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OK folks, this topic usually comes up around this time of year.
Let's get some opinions.

M.T. Livewell

(BTW, in less than 2 weeks, we already have more topics than the Tourney Anglers forum which has been around since August. Our next goal ... surpass the Float/Fly fishing )

M.T. Livewell wrote:OK folks, this topic usually comes up around this time of year.
Let's get some opinions.

Hello MT,

All I run in my boat is 4 Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, so all I do is take them out of the boat, give them a quick top up on the charger --store them for the winter in the basement, place them back in the boat in April and give them a quick charge and go fishing.

High initial cost but no maintenance.

Cheers'

-Sheldon

See my reply on motor winterizing. I return my rig to my dealer at end of season and they pull batteries for proper storage at same time motor is winterized. Trailer bearing etc. also serviced. When I pcker her up next Spring everything is ready to go. Costs a few more $$$ but professional service when warranties are still in effect make sense to me.

Check acid level - charge up - clean around terminals - then put to bed in the basement.

charge again around Feb if I remember

Pull and charge them. Now charge them again in Jan/Feb after topping them up if req'd. Finally charge again just before going back into the boat.

Store the 3 of them on a wooden shelf in the basement.

Remember,Charging batteries in the home is a no-no,an explosion will have acid all over :shock:I store mine in the garage.Check water level,charge,disconnect,store .

roughrider out

Use the boat all winter, .....then ya don't have to worry about it.....

One neat litle tip use outlook or the task planner in windows to remind you to charge the batteries so they dont sulfate.

LL

I left mine in my boat last year having heard that it should not be a problem.
Well, it was at Quinte.

Guess I'll pull 'em and shove 'em in the basement somewhere. RoughRider, sounds like you are not a big fan of charging in doors?

M.T. Livewell

Depending on your charger capabilities....you can drop it to 2 amp....and let her run...the trickle charge will just keep it topped up. My onboard charger is plugged in all winter in the garage. It will drive 10 amps to the battery until it's fully charged, then drop to a 2 amp trickle just to keep it topped up. Never had a bad battery doing this.

M.T. Livewell wrote:I left mine in my boat last year having heard that it should not be a problem.
Well, it was at Quinte.

Guess I'll pull 'em and shove 'em in the basement somewhere. RoughRider, sounds like you are not a big fan of charging in doors?

M.T. Livewell

Not in the house, my garage is not attached.

Once batteries are topped off and charged in the boat,I diconnect the terminals and ty them together to keep them organized,there is no need to charge them until spring.

I'm not a big fan of leaving chargers plugged in all winter,personal preference.

roughrider out

M.T. Livewell wrote:I left mine in my boat last year having heard that it should not be a problem.
Well, it was at Quinte.

Guess I'll pull 'em and shove 'em in the basement somewhere. RoughRider, sounds like you are not a big fan of charging in doors?

M.T. Livewell

I wouldn't recommend charging them beside the furnace. I've charged mine every year with no issues..Lucky???

There certainly is the potential for explosion, but a little common sense goes a long way!

Where do you pick up the water to top up your bateries?

Is there a mark or something that allows you to know the fliud level is good?

I know nothing about batteries...I have 3 because when one gives me a little grief, i just buy another one. I don't even have a charger. Guess I should get one.

Markus wrote:Where do you pick up the water to top up your bateries?

Is there a mark or something that allows you to know the fliud level is good?

I know nothing about batteries...

I can get you some from work if I think of it...Demineralised /deionised / distilled water/Ultra pure:!:

You just top it up until the plates are covered (you'll see them when you look into the holes, if your levels are low).

De Ionized water Newfie Speed and Sport carries it.
Fill to a little above the plates.
Just make sure to ware safety glasses at least should not get back splash but better safe than sorry.