Battery Storage for Winter

[skisil]

I store my Oday 28 outdoors in Vermont and would like to know if I need to take my batteries off the boat. I have no ability to trickle charge or charge any other way while on the boat during the winter. Previously I have removed batteries and stored them in my basement, but want to know if this is really necessary. Looking for good advice on this asap.

 

[justsomeguy]

Just make sure electrolyte levels are good, give them a full charge, then disconnect them. No need to remove them.
A few topics down from your new posting;
http://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/disconnect-batteries-when-on-the-hard.182260/

 

[whatfiero]

I take them off when on hard every other year and leave 1 of three on boat when it's left in slip for winter to keep pumps running Only get 3 years out my battery I buy one every year so doesn't seem make a difference

 

[rgranger]

We don't have a lot of really cold days here in Virginia, I leave mine in the boat, with a solar panel (and regulator) attached. But I also have very low electrical needs so I don't expect much stray load either.

 

[Terry Cox]

Our boat remains in our slip year around ready to cruise at a moments notice. I keep shore power connected while in the slip to help protect the group 24 start and two house 8D AGM battery state.

 

[njlarry]

No need to remove them. Top off the water level and charge to around 12.6 or better and they will not freeze if cables are disconnected. My 4 season old batteries are usually only down .2 volt at most by April.

 

[Apex]

mainesail is the website authority on this subject . fully charge and then disconnect completely. like others have said. www.marinehowto.com Is his website