger To The Battery
You may now commence charging the battery. Connect the battery charger to the respective terminals of the marine battery. Fix the negative terminal of your charger clip to the negative terminal of the battery. Similarly, attach the positive terminal of the charger clip to the positive terminal of the battery. Once you are done, switch on the power to let the current flow to the battery. For best results, make use of the ‘multi-stage chargers’ as they are sensitive to both temperature and chemistry. The ordinary ‘dumb charger’ is also great. However, it does come along with some risks which might shorten the lifespan of the battery considerably especially when used repeatedly.
#5 Vary The Speed Accordingly If You Can
Some smart modern chargers allow you to vary the speed of the charging process accordingly. In case yours is one such, you may have to vary the speed albeit cautiously. Read the manufacturer’s manual thoroughly before getting about this business. The last you would want to happen is spark a fire outbreak or premature damages to your battery.
#6 Leave To Charge
After you have set the various parameters in place, you should go ahead to leave the charger and the battery intact to allow for it to charge unhindered. From time to time, you may peek at the LED indicator to take note of the progress of the charging process. Most modern chargers will also adjust automatically through the various phases of the charging process like the bulk, acceptance, and the float phases, respectively without your intervention.
#7 Remove the Charger
As soon as the charging process is concluded, you now have to remove the charger from the battery terminals. You are advised not to drag your feet in this as you might endanger the battery and compromise its overall lifespan. On the contrary, remove the charger almost as soon as the charging process is finally complete. To do this, switch the charger off and then get rid of the charging clips from the battery terminals. Go ahead to place some covers back onto the battery box and then move the battery back to its original position.
#8 Test the Battery
You are finally good to go! However, before you proceed to use the boat, you have to test it to see whether the wet cell battery is indeed functional or not. Try igniting the engine to see how it responds to the new battery level. At the same time, you may also wish to take a test drive around and about a designated locus. This will let you know whether you might need another re-charge or not.
Closing Remark
Charging a battery as you may have already seen is not so complicated or daunting a task. It only requires you to acquire the right co-ope-rant tools and equipment. You thereafter have to exercise some great patience and due diligence for best results. We are truly confident that your next battery charging process will be smooth, flawless, and full of adventure. Consider sharing this information as far wide as you can to let others like you charge their batteries conveniently. All the best in your subsequent battery charging exercise!
