Why boat batteries die in the heat
Summer on shore power is harder on a battery bank than winter. What to check monthly.
Heat is the killer, not cold
A battery locker on a Maltese pontoon in August can sit at 40 °C or more. As a rule of thumb, every ten degrees above 25 roughly halves the life of a lead-acid battery. Add a charger that floats a little high, and a bank that should last five years lasts two.
In short
- Check the charger’s float voltage and, if adjustable, set it for the temperature.
- Ventilate the locker. A small fan on the charger’s output is enough.
- Check terminals monthly for corrosion and heat marks.
The monthly check
Voltage at rest, voltage on charge, terminal condition, and a hand on the case for heat. It takes five minutes and it is on every care visit.
Need this done on your boat?
Marine electrics
Banks tested and sized, chargers set up for Malta.