*‘Sail Away’ on 2.5 to 30hp tiller-controlled models the price includes dealer pre-delivery charges. Tiller models 40HP and above excludes pre-delivery costs.
*Summer Steals promotional price on tiller models 70HP and above excludes pre-delivery costs.
“Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price” (MSRP) excludes fitting and associated costs.
‘Sail Away’ on Suzumar inflatable boat package includes the inflatable boat, outboard motor, and associated pre-delivery charges. Excludes trailer and fitment to a trailer.
^ Comparison rate is calculated on a secured consumer fixed rate loan of $30,000 for a term of 5 years. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.
Information provided is factual information only, and is not intended to imply any recommendation about any financial product(s) or constitute tax advice. If you require advice you should consult a licensed financial or tax adviser.
Stratton Finance Pty Ltd Australian Credit Licence No.364340, AFCA Member, and FBAA Member.
Information is current as at 10/12/2024 and subject to change. Suzuki Australia Pty Ltd is a trademark of Suzuki (ABN 57 001 828 164).
All applications for credit are subject to lender assessment and eligibility criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply.
Suzuki Finance is a trading name of Suzuki Australia Pty Limited ABN 57 001 838 164 and has partnered with Stratton Finance ABN 63 070 636 903 Australian credit licence 364340 an asset finance broker that has access to a panel of lenders that offer marine and motor finance.
Suzuki Marine may receive a financial benefit for referrals that result in a settled loan with one of Stratton Finance’s panel of lenders.
*Interest rates range from 7% p.a. – 12.29% p.a.. (Comparison rates range from 7.9% p.a. – 13.61% p.a.^). The actual interest rate will depend on the borrower’s circumstances and financial situation.
^Comparison rates are calculated on a secured loan of $30,000 and a term of 5 years. WARNING: The comparison rate is true only for the examples given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate.
Personal information is collected, used, stored and disclosed in accordance with Stratton Finance’s Privacy Policy (https://www.strattonfinance.com.au/privacy-policy) and Suzuki Finance’s Privacy Policy (https://www.suzukimarine.com.au/privacy).
6 Ways Your Boat Batteries Fail
Here are the most common modes of failure for marine batteries, and what you can do to avoid them.
1. Overheating and Extreme Cold
Although marine batteries are designed to stand up to rugged use, they are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations than many owners may realize. During extremely hot temperatures, batteries tend to expand and push out energy at a higher-than-normal rate. High temperatures can result in electrolyte loss and increased discharge.
In frigid temperatures, the opposite tends to be true. Cold temperatures force the battery to work harder, and the result may be a lower discharge rate. Either way, your unit suffers an undue strain that may shorten its lifespan.
What to Do: Keep our marine battery in a controlled environment whenever possible. If your boat is in a dry dock during extreme weather, make sure the battery is housed in a moderate temperature environment.
2. Improper Charging
Marine batteries may appear to be a universal type of commercial product, but they require very specific charging profiles and maintenance. One of the areas that some marine battery owners inadvertently damage the products is during that recharging phase.
Each battery has its own recharging specifications. Putting yours on overly high voltage for a quick charge is likely to cause an early end to the service life. High voltages cause sulfation, which is when the internal plates to displace the elements that make them uniquely powerful. High voltages also speed up corrosion and faster discharge rates.
What to Do: Follow the charging guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Adhere to the required voltage and do not overcharge the unit. Installing a quality onboard charger is the best practice for getting the longest service life and best performance from flooded and AGM marine batteries alike.
3. Sulfation of the Cells
While counterintuitive, it is not uncommon for flooded batteries to falter earlier than expected due to underuse. When lead-acid batteries discharge less than 30 per cent of their capacity, acid tends to accumulate in the form of sulphate crystals on the lead plates.
This build-up can significantly inhibit the unit’s performance. What may be even more strange is that the battery shows no noticeable effects and can function well enough until untimely needs early replacement.
What to Do: Work with a marine charger that has an equalization option that ramps up the voltage at least once per year. This will help disperse sulphate crystal build-up and improve battery life.
4. Poor Long-Term Storage Practices
Some may remember when storing a battery on a garage floor spelled ruin. While those days are over, storage remains a key issue to long-term battery health. Storing batteries that are not clean can lead to unnecessary corrosion. Storing them when they are not fully charged can cause them to lose the ability to fully recharge later.
As noted above, the temperature can play a role in battery life. If you live in a cold climate, store your batteries indoors, hooked up to a battery minder to keep them topped off.
What to Do: When storing a battery over several months, be certain that it has been adequately cleaned and maintains a full charge. Store marine batteries in dry, temperature-controlled environments for best results come springtime.
5. Using the Wrong Battery Type for the Application
Many batteries may appear similar, but they are not necessarily designed for interchangeable use. Marine batteries fall into several applications because the demands placed on them differ greatly. Using a battery for general purposes or in the wrong application can have a negative impact on its lifespan. A deep cycle vs cranking battery for trolling motors, for example, are worlds apart.
What to Do: When choosing a marine battery, it’s important to set up a new boating system with the best battery for each application. Replace all the batteries at one time so they are matched, for best performance. Do not mix AGM and flooded batteries in a parallel configuration, such as a trolling motor.
6. Improper Installation
One sneaky mode of failure is poor installation, which can lead to acid leaks, fire, and even a battery explosion. In a less frightening sense, things such as loose cables or poorly maintained posts can reduce a batteries life expectancy.
What to Do: Mount the batteries in a properly sized battery tray, check your group size and compare to the battery tray and use straps to prevent sliding around in the compartment. Use cable boots and nuts to secure the power leads to the battery terminals.
