WITH summer and Christmas holidays well on their way, boaties are reminded to make simple checks before heading to the water.
Manly Coast Guard’s flotilla commander Steven Fleming says flat batteries are one of the most common problems encountered by Australia’s Coast Guard units when called to help boaties at sea.
Mr Fleming said they were called out at least once a week for a flat battery and most of the time the boat had an auto, not a marine, battery.
“Experienced skippers always carry a secondary marine battery aboard, and use it to power auxiliary systems such as radios and fridges while on the water,” Mr Fleming said.
“This ensures the primary marine battery is kept at full power and reserved to start the motor and get you home at the end of the day.
“Some boaties are unaware of development changes in battery technology.”
Mr Fleming said most boats and jet skis were taken to the water on a trailer and the extra bumping on the road could take its toll on batteries.
Battery World franchisee Steve Minter said boaties who used an auto battery instead of a marine battery were five times more likely to have battery failure at sea, putting people at risk.
Mr Minter said there were some simple checks to do before heading to the water.
“You can’t get a push on the water,” Mr Minter said.
“There could be little or no marine traffic where you are and the weather can change and suddenly you are in a life-threatening situation.
If you don’t belong to the Coast Guard there is also a rescue cost – and a new battery is a lot cheaper.”
Mr Minter said boat technology had become more complex incorporating advanced electronics and engine management systems.
“Fishers and boaties are running a lot of gadgets – charging our phone, running a fridge or playing music through a speaker all connected to the battery,” Mr Minter said.