Bayliner produces a range of sport and pleasure boats. The Bayliner 185 is an inboard-engine driven "bowrider" style craft. A bowrider has seats in the front, or bow, of the boat in addition to seating in the main portion of the boat. The Bayliner 185's engine uses a standard marine deep-cycle battery to start the engine and power the electrical systems. If you need to install a new battery in a Bayliner 185, all of the components can be accessed in the back of your boat.
Items you will need
Adjustable wrench
Replacement marine deep-cycle battery
Toothbrush
Cola-based soda
Dock the boat and tie it to the cleats. Turn off the engine and any electrical devices powered by the old battery.
Open the engine compartment cowling by gripping the edge of the cowling and pushing down and to the back, firmly, until the cowling lifts at an angle and opens the engine compartment.
Remove the plastic cap from the battery housing to expose the old battery and the cables. Remove the red cable from the old battery terminal, then remove the black cable. If the cable ends are corroded, use the toothbrush dipped in the cola to remove the crud. The acid in the cola breaks down battery terminal corrosion.
Take out the old battery and place the new battery into the housing. Connect the black cable to the new battery's black terminal first, as this cable also acts as the grounding wire. Connect the red cable and place the housing cap back onto the battery housing.
Turn on the pump or lights to test the battery and connection, then close the engine cowling.
References
Writer Bio
A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.
