Taking care of Batteries?

[Vic Cerabone]

It's time to put my baby away soon.  I'd like to understand what everybody else is doing with their batteries.  I had to replace two last spring and I'm "not down wit dat" for next year.

**I run a 4-bank dual pro.  I have usually leave it on all year.  The rig spends the winter in the garage.

**I know I have killed a batt or two from low water in winter and during the year..  I'm going check them much more often.  I will check them before I put her away this year.

**Is anybody taking their batteries out and putting them in the house?  It's a pain in the butt... but it's better than buying new ones in the spring.

Advice guys?

Vic

[mikesmiph]

Last year, I stored the boat where there was no power, so I took them out and kept them in the basement. Charged them up when I got the boat home again and they were fine. This year, I'm keeping the boat at home, and was planning on just leaving the charger hooked up all winter. I'd also like to know if this is a bad idea. Actually, now that I write this, I'm planning on buying all new batteries this winter. LOL I'll ask again next year, I guess.

[Skulley]

I keep my boat in the garage all winter.  I leave the charger plugged in.  The guys over at Complete Battery Source on 8 Mile Road will tell you that if you have access to electricity through the winter, it is perfectly fine to keep them plugged in and charging.  They actually recommend that.  I have been doing it that way for years.  If you don't have access to electricity, then take them out and keep them inside. 

BD                               

[SethV]

I just leave the 4-bank plugged in all winter, no problems.  Done it that way for my last 3 boats and have had good results.

[Dan]

I took my batteries out and have them in the basement. It is certainly a pain, but I don't have a heated garage up at the cabin. I have taken all my electronics and all my tackle out to store at home as well. I filled and treated my two gas tanks, (I did allow for expansion) and then taped off the vented gas caps. I also tape off the exhaust ports. I made sure to drain the lower unit and had the motor fogged. I put dryer sheets in all the compartments and glue boards on the deck for mice protection.
I made sure that I opened all compartments and dried them ahead of time. Wiped out the livewells.
I stored my motor all the way down, but wondered if that really made any difference. I've never heard anybody talk about what position to store the motor in. I put it all the way down to make sure any water in it would drain.
I also try and make sure to hit all the zirts and bearings with some fresh grease. I have learned though not to overdue the greasing of the bearings.
Last thing I always do is zip tie the key to the steering wheel. I always think that I will remember where I put it in the spring, but usually don't, so I zip tie it.
This year I also hit the flat four plug and my pig tail with some of that electric grease. Oh yea, checked the brake fluid on the trailer to see if it needed topping off.

[peters_skeeter]

Don't let a battery sit on bare concrete if you have them in your basement, place them on a piece of plywood, or a 2x6 or something to insulate it. Concrete is a ground and will drain your batteries.

[Victor Cerabone]

Thanks for the info guys.  I think I'm going to just check the water and keep em' on the charger in the garage.

Happy Winter 

[Dan]

Quote from: http://www.trojan-battery.com/Tech-Support/FAQ.aspx
Question: Will storing a battery on concrete discharge it quicker?

Long ago, when battery cases were made out of natural rubber, this was true. Now, however, battery cases are made of polypropylene or other modern materials that allow a battery to be stored anywhere. A battery rate of discharge is affected by its construction, its age, and the ambient temperature. The main issue with storing on concrete is that if the battery leaks, the concrete will be damaged.