Battery help

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Sep 1, 2009
69
2003 Hunter 326 Lake Erie Ford Yacht Club
I have boat up for the winter and have stored the two batteries in my basement. Should they be on a trickle charge for the winter, or do I just charge before I drop boat?
 
Dec 1, 1999
2,391
Hunter 28.5 Chesapeake Bay
I also keep my two wet cell batteries in the basement over the winter. Batteries will lose a small per cent of their charge just sitting and under no load, so it's probably wise to hook up a trickle charger now and then. I usually test my batteries with a DVOM about once a month and then alternate which is on the trickle charger depending on the readings. My last pair of Group 24s lasted 7 years using this system (as well as keeping them nearly fully charged when on the boat, of course....). Think spring...
 
Dec 3, 2003
544
None None Rochester, NY
I used to bring my two batteries home and recharge every month or so. Now, I do like others in the area and leave them on the boat, totally disconnected. I charge them once before the snow comes, once in February, and once before launch. Much easier doing it that way then lugging up and down the ladder. By the way, the charge mid winter isn't much of one because the batteries don't seem to need much.
 
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