I am trying to get a concensus on how other boaters store their deep cycle batteries for the winter assuming you haul your boat and store it on a trailer, jackstands or cradle. Do you: A. Take them out and store indoors B. Leave them in the boat and disconnect the batteries from the boat C. Just leave them alone D. Other ideas? Thanks
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
S
SteveC
Store em' at home
Have 4 batteries onboard & take them off & store them in the garage. Top them off once a month during the layup. Batteries last me a long time..
Have 4 batteries onboard & take them off & store them in the garage. Top them off once a month during the layup. Batteries last me a long time..
P
Paul Akers
Store at home...
...on a shelf. Not on the basement floor. About mid-winter, attach a trickle charge to refresh them. Put them back on when you commission for next season and start the charger again. I've always felt they should not sit in the cold, unused during the winter.
...on a shelf. Not on the basement floor. About mid-winter, attach a trickle charge to refresh them. Put them back on when you commission for next season and start the charger again. I've always felt they should not sit in the cold, unused during the winter.
D
Dakota Jim Russell
In Boat
I've always taken them home, placed them on a piece of plywood to keep them away from a cement floor and charged them once a month. However, this leaves the engine at risk. This year I will leave them in the boat, charge them once a month, and turn the engine over one a month to coat the engine parts to prevent rust. This procedure is at the recommendation of my diesel mechanic friend.
I've always taken them home, placed them on a piece of plywood to keep them away from a cement floor and charged them once a month. However, this leaves the engine at risk. This year I will leave them in the boat, charge them once a month, and turn the engine over one a month to coat the engine parts to prevent rust. This procedure is at the recommendation of my diesel mechanic friend.
M
Michael Bell
Cabin Heat
The battery compartment on my H26 is assessable from the cabin – so, in the Winter, I keep the cabin heated (and the battery compartment door open). That eliminates more than just the battery freezing problem and feel it's worth the cost. Also, I’ve heard that an uncharged battery will freeze at a higher temperature than a charged battery. I.e. – closer to the freezing point of water. So, keep it charged (but don’t over-charge it).
The battery compartment on my H26 is assessable from the cabin – so, in the Winter, I keep the cabin heated (and the battery compartment door open). That eliminates more than just the battery freezing problem and feel it's worth the cost. Also, I’ve heard that an uncharged battery will freeze at a higher temperature than a charged battery. I.e. – closer to the freezing point of water. So, keep it charged (but don’t over-charge it).
M
Mark Juetten
On The Boat
I have left my batteries on the boat after charging them and disconnecting them. This is on Lake Superior no less. I have done this for 20 some years now and no problem I believe the majority of owners do the same.
I have left my batteries on the boat after charging them and disconnecting them. This is on Lake Superior no less. I have done this for 20 some years now and no problem I believe the majority of owners do the same.
M
Marc Honey
We don't need no stinkin' winterizing!!!
I can't believe you poor @#*&!+%$ who are already worrying about winterizing boats!!! My current lake-water temp. is 86 degrees, we sail 12 months a year here in central Texas. Our lake will drop to 48-52 degrees next March or April, but by then the air temps will be well into the mid-to upper 80's. Reguardless of where you keep your batteries... keep them topped of, put a load on them occasionally if you can (run a ceramic heater), and definitely start that engine as frequently as you can.
I can't believe you poor @#*&!+%$ who are already worrying about winterizing boats!!! My current lake-water temp. is 86 degrees, we sail 12 months a year here in central Texas. Our lake will drop to 48-52 degrees next March or April, but by then the air temps will be well into the mid-to upper 80's. Reguardless of where you keep your batteries... keep them topped of, put a load on them occasionally if you can (run a ceramic heater), and definitely start that engine as frequently as you can.
R
R. Palaia
What's the RIGHT answer
I've heard that if a battery is left fully charged, the cold/freezing weather won't hurt it. Also, a cold battery won't discharge itself. Has anybody heard this too? Some of you say you bring your batteries home. That's easy if they are small, but what about 4D or 8D batteries. These things are huge and very heavy. How do you manage these monsters? There has to be a right and wrong for battery winterization, anyone have the answer? Roc
I've heard that if a battery is left fully charged, the cold/freezing weather won't hurt it. Also, a cold battery won't discharge itself. Has anybody heard this too? Some of you say you bring your batteries home. That's easy if they are small, but what about 4D or 8D batteries. These things are huge and very heavy. How do you manage these monsters? There has to be a right and wrong for battery winterization, anyone have the answer? Roc
J
Joe Baker
MN winter
In Minnesota, I charge the battery in October and top it off in April or before sailing. It never leaves the H- 26 and is never disconnected. The 1994 battery lasted a week on Lake Superior in August and showed no signs of failure while using the anchor lights, cabin lights, cell phone, GPS, and depth-speed electronics.
In Minnesota, I charge the battery in October and top it off in April or before sailing. It never leaves the H- 26 and is never disconnected. The 1994 battery lasted a week on Lake Superior in August and showed no signs of failure while using the anchor lights, cabin lights, cell phone, GPS, and depth-speed electronics.
D
Dakota Jim Russell
Take Your Choice
I have removed the 4D battery annually up to this year. To remove it, I use the boom vang or preventor hooked to the end of the boom to help pull it from the lazarette. I can then lower it to the ground below my boat via the same method. Returning it can be just as easy having my wife winch it up. However two guys can work it up or down. But this year it will remain in the boat in temperatures down to 30 below. I expect no problem as other boats do this routinely in our area.
I have removed the 4D battery annually up to this year. To remove it, I use the boom vang or preventor hooked to the end of the boom to help pull it from the lazarette. I can then lower it to the ground below my boat via the same method. Returning it can be just as easy having my wife winch it up. However two guys can work it up or down. But this year it will remain in the boat in temperatures down to 30 below. I expect no problem as other boats do this routinely in our area.
D
Dakota Jim Russell
Share the hot air, Texas
Ah yes, but haven't you had a bit of hot air down there lately. A conversation with someone from Dallas indicates you hide from the heat in the summer the same way that we hide from a blizzard in the winter. Course we have football to watch in the winter <grin>. Course you could send the hot air up here during the winter. We've golfed and bicycled without snow every month of the year (some years) <grin>
Ah yes, but haven't you had a bit of hot air down there lately. A conversation with someone from Dallas indicates you hide from the heat in the summer the same way that we hide from a blizzard in the winter. Course we have football to watch in the winter <grin>. Course you could send the hot air up here during the winter. We've golfed and bicycled without snow every month of the year (some years) <grin>
M
MIke43067
solar charger in winter?
I have a solar trickle charger. Will it keep my battery sufficiently charged in the winter to leave it on the boat? Don't see any need to disconnect the battery as long as the fuse panel is off. Any thoughts?
I have a solar trickle charger. Will it keep my battery sufficiently charged in the winter to leave it on the boat? Don't see any need to disconnect the battery as long as the fuse panel is off. Any thoughts?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.