Haven Harbour Yacht Services has entered battery-bilge check season amid one of our busiest haul-out and winterization years to date.

Battery-bilge checks are a service for those interested winter storage customers that thoroughly examines a vessel's bilge and ensures that the batteries on-board are given a clean bill of health prior to the upcoming boating season.

"If batteries sit unused all winter, when disconnected they can slowly discharge which will reduce strength and overall lifespan." explains Service Technician Taylor White.

White, a seven-year technician at Haven Harbour Marina who is known for a meticulous work ethic, conducts these checks alone – taking the time to ensure they are done correctly.

"I check each vessel's bilge to make sure it isn't too full," he adds. "If it's just water, I'll add antifreeze so the pumps won't get damaged by freezing temperatures. I then locate the batteries, document their make, model and style. Flooded batteries require checking the electrolyte level and refilling if low. Sealed, gel and AGM batteries don't. If water was added or if a battery's voltage is below 12.5 volts, it will need to be charged. If a battery continues to read a low voltage after multiple checks, it will often need to be replaced. We will load test them to confirm their efficiency before condemning."

Battery-bilge checks may also lead to the detection of other on-board problems, such as bilge pump or float switch failure. If your batteries are over four years old, it is recommended to request a quote for replacing, which may be financially advantageous as opposed to monthly checks.

Like White, Haven Harbour South Service Manager Ed Cecil typically oversees battery-bilge checks himself, following a process that his nearly 40 years of experience in the industry has taught.

"The most important part for the check is to prolong the life of the battery," explains Cecil. "The typical lifespan for an AGM battery is three to five years, but even that can be extended to six to seven years with proper maintenance – and that includes monthly charging. Customers may want to consider the installation of a battery monitor. With the push of a button, customers can see the health of a battery bank including amps, voltage and remaining amp hours." 

Checks are rounded out with a thorough on-board technician's report that is left in the boat's cabin for the owner's review.

Over 60 vessels include the battery-bilge check service on their fall decommissioning work orders each year at Haven Harbour Marina, with a dozen or so more at Haven Harbour South. Some request a check each month from December through March, while others prefer only one or two check-ups during the depths of winter.

For more information on winter service and storage at Haven Harbour Marina or Haven Harbour South, please visit us online havenharbour.com/winter.

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