Installing New Batteries

[Hunter]

So My batteries are now 5 years old and I want to replace them...  They still test OK but I just want to replace with new so any advice to test them and just keep them is useless to me.

My question is all about procedure.   My current plan is to replace each batt one at a time.   First remove all of the positive connections, zip them together and then remove all of the negative connections and zip them together.   Then swap the batts with new and reverse the re-connection process.     Is that right?     

[Fisherdv]

Actually, I think it's the opposite. Disconnect the negative first, then the positive. Reverse for installing the new batteries.

[agoodhi]

I always remove negative followed by positive, then install positive followed by negative.

[DevMah]

I always remove negative followed by positive, then install positive followed by negative.

X 3
It is should always be done the this way.... Not so important in a Fiberglass boat with a battery switch but on a tin can boat with no switch removing the negative first on all batteries is better...

Dev

[Mooch]

Good practice to cover battery terminals, especially when removing or installing.  The plastic screw terminal covers can be found at any hardware store.



Because the aft battery area is extremely tight on Arima's with two batteries, I also tape my battery wrench.  Might be overkill, but I've experienced a shorted boat battery before and never want to again.   



 

[Hunter]

OK.... so my plan was perfect all except for the fact that it was 100% wrong...    NEG first, then Pos then reverse...  Thanks

[christianbrat]

Hunter, i have been doing it bass ackwards just the same if it makes you feel any better :P

[davidsea]

   The (-) first was a tradition in vehicles, where most all metal parts were a possible ground until the (-) cable was removed from the battery.    With a tinnie, most everything that isn't plastic, painted or upholstered is a ground, so breaking the ground at the battery first prevents sparks.

[disposable]

I've also been on the wrong team (but learning)

[La-Z-Buoy]

Looking at that taped up wrench made me remember one of the first rules I learned back in Basic Electronics class in the Air Force in 1971 - NEVER EVER trust an insulated tool to be insulated...... Just sayin.

[DevMah]

Good practice to cover battery terminals, especially when removing or installing.  The plastic screw terminal covers can be found at any hardware store.



Because the aft battery area is extremely tight on Arima's with two batteries, I also tape my battery wrench.  Might be overkill, but I've experienced a shorted boat battery before and never want to again.   

Yes you can buy complete pole covers and they are cheap.

http://www.vte-europe.com/content/termins/battterm/html/463Series/463Series.php

https://www.vtewarehouse.com/content/termins/battterm/html/458Series/458Series.php

And Wrygys slide out tray design works awesome. ( I copied his but used 4 slides vs 2)

Dev