Marine Battery Load Tester

[Augie]

Someone recently suggested you could buy a load tester to more reliably check a marine battery condition. A simple meter like I have now may read full but be a poor indicator what happens under load, so I want to take the next step with a better tester. I found a 6/12 volt automotive load tester by Schumacher at Fleet Farm for about 40 bucks, can I assume a guy could test a 12 volt marine battery with it? Does it have to be interpretted different for a 12 volt marine cranking battery versus a 12 volt deep cycle trolling battery? What should I be looking for as an indication of a good marine battery when under load. Thanks alot, it is a pretty basic question but I have not tried this before and do not want to buy it if it won't work for a marine application.

[PJM]

Augie

Load testing a battery is the best way to test a battery. when you put a load on the will usually fail right away. I have a Snap-On load tester and that was more then $40, but then again you pay for the name. Most places like Batteries Plus will load test your batteries for you and that don't seem to charge you because they want to sell you a battery. A load tester will test any battery starting or deep cycle.....................

[perchjerker]

PJM is correct. The only thing I would add is there is a popular load tester available at parts stores made by Milton, its chrome in color, about a foot long and maybe 6 inches wide. Goes for $40-$60. I bought mine while I was wrenching years ago, still works like new. Very easy to use and understand.

[Airwave(OH)]

A marine battery will test the same way a automotive battery does. You can buy them at any NAPA store.