Newb Marine Battery Question

[Brian_in_Waterford]

This is probably a very lame question, but why do marine batteries have four posts? :redface:

 

[raekmike]

Re: Newb Marine Battery Question

2 standard posts to hook up your cables to your motor for starting just like an automotive battery. The other 2 that are threaded are used to hook up the many accessories that boats use. The connectors slide down on the threaded posts and you tighten them down with the wing nuts...

 

[83Galaxie]

Re: Newb Marine Battery Question

WOW glad I read this post! I am having issues with my battery today not cranking hard enough to start my motor,the +/- cables on mine are attached to the accessory terminals not the post,could this cause any issues?

 

[raekmike]

Re: Newb Marine Battery Question

very possible. depends on your motor size and draw. If your not on the posts you won't have a proper connection for the amount of amps you need to pull and also it won't recharge the battery while running as it should. ensure your battery is fully charged and hooked to the main terminals...then go from there.

 

[Brian_in_Waterford]

Re: Newb Marine Battery Question

Thanks raekmike!

 

[Brian_in_Waterford]

Re: Newb Marine Battery Question

One further clarification. My new battery came with a hex nut and lock washer on each threaded post. Is it best practice to attach my electrical leads BETWEEN the hex nut and wing nut, or does the hex nut REPLACE the wing nut?

Also, the leads from my motor end in 3/8" ring connectors. These won't fit over the unthreaded posts of my new battery. PO left behind, in the glove box, what appears to be an adaptor that will fit over the unthreaded post and accepts the 3/8" ring connector. I just found one, which I figure must be for the positive lead from the motor. Do I need to get another for the negative, or can I just attach the 3/8" ring (from the motor) to the *threaded* negative post?

 

[raekmike]

Re: Newb Marine Battery Question

Using just the wing nut will be fine since it will "sandwich" the connectors down against the lead at the base. As far as the leads from the starter i would go to the auto parts store and get proper lead battery connectors the clamp down on your non threaded posts. The after market ones will allow you to clamp your wires into them.

 

[flargin]

Re: Newb Marine Battery Question

many are going away from wing nuts since they may not get 'tight' enough. use the nut and a light tightening with a wrench (15 ft lbs torque)

Also, try sanding down to a shiny finish the ends before you go with the auto-style, sometimes that is all that is needed.