I have 2 batteries on my 25 ft. which I keep charged by solar panels and outboard. I'm not sure, during the winter (mid East Coast), if I should keep the system connected or remove the batteries and take them home. Most people seem to leave the batteries on their boats. Unsure what's best -
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C
Champagne Girl
More Batteries
I currently only have one battery on my boat (which I removed for the winter - I am in Alaska). I am considering installing a second and charging both with my outboard and a wind generator. I am curious as to how you have your batteries laid out. The current battery is located in the starboard side lazerette. I was planning on putting the second under the port side bunk. Any thoughts? Thanks.
I currently only have one battery on my boat (which I removed for the winter - I am in Alaska). I am considering installing a second and charging both with my outboard and a wind generator. I am curious as to how you have your batteries laid out. The current battery is located in the starboard side lazerette. I was planning on putting the second under the port side bunk. Any thoughts? Thanks.
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Geof
How cold will it get?
Here in the slightly higher latitudes (Boston) it seems cold enough to freeze almost anything these last two winters. For that reason I pull the batteries and put them in the basement so that they won't go through any unnecessary freeze/thaw cycles. I drain them (electrically) every 6 weeks and recharge them. In order to drain them I have a trolling motor that runs in a bucket of water. As a matter of fact I'll be doing just that this week sometime. Geof
Here in the slightly higher latitudes (Boston) it seems cold enough to freeze almost anything these last two winters. For that reason I pull the batteries and put them in the basement so that they won't go through any unnecessary freeze/thaw cycles. I drain them (electrically) every 6 weeks and recharge them. In order to drain them I have a trolling motor that runs in a bucket of water. As a matter of fact I'll be doing just that this week sometime. Geof
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Geof
On the centerline
OUr batteries were in the starboard locker also when we got the boat. Along with the outboard engine being mounted on the starboard side of the transom. Together they added up to a slightly noticeable list while on the mooring. I moved the batteries onto the old inboard mounting tray. I put together a battery box for them out of some plywood last off-season. Attached is a picture that I took before I built the tray. I took it when I was musing about the project. I don't happen to have an after picture. Just my solution. Geof
OUr batteries were in the starboard locker also when we got the boat. Along with the outboard engine being mounted on the starboard side of the transom. Together they added up to a slightly noticeable list while on the mooring. I moved the batteries onto the old inboard mounting tray. I put together a battery box for them out of some plywood last off-season. Attached is a picture that I took before I built the tray. I took it when I was musing about the project. I don't happen to have an after picture. Just my solution. Geof
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Larry D.
ODay batteries
You're in Alaska and I'm worried about my batteries! I have two batteries wired together on the starboard side just aft of the frig cold box and below the aft berth (a cutout permits wire access under the starboard cockpit bench). The previous owner had only one battery and in the same location. When I bought "Nashira" the outboard was on the port stern, so I guess this helped with balance. This is especially true since I have upgraded from a 2-stroke 7.5 Mercury to a heavier 4-stroke 9.9 Honda , maintaining motor port and batteries starboard. Temp here falls to 15-20 deg. but flucuates greatly on the high side during the day. I've been to Alaska on vacation (3 months) but left in mid September therefore did not experience your winter. How long is your sailing season? I'm planning to move to northern NY on Lake Champlain and my season will probably fall to 5-6 months.
You're in Alaska and I'm worried about my batteries! I have two batteries wired together on the starboard side just aft of the frig cold box and below the aft berth (a cutout permits wire access under the starboard cockpit bench). The previous owner had only one battery and in the same location. When I bought "Nashira" the outboard was on the port stern, so I guess this helped with balance. This is especially true since I have upgraded from a 2-stroke 7.5 Mercury to a heavier 4-stroke 9.9 Honda , maintaining motor port and batteries starboard. Temp here falls to 15-20 deg. but flucuates greatly on the high side during the day. I've been to Alaska on vacation (3 months) but left in mid September therefore did not experience your winter. How long is your sailing season? I'm planning to move to northern NY on Lake Champlain and my season will probably fall to 5-6 months.
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Larry D.
ODay batteries
Thanks for the response. This area has a wide range (15-40 degrees)during the winter - like a roller coaster, but the ice can set up to 3-6 inches in my marina. I have taken my batteries out in previous years but last year and this year have left them onboard - boat on the hard. I do keep connected to a solar panel. This past weekend I was able to draw them down by running all my electric and hopefully the solar will boost them a little over time. But since they are deep cell I'm sure I could do better. Thanks again and good sail when the weather permit. PS - I definitely need to come up with something better since I eventually plan to move to Plattsburgh NY on Lake Champlain. How does the boat handle the big water/ocean?
Thanks for the response. This area has a wide range (15-40 degrees)during the winter - like a roller coaster, but the ice can set up to 3-6 inches in my marina. I have taken my batteries out in previous years but last year and this year have left them onboard - boat on the hard. I do keep connected to a solar panel. This past weekend I was able to draw them down by running all my electric and hopefully the solar will boost them a little over time. But since they are deep cell I'm sure I could do better. Thanks again and good sail when the weather permit. PS - I definitely need to come up with something better since I eventually plan to move to Plattsburgh NY on Lake Champlain. How does the boat handle the big water/ocean?
C
Champagne Girl
Alaska Sailing/Batteries
Our sailing season in Alaska is from about early April until the end of September. Not too bad - especially when you consider that it really doesn't get dark May - August. Thanks for in input on the batteries.
Our sailing season in Alaska is from about early April until the end of September. Not too bad - especially when you consider that it really doesn't get dark May - August. Thanks for in input on the batteries.
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