INSTALLATION:

If you’re replacing an old battery, you’ll obviously need to remove it before installing the new one. Locate the battery within your vessel and switch the marine battery switch to “OFF.” 

Disconnect the battery cables - start with the negative cable before disconnecting the positive cable from the battery. Once the battery is disconnected, gently lift it out of the battery box and place it out of the way.

It’s important to make sure the cables are completely out of the way before removing the battery, as loose cables can occasionally get caught on the battery as you remove it.

With the old battery out of sight, check that the terminals of the new battery are lined up with the cables. Lift the new battery into the battery box or compartment and make sure it’s securely in place.

Before you reconnect the cables, you might need to grease the terminals to ensure a strong, reliable connection. If so, you can apply a small amount of vaseline to each terminal before attaching the cables.

Reconnect the cables, beginning with the positive terminal before attaching the second cable to the negative terminal. Once the cables are connected, make sure any loose cable is out of the way and unlikely to catch on the lid of the battery box.

Using your wrench, make sure the cables are firmly attached to the battery terminals. It’s best not to tighten the cables too tightly to the battery — a soft but firm connection is the best option, as it’s less likely to make it difficult to disconnect the battery in the future.

Once you’ve attached the cables to the battery, place the lid back on the battery box. If your boat’s battery is stored inside a container or hidden compartment, you can close the lid of the compartment.

TEST RUN:

Switch the marine battery power switch to “ON,” or to the appropriate battery number if your boat uses more than one battery. To test the battery, switch on any electronic device that depends on your boat’s battery as a source of power, such as your boat’s navigational equipment.

If the electronic device works, the battery is properly connected to your boat. If you’re testing a starting battery, you can also attempt to start your boat’s inboard or outboard motor to check that the battery is connected and functioning properly.

DISPOSAL:

Marine batteries are designed to be 95+ percent recyclable. You can reduce waste and improve the environment by returning your old battery to a battery recycling center instead of disposing of it as garbage.

Batteries contain harmful chemicals and gasses, and should not be disposed of with other trash or used items. In many states, it’s even illegal to dispose of a marine or automotive battery in the trash.

We highly recommend recycling your battery! If this isn’t possible in your area, it’s important to dispose of your battery safely by contacting either the manufacturer or the retailer from whom you purchased the battery for safe disposal advice.