battery storage

[capt charlie's charters]

how many guys actually pull there batteries to store downstairs over the winter ?

use to religiously pull all three, but getting tired of the hassle, on the other hand of course my batteries out lasted everyone in the club.  my orig crank'n "EverStart" held up for 8 years and still using for my Minn Kota 25.

Now have Optimas and the help desk wouldn't commit to saying it was okay to leave'm in the boat.

capt charlie

[Skulley]

I talked to the guys at Complete Battery Source on 8 Mile Road and they told me I could store the batteries in the boat over the winter as long as the charger was plugged in and they were charging.  I have done this religiously for quite a few years.  I have always gotten 4 to 5 years out of my batteries.  I have had the AC Delco's in my boat going on their 5th year now and they went strong all season long.  I hope to get another full season out of them.  The cranking battery was new in the spring of 2009.  The trollers are going on their 5th year.   

BD                   

[Redbone]

I never put them inside... I'm sure its better for them though.  I do pull them out and keep them in the garage.  The most important thing to me is to keep them charged all winter.  I charged them once a month when there not being used. Kind of like my trickle charger for my Harley. Only multiple batteries.

[Hooksetter]

I leave the batteries in the boat, per Complete Battery Source in Brighton. I plug the charger in once a month and haven't had a problem. The original batteries in my Stratos lasted 6 years and I could have used them the 7th year but CBS gave me a price so good for new ones I couldn't pass them up.

Willie

[Durand Dan]

I unhook the batteries and leave them in the boat. In the spring I have hooked them up and started the boat without a charge, although I usually charge them first. I think the key is not allowing them to discharge.

[Cy]

I leave mine in the boat and keep them plugged in all winter.  Most chargers will trickle charge or top them off when needed.  So far it has worked for me.

Cy

[Waterfoul]

I leave mine in the boat and keep them plugged in all winter.  Most chargers will trickle charge or top them off when needed.  So far it has worked for me.

Cy

Same here.

[macbass]

batteries well in my case i ue optimas and just replaced them all this last year after 8 years of useing them and never pulled them out of the boat in the winter. i was told on the optimas charge them full and put it away and dont worry about it until spring..

[t-bone]

Winterized by fully disconnecting and leaving in the boat stored in the garage. I don't put a charge on them during the winter. Going on 5 years with no problems.

[Jighead]

Same as everyone else - in the boat sitting in the garage, hooked up to the charger.

[mikesmiph]

I didn't have access to electricity where the boat is at, so I took them out and brought them home. Will charge them in the spring.

[capt charlie's charters]

to all who responded with excellent feedback, I thank you and my back thanks you.  In the boat they stay and properly charged.  now then, how many more months is it until LSC preseason catch n release ?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all !

your capt speaking