Choosing the Right Link Building Campaign

Link building plays a vital role in order to be seen on the search engines. It is no secret that the Internet is very competitive with millions of websites trying to be number one on the SERPs (search engine result pages). If a website does not have the appropriate SEO (search engine optimization) strategies, such as link building, they will not stand a chance in the Internet world. As a result, this will reduce the organic traffic and possibly business opportunities.

When it comes to link building, the main goal is to obtain high quality links with the proper anchor texts. An anchor text, also known as link label or text link, is the visible clickable text on a hyperlink. Not all links will have an anchor text because it may be apparent where the link will lead the user. An anchor text users appropriate keywords that are ranked highly in the search engine algorithms.

The main purpose of link building is to use anchor text that use relevant keywords, produce high quality links and build strength in the SERPs. When building these hyperlinks, they become a valuable portion of the SEO campaign. In result, this will bring more traffic naturally, which can lead to more sales or readers for a website owner.

Tips on choosing the right link building service

The importance of a link building service can make or break a campaign. There are some important factors to consider when choosing the right service. Here are some tips to sort out the good from the bad:

Expertise - Webmasters and link building firms must understand the most advanced links when building their presence throughout the search engine algorithms. It is smart to read the website of the firm before deciding to hire them. To make this simple, the company should understand the full prism of SEO marketing, search engine algorithms and other digital marketing campaigns.

References - Do not be afraid to ask for references or proven campaign success in the industry. The firm should be proud and provide their past successes for all to see. Be sure to follow up claims by just searching what they claim to be number one in rankings. If they say, they are number one for "coffee" then search coffee. With the new search results on Google, be sure to switch to public searches to get an accurate idea of their results.

In conclusion, when searching for a link building service or company, be sure to always do research first. Go online and read what others say about the service or company. If possible, get references and follow up claims. This will help one save money and avoid wasting money and efforts on a poorly devised campaign.

How to Use Blogs for Search Engine Optimization and Backlink Building   Backlink Building: How to Use Q and A Sites to Build Better Links   Backlink Building: How to Get Quality Backlinks From Facebook   7 Reasons You Should Start Your Link Building Campaign Today   Tips to Launch an Effective Back Link Campaign   Backlink Generator: How to Get Your Website Found Online   

A Stylish Study of Price

When I first started trading, I used to beat myself up when my equity curve was either losing money or not growing consistently like I wanted it to. Consequently, I would constantly search for better entries, better systems etc. It finally dawned on me that there was a strong correlation to my equity curve and ES (S&P mini futures) volatility. My profit and loss statements would increase rapidly during periods of high volatility and would remain stagnant in periods of sideways or up-grinding markets.

Contrary to pundits and pushy trading educators, traditional (albeit boring) academic finance can be a value-added tool in the retail trader's arsenal. Stephen J Taylor introduced the notion of Stylized Facts, which provide great insight into our basis for understanding volatility and the best scenarios for intraday trading. In his book Asset Price Dynamics,Taylor lists some Stylized Facts for intraday returns:

Intraday returns have a fat-tailed distribution, whose kurtosis increases at the frequency of price observations increases. Intraday returns from traded assets are almost uncorrelated, with any important dependence usually restricted to a negative correlation between consecutive returns. There is a substantial positive dependence among intraday absolute returns, which occurs at many low lags and also among returns separated by an integer number of days. The average level of volatility depends on the time of day, with a significant intraday variation. There are short bursts of high volatility in intraday prices that follow major macroeconomic announcements.

What can we learn professor Taylor's study? One, it's really important to break intraday trading in futures or equities into timeframes. Traders make money by being on the correct side of substantial price fluctuations; however, if one is trading during a period of low volatility the likelihood of profitable scalp trading is very low. Two, bursts of volatility following major macroeconomic events can offer savvy traders great opportunities to take advantage of technical chart patterns. Thirdly, we also know that volatility comes in bunches. Meaning that there is a strong likelihood that periods of larger price movement tend to cluster together. Lastly, traders can use this to extrapolate the best times of day for a particular style of trading. For example, during the first hour (initial balance) traders might use a scalping strategy as a opposed to a trend following strategy, while in the afternoon a trader might be better served to hop on the established trend for the day.

In conclusion, if retail traders can align strategies with probable periods of high and low volatility they will see their overall equity curve increase exponentially.

Trading Knowledge For Success in the Futures Market   Understanding the Basics of Futures Options   Commodity Trading Tips   Greek Default Imminent   

Why You May Never Lose Weight for Good Unless You Detox

You want to lose weight and keep it off, don't you? You don't want to be going up and down with your weight forever, constantly struggling to maintain any weight loss success you see.

No-one is going to go out and say that they want to lose weight only in the short term. They're not going to say that they want to 'lose weight for a while and then pile it all back on again'. Nope, anyone who has a problem with their weight wants a permanent solution. The problem is, most people have no idea what that solution is.

They think they do, however. They think that a regular diet or nutrition plan is going to give them the results that they want. They think they'll start eating healthily and somehow they'll manage to maintain this forever and stay slim and healthy for good.

No chance.

Nope, not gonna happen. I'm sorry to announce that only about 1 in 200 people end up losing weight and keeping it off for good from dieting alone. Not good odds for anyone and the chances are pretty high you're going to be one of the 199... no the 0.5 per cent minority!

What you may also not know is that detoxing is essential if you want to lose weight for good. Why? Well let me briefly tell you.

Toxins are all around us. They're in chemicals in our food, they're in our beauty products, they're in the air, they're everywhere. These toxins, when ingested by the body, are stored in our fat cells. Naturally, a toxic build up is bad for our body so it needs to protect itself from this toxicity. And do you know what protects our organs and nervous system? Fat.

Yep, we all need some fat around our organs and nervous system as protection. And the more toxic we are, the more protection we're going to need. So, when you go on a diet and your fat cells get smaller, you're actually making yourself more toxic.

How?

Well, because the toxins are stored in our fat cells, so as they get smaller, and the toxins remain, you end up becoming more toxic. Not good, right.

The way that the body responds to this higher concentration of toxicity is to actually go into fat production mode to help protect the organs and nervous system. So you end up putting on the fat you have just lost as a defence mechanism against the toxins in your fat cells.

This is one of the main reasons why you may well have suffered from rebound weight gain before. Unless you reduce the toxicity in your fat cells, you're not going to be able to lose that fat and keep it off.

So, detoxing becomes a vital part of any long term weight loss plan and it should certainly be high on your agenda if you are struggling in a cycle of yo-yo dieting and rebound weight gain.

Why You May Never Lose Weight for Good Unless You Detox   Safe Fat Loss Foods For Teen Weight Loss   

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever

Among several outstanding cruisers under 30 feet built over the years, the Bertram 28 Flybridge Cruiser (1971-94) ranks among the best for its timeless styling, versatile layout, and consistent owner satisfaction. Over 2,800 Bertram 28s were built in various configurations making her the company's all-time best-selling model. Designed along the lines of the classic Bertram 31, the 28 quickly established her reputation with offshore anglers as a durable fishing platform with comfortable cabin accommodations and excellent range.

Like all Bertrams of her era, the 28 rides on a solid fiberglass deep-V hull; her broad 11-foot beam, however, is unusually wide for a 28-footer. Belowdecks, a space-efficient interior includes a convertible dinette, efficient galley with sink and refrigerator, standup head with shower, and adequate, if not copious, of storage. (Note that the original mica interior was dropped in 1983 and replaced with light oak trim.) In 1982, the Bertram 28 Mark II came out featuring a slightly extended cabin bulkhead, and in 1994 the fuel capacity was increased to 240 gallons. With the 28 III model (1990-94), the cabin was slightly revised, and the bench seat on the flybridge was replaced with a pedestal helm seat. Superior workmanship and constant refinements kept the Bertram 28 in the forefront of small fishing boat designs during her long production run. Twin 230hp gas inboards (19 knots cruise/27 knots top) were standard until 1985 when they were replaced with larger 260hp MerCruisers (21 cruise/30 top). In 1992 optional 230hp Volvo diesels (27 knots cruise/30 knots wide open) became available. While fuel efficiency wasn't a huge factor during her production years, it's worth pointing out that most gas-powered Bertram 28s will get close to one mile per gallon at her 30-knot cruising speed -- not bad for a heavy, deep-V boat.

Given all of her assets, it should be noted that the 28 is a seriously wet boat in even a modest headsea so be prepared to get drenched on the bridge. More importantly, however, the fiberglass fuel tanks used in all Bertrams of that era are not fond of today's ethanol-blended gas. Fiberglass tanks will deteriorate quickly when exposed to E10 (a solvent) causing the fuel system to gum up and the engine to quit. Short of finding a source on non-ethanol gas, the options here are changing out the original tank or keeping it and repowering with diesels. Replacing the tank will run $3,000 to $5,000, and repowering with diesels will cost many thousands more. All of which makes the purchase of a used Bertram 28 (or any gas-powered Bertram with fiberglass tanks) somewhat problematic. At the time of this writing (winter, 2013) there continue to be a good supply of used Bertram 28s listed at various online classified sites, most all with the original fiberglass fuel tanks. Still, the cost of replacing the tank can be justified when one considers the many assets of this popular model. For those willing to go through the time and effort required to get the tank replaced, the pride and enjoyment that come with owning a well-maintained Bertram 28 would be hard to overestimate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   

Maintenance of Marine Batteries

The strength and capacity of a marine battery is defined by its plate size and amperage output. Marine starting batteries, used on larger vessels that have many "house" electrical systems, have high amperage outputs and more plate surface for bursts of energy lasting for five to 15 seconds. Starting batteries are independent of all the other electrical systems on board a craft, including house batteries.

House batteries have thicker but fewer plates than starting batteries, use (DC), or direct current and are designed to supply electricity to on board components such as the windless, stereo, bilge pump, navigational instruments and lighting. Smaller craft use a single dual-purpose deep cell marine battery, designed to start and run all electrical systems. Picking a starting or house battery requires matching the amperage and type of battery to the engine size and number of electrical components on the craft, which is outlined in the owner's manual.

The charging fluids in marine batteries come in three basic types: wet cell, AGM (absorbed glass mat), and gel. Wet cell batteries are filled with a watery charging fluid, which can be inspected from a removal cell cap. These batteries last long and are cheaper than the other types. They need to be vented to dissipate internal pressure and pose the problem of acid spills and deterioration. AGM batteries are sealed, making them maintenance free. They resist shock and vibration better than the wet type, but cost more. They are also heavier and can suffer damage from overcharging. Gel batteries, also maintenance free and resistant to shock damage, have a very low discharge rate, making them the optimum choice for long-period storage. They cost more than the other types, and are more sensitive to recharging techniques, which requires a special gel-type battery charger.

Maintenance on the AGM and gel batteries requires only a visual inspection, to check for outer case damage and clean-tight cable connections. Since they are sealed, a voltmeter is used to measure the standing volts, or charge capacity. A 100% charge will indicate 12.73 volts; a 60% charge will indicate 12.24 volts and a 20% charge will show a reading of 11.66 volts. Wet cell batteries can be checked with a hydrometer in each of the battery cells, or by a voltmeter. A hydrometer will show the specific gravity of the acid fluid by indicating a reading that is produced by a floating ball inside a tube. The scale on the hydrometer tube will show charge rates beginning with low and ranging to full. Wet cell battery fluid must be checked and maintained at least once a month. Distilled water is added to the cell, to bring the level up to 1/8-inch over the top of the plate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   

Maintenance of Marine Batteries

The strength and capacity of a marine battery is defined by its plate size and amperage output. Marine starting batteries, used on larger vessels that have many "house" electrical systems, have high amperage outputs and more plate surface for bursts of energy lasting for five to 15 seconds. Starting batteries are independent of all the other electrical systems on board a craft, including house batteries.

House batteries have thicker but fewer plates than starting batteries, use (DC), or direct current and are designed to supply electricity to on board components such as the windless, stereo, bilge pump, navigational instruments and lighting. Smaller craft use a single dual-purpose deep cell marine battery, designed to start and run all electrical systems. Picking a starting or house battery requires matching the amperage and type of battery to the engine size and number of electrical components on the craft, which is outlined in the owner's manual.

The charging fluids in marine batteries come in three basic types: wet cell, AGM (absorbed glass mat), and gel. Wet cell batteries are filled with a watery charging fluid, which can be inspected from a removal cell cap. These batteries last long and are cheaper than the other types. They need to be vented to dissipate internal pressure and pose the problem of acid spills and deterioration. AGM batteries are sealed, making them maintenance free. They resist shock and vibration better than the wet type, but cost more. They are also heavier and can suffer damage from overcharging. Gel batteries, also maintenance free and resistant to shock damage, have a very low discharge rate, making them the optimum choice for long-period storage. They cost more than the other types, and are more sensitive to recharging techniques, which requires a special gel-type battery charger.

Maintenance on the AGM and gel batteries requires only a visual inspection, to check for outer case damage and clean-tight cable connections. Since they are sealed, a voltmeter is used to measure the standing volts, or charge capacity. A 100% charge will indicate 12.73 volts; a 60% charge will indicate 12.24 volts and a 20% charge will show a reading of 11.66 volts. Wet cell batteries can be checked with a hydrometer in each of the battery cells, or by a voltmeter. A hydrometer will show the specific gravity of the acid fluid by indicating a reading that is produced by a floating ball inside a tube. The scale on the hydrometer tube will show charge rates beginning with low and ranging to full. Wet cell battery fluid must be checked and maintained at least once a month. Distilled water is added to the cell, to bring the level up to 1/8-inch over the top of the plate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever

Among several outstanding cruisers under 30 feet built over the years, the Bertram 28 Flybridge Cruiser (1971-94) ranks among the best for its timeless styling, versatile layout, and consistent owner satisfaction. Over 2,800 Bertram 28s were built in various configurations making her the company's all-time best-selling model. Designed along the lines of the classic Bertram 31, the 28 quickly established her reputation with offshore anglers as a durable fishing platform with comfortable cabin accommodations and excellent range.

Like all Bertrams of her era, the 28 rides on a solid fiberglass deep-V hull; her broad 11-foot beam, however, is unusually wide for a 28-footer. Belowdecks, a space-efficient interior includes a convertible dinette, efficient galley with sink and refrigerator, standup head with shower, and adequate, if not copious, of storage. (Note that the original mica interior was dropped in 1983 and replaced with light oak trim.) In 1982, the Bertram 28 Mark II came out featuring a slightly extended cabin bulkhead, and in 1994 the fuel capacity was increased to 240 gallons. With the 28 III model (1990-94), the cabin was slightly revised, and the bench seat on the flybridge was replaced with a pedestal helm seat. Superior workmanship and constant refinements kept the Bertram 28 in the forefront of small fishing boat designs during her long production run. Twin 230hp gas inboards (19 knots cruise/27 knots top) were standard until 1985 when they were replaced with larger 260hp MerCruisers (21 cruise/30 top). In 1992 optional 230hp Volvo diesels (27 knots cruise/30 knots wide open) became available. While fuel efficiency wasn't a huge factor during her production years, it's worth pointing out that most gas-powered Bertram 28s will get close to one mile per gallon at her 30-knot cruising speed -- not bad for a heavy, deep-V boat.

Given all of her assets, it should be noted that the 28 is a seriously wet boat in even a modest headsea so be prepared to get drenched on the bridge. More importantly, however, the fiberglass fuel tanks used in all Bertrams of that era are not fond of today's ethanol-blended gas. Fiberglass tanks will deteriorate quickly when exposed to E10 (a solvent) causing the fuel system to gum up and the engine to quit. Short of finding a source on non-ethanol gas, the options here are changing out the original tank or keeping it and repowering with diesels. Replacing the tank will run $3,000 to $5,000, and repowering with diesels will cost many thousands more. All of which makes the purchase of a used Bertram 28 (or any gas-powered Bertram with fiberglass tanks) somewhat problematic. At the time of this writing (winter, 2013) there continue to be a good supply of used Bertram 28s listed at various online classified sites, most all with the original fiberglass fuel tanks. Still, the cost of replacing the tank can be justified when one considers the many assets of this popular model. For those willing to go through the time and effort required to get the tank replaced, the pride and enjoyment that come with owning a well-maintained Bertram 28 would be hard to overestimate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   

Maintenance of Marine Batteries

The strength and capacity of a marine battery is defined by its plate size and amperage output. Marine starting batteries, used on larger vessels that have many "house" electrical systems, have high amperage outputs and more plate surface for bursts of energy lasting for five to 15 seconds. Starting batteries are independent of all the other electrical systems on board a craft, including house batteries.

House batteries have thicker but fewer plates than starting batteries, use (DC), or direct current and are designed to supply electricity to on board components such as the windless, stereo, bilge pump, navigational instruments and lighting. Smaller craft use a single dual-purpose deep cell marine battery, designed to start and run all electrical systems. Picking a starting or house battery requires matching the amperage and type of battery to the engine size and number of electrical components on the craft, which is outlined in the owner's manual.

The charging fluids in marine batteries come in three basic types: wet cell, AGM (absorbed glass mat), and gel. Wet cell batteries are filled with a watery charging fluid, which can be inspected from a removal cell cap. These batteries last long and are cheaper than the other types. They need to be vented to dissipate internal pressure and pose the problem of acid spills and deterioration. AGM batteries are sealed, making them maintenance free. They resist shock and vibration better than the wet type, but cost more. They are also heavier and can suffer damage from overcharging. Gel batteries, also maintenance free and resistant to shock damage, have a very low discharge rate, making them the optimum choice for long-period storage. They cost more than the other types, and are more sensitive to recharging techniques, which requires a special gel-type battery charger.

Maintenance on the AGM and gel batteries requires only a visual inspection, to check for outer case damage and clean-tight cable connections. Since they are sealed, a voltmeter is used to measure the standing volts, or charge capacity. A 100% charge will indicate 12.73 volts; a 60% charge will indicate 12.24 volts and a 20% charge will show a reading of 11.66 volts. Wet cell batteries can be checked with a hydrometer in each of the battery cells, or by a voltmeter. A hydrometer will show the specific gravity of the acid fluid by indicating a reading that is produced by a floating ball inside a tube. The scale on the hydrometer tube will show charge rates beginning with low and ranging to full. Wet cell battery fluid must be checked and maintained at least once a month. Distilled water is added to the cell, to bring the level up to 1/8-inch over the top of the plate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   

Maintenance of Marine Batteries

The strength and capacity of a marine battery is defined by its plate size and amperage output. Marine starting batteries, used on larger vessels that have many "house" electrical systems, have high amperage outputs and more plate surface for bursts of energy lasting for five to 15 seconds. Starting batteries are independent of all the other electrical systems on board a craft, including house batteries.

House batteries have thicker but fewer plates than starting batteries, use (DC), or direct current and are designed to supply electricity to on board components such as the windless, stereo, bilge pump, navigational instruments and lighting. Smaller craft use a single dual-purpose deep cell marine battery, designed to start and run all electrical systems. Picking a starting or house battery requires matching the amperage and type of battery to the engine size and number of electrical components on the craft, which is outlined in the owner's manual.

The charging fluids in marine batteries come in three basic types: wet cell, AGM (absorbed glass mat), and gel. Wet cell batteries are filled with a watery charging fluid, which can be inspected from a removal cell cap. These batteries last long and are cheaper than the other types. They need to be vented to dissipate internal pressure and pose the problem of acid spills and deterioration. AGM batteries are sealed, making them maintenance free. They resist shock and vibration better than the wet type, but cost more. They are also heavier and can suffer damage from overcharging. Gel batteries, also maintenance free and resistant to shock damage, have a very low discharge rate, making them the optimum choice for long-period storage. They cost more than the other types, and are more sensitive to recharging techniques, which requires a special gel-type battery charger.

Maintenance on the AGM and gel batteries requires only a visual inspection, to check for outer case damage and clean-tight cable connections. Since they are sealed, a voltmeter is used to measure the standing volts, or charge capacity. A 100% charge will indicate 12.73 volts; a 60% charge will indicate 12.24 volts and a 20% charge will show a reading of 11.66 volts. Wet cell batteries can be checked with a hydrometer in each of the battery cells, or by a voltmeter. A hydrometer will show the specific gravity of the acid fluid by indicating a reading that is produced by a floating ball inside a tube. The scale on the hydrometer tube will show charge rates beginning with low and ranging to full. Wet cell battery fluid must be checked and maintained at least once a month. Distilled water is added to the cell, to bring the level up to 1/8-inch over the top of the plate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   

Maintenance of Marine Batteries

The strength and capacity of a marine battery is defined by its plate size and amperage output. Marine starting batteries, used on larger vessels that have many "house" electrical systems, have high amperage outputs and more plate surface for bursts of energy lasting for five to 15 seconds. Starting batteries are independent of all the other electrical systems on board a craft, including house batteries.

House batteries have thicker but fewer plates than starting batteries, use (DC), or direct current and are designed to supply electricity to on board components such as the windless, stereo, bilge pump, navigational instruments and lighting. Smaller craft use a single dual-purpose deep cell marine battery, designed to start and run all electrical systems. Picking a starting or house battery requires matching the amperage and type of battery to the engine size and number of electrical components on the craft, which is outlined in the owner's manual.

The charging fluids in marine batteries come in three basic types: wet cell, AGM (absorbed glass mat), and gel. Wet cell batteries are filled with a watery charging fluid, which can be inspected from a removal cell cap. These batteries last long and are cheaper than the other types. They need to be vented to dissipate internal pressure and pose the problem of acid spills and deterioration. AGM batteries are sealed, making them maintenance free. They resist shock and vibration better than the wet type, but cost more. They are also heavier and can suffer damage from overcharging. Gel batteries, also maintenance free and resistant to shock damage, have a very low discharge rate, making them the optimum choice for long-period storage. They cost more than the other types, and are more sensitive to recharging techniques, which requires a special gel-type battery charger.

Maintenance on the AGM and gel batteries requires only a visual inspection, to check for outer case damage and clean-tight cable connections. Since they are sealed, a voltmeter is used to measure the standing volts, or charge capacity. A 100% charge will indicate 12.73 volts; a 60% charge will indicate 12.24 volts and a 20% charge will show a reading of 11.66 volts. Wet cell batteries can be checked with a hydrometer in each of the battery cells, or by a voltmeter. A hydrometer will show the specific gravity of the acid fluid by indicating a reading that is produced by a floating ball inside a tube. The scale on the hydrometer tube will show charge rates beginning with low and ranging to full. Wet cell battery fluid must be checked and maintained at least once a month. Distilled water is added to the cell, to bring the level up to 1/8-inch over the top of the plate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   

Maintenance of Marine Batteries

The strength and capacity of a marine battery is defined by its plate size and amperage output. Marine starting batteries, used on larger vessels that have many "house" electrical systems, have high amperage outputs and more plate surface for bursts of energy lasting for five to 15 seconds. Starting batteries are independent of all the other electrical systems on board a craft, including house batteries.

House batteries have thicker but fewer plates than starting batteries, use (DC), or direct current and are designed to supply electricity to on board components such as the windless, stereo, bilge pump, navigational instruments and lighting. Smaller craft use a single dual-purpose deep cell marine battery, designed to start and run all electrical systems. Picking a starting or house battery requires matching the amperage and type of battery to the engine size and number of electrical components on the craft, which is outlined in the owner's manual.

The charging fluids in marine batteries come in three basic types: wet cell, AGM (absorbed glass mat), and gel. Wet cell batteries are filled with a watery charging fluid, which can be inspected from a removal cell cap. These batteries last long and are cheaper than the other types. They need to be vented to dissipate internal pressure and pose the problem of acid spills and deterioration. AGM batteries are sealed, making them maintenance free. They resist shock and vibration better than the wet type, but cost more. They are also heavier and can suffer damage from overcharging. Gel batteries, also maintenance free and resistant to shock damage, have a very low discharge rate, making them the optimum choice for long-period storage. They cost more than the other types, and are more sensitive to recharging techniques, which requires a special gel-type battery charger.

Maintenance on the AGM and gel batteries requires only a visual inspection, to check for outer case damage and clean-tight cable connections. Since they are sealed, a voltmeter is used to measure the standing volts, or charge capacity. A 100% charge will indicate 12.73 volts; a 60% charge will indicate 12.24 volts and a 20% charge will show a reading of 11.66 volts. Wet cell batteries can be checked with a hydrometer in each of the battery cells, or by a voltmeter. A hydrometer will show the specific gravity of the acid fluid by indicating a reading that is produced by a floating ball inside a tube. The scale on the hydrometer tube will show charge rates beginning with low and ranging to full. Wet cell battery fluid must be checked and maintained at least once a month. Distilled water is added to the cell, to bring the level up to 1/8-inch over the top of the plate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   

Maintenance of Marine Batteries

The strength and capacity of a marine battery is defined by its plate size and amperage output. Marine starting batteries, used on larger vessels that have many "house" electrical systems, have high amperage outputs and more plate surface for bursts of energy lasting for five to 15 seconds. Starting batteries are independent of all the other electrical systems on board a craft, including house batteries.

House batteries have thicker but fewer plates than starting batteries, use (DC), or direct current and are designed to supply electricity to on board components such as the windless, stereo, bilge pump, navigational instruments and lighting. Smaller craft use a single dual-purpose deep cell marine battery, designed to start and run all electrical systems. Picking a starting or house battery requires matching the amperage and type of battery to the engine size and number of electrical components on the craft, which is outlined in the owner's manual.

The charging fluids in marine batteries come in three basic types: wet cell, AGM (absorbed glass mat), and gel. Wet cell batteries are filled with a watery charging fluid, which can be inspected from a removal cell cap. These batteries last long and are cheaper than the other types. They need to be vented to dissipate internal pressure and pose the problem of acid spills and deterioration. AGM batteries are sealed, making them maintenance free. They resist shock and vibration better than the wet type, but cost more. They are also heavier and can suffer damage from overcharging. Gel batteries, also maintenance free and resistant to shock damage, have a very low discharge rate, making them the optimum choice for long-period storage. They cost more than the other types, and are more sensitive to recharging techniques, which requires a special gel-type battery charger.

Maintenance on the AGM and gel batteries requires only a visual inspection, to check for outer case damage and clean-tight cable connections. Since they are sealed, a voltmeter is used to measure the standing volts, or charge capacity. A 100% charge will indicate 12.73 volts; a 60% charge will indicate 12.24 volts and a 20% charge will show a reading of 11.66 volts. Wet cell batteries can be checked with a hydrometer in each of the battery cells, or by a voltmeter. A hydrometer will show the specific gravity of the acid fluid by indicating a reading that is produced by a floating ball inside a tube. The scale on the hydrometer tube will show charge rates beginning with low and ranging to full. Wet cell battery fluid must be checked and maintained at least once a month. Distilled water is added to the cell, to bring the level up to 1/8-inch over the top of the plate.

The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever   The Best 28-Foot Cruiser Ever