Battery Storage

[Michael Stephens]

I just had shore power and another battery installed on my 260. The dealer said I should leave the batteries in the boat with a full charge but to disconnect the wires so there is no chance of discharge. Is anyone else doing this?Thanks,Michael Stephenss/v Pure Heaven

 

[Claude L.-Auger]

I do. In fact I just disconnected them yesterday and they'll stay that way until spring. In April, I connect them back and put the charger on to top them up full. Good batteries will accept that treatment. Up here it does get down to -30F (or worse !!!)and I never had any problems with that method. BTW, I have 2 type 27 Deep Cycle wet batteries and they generally last me 5 to 6 years.

 

[Wanderer138]

Added insurance...solar power

Batteries in decent condition should survive the winter. Why not give them a helping hand by keeping them fully charged? A small trickle-charging solar panel (under $40) will do the trick. You can't buy cheaper insurance.At your latitude a panel aimed due south at about 30 degrees from vertical will catch plenty of sun and shed snow and dirt with no problem. Good luck!PeterS/V Raven

 

[Pete]

batteries

I'm not sure if you are asking about winter storage or regular use. If winter storage,I take the batteries off and bring them home and trickle charge over the winter. If asking about during the season I leave them all connected and just turn off the battery switch,however, I run charger when on the boat. I happen to carry a spare battery that I do not connect to any thing for emergency only (great for 12v oil pump, and comes in handy if any one need a jump start)This might seam like a overkill but the battery was free. Hope this helps!

 

[Michael Stephens]

Thanks

Thanks for the input guys. I feel a little better about leaving the batteries aboard for the winter now.

 

[Eric Lorgus]

Battery storage depends on battery type

Michael,If you have a "flooded" battery (the most popular type), the batteries will self-discharge slowly (due to internal galvanic currents), even with wires disconnected. That's why it is recommended you remove the batteries and take them home so that you can check the charge periodically, and recharge when necessary. Flooded batteries should not be left in a discharged state or they will lose some of their capacity (due to sulphation).Gel-cell batteries have slower rates of self-discharge, and can be left unattended for months without damage.Eric Lorgus