Batteries and some wires got wet, does it matter?

[northoceanbeach]

I knew it would happen sometime, my two batteries and the wires attached to them and some other wires in the lazarette got wet.

I have an attachment at my engine to hook up a hose and of course it didn't fit well and sprayed water all over the place.

I used a whole roll of paper towels and dryer all the batteries and wires. Is there anything else I should do? I don't want a short, a fire or any other problems.

It's a sailboat, I assume things do get wet right?

[Privilege]

Nope; you're good to go. That's why marine cable should be properly sealed with heat shrink tubing. If yours is not, then moisture may have wicked its way inside the cable covering. If it keeps happening it will eventually shorten the life of the wire but for now you'll be fine.

[exMaggieDrum]

Makes a big difference whether it was salt water or fresh. Fresh is usually not a problem provided you can get everything dry at some point. And tinned wire will survive better than non-tinned. Heat shrink is fine but often the smaller wires do not have heat shrink terminals. Salt water on them is a real problem. But just rinse really well and monitor the wires at the terminal ends for any signs of corrosion in the future. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it but it is something you don't want to do all the time.

[northoceanbeach]

No, fresh water. Phew. I don't know why they decided to install the engine fresh water flush right above my batteries. It's a nice feature to have, and no doubt extends engine life. But you know how hoses attach, there is almost always spray.

[Steve Bean]

How about installing some sort of shielding such as a sheet of canvas or vinyl?

[DeepFrz]

Try the "Seal Genie" hose washer and let us know how it works.