We installed three Costco new deep cycle batteries when we bought our Beneteau First 310. We followed advice to simply disconnect them over the winter and it seemed to work o.k. Howver, the following year we replaced our starting battery from a local battery shop; and they strongly advised leaving batteries all connected with periodic charging over the winter. Since they only sell batteries, we follow their advice. They tell us that boaters that don’t have access to winter yard power should remove and periodically charge the batteries at home.
Storing my batteries for the winter
- Thread starter natep
- Start date
Just went to our boat last week for its mid-winter charge. All grounds had been disconnected since the first week of November. The house bank was still floating at 12.68, and the other banks were about 12.75. I probably wouldn't have bothered connecting and charging them except our wireless VHF handset needed to be topped off anyway.
We do have AGM's, which could have a slower self-discharge rate than flooded, but still, I can't imagine it's worth lifting and carrying them around to charge more often.
We do have AGM's, which could have a slower self-discharge rate than flooded, but still, I can't imagine it's worth lifting and carrying them around to charge more often.
Thanks to both of you for that information. I decided back in November to keep them on the boat connected but turned off at the panel. This way all I have to do is plug the AC cords in for the charge.
And you're sure there are zero parasitic loads? Also if one battery in a parallel bank fails it will take the others with it. This is why we not only isolate from the vessel and parasitic loads but also from each other..
Charge to 100% (EQ if possible)
Isolate all batteries from vessel & each other
https://marinehowto.com/winter-battery-storage-self-discharge-characteristics/