Best way to store a battery off season??

[jaycal3]

Here in the Northeast its about to get cold... What is the best way to store my 2 batteries while my boat is covered up enduring the cold and elements?  Is there some type of trickle charger I should hook them up too?  They are marine batteries, which I think are different then automotive batteries when it comes to charging....
Thanks!

[flounderpounder225]

I bought one of these first thing after getting new batts.  It stays plugged in 24/7, keeps the batts topped off without cooking them, its a smart charger and charges at different rates and cycles depending on the need of the batteries.  If I were you, I would get something like this, put the batteries out of the boat in a place where they won't get subjected to the absolute cold your going to have, make a jumper to put them in parallel and leave the charger on for the duration.
http://www.batterymart.com/p-battery-te ... arger.html

[c master]

I've always used a little thing called a "Battery Pal"...just considered a "maintainer"...very low charging capacity so will not cook the battery.  (Or at least it hasn't so far!)

I think I found mine at AutoZone or someplace like that but you can get one online...just Google "battery pal" - I saw it for $13 just now.  It's a very, very small amount of current...around 0.5 amp.  I learned about it from a friend who has a big motorhome.

[dxs217]

I store mine is shed/basement (not freezing temps) on wood. Don't recommend setting battery on metal or concrete. Set phone alarm for monthly trickle charge reminder. Charges in no-time.

[jaycal3]

Ok, so is this float charger the same thing?  Safe for marine batteries?
http://www.harborfreight.com/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html

$10 x2 = not bad! 8)

[flounderpounder225]

Ok, so is this float charger the same thing?  Safe for marine batteries?
http://www.harborfreight.com/automatic-battery-float-charger-42292.html

$10 x2 = not bad! 8)

Technically, from a definition standpoint... sort of...  From a quality standpoint... not close.  The Battery Tender costs much less than one of my batteries, and has stood the test of time with corrosion resistance, moisture, and consistency.  I wouldn't risk cooking one of my batteries (or worse) with something from Harbor Freight.  And I own a lot of stuff from them, even stuff in my professional box at work, but this is one area I will steer clear from.  My .02..  
Marc

[dxs217]

I use this charger (set on 2A). No problems.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... ockType=G5

V/R
Dan

[Mcdiver]

I picked up a battery charger/tender that is mounted on the boat that i just plug the drop cord into.  I am getting ready to pull the batteries and check fluid levels then I will put them back in and leave the charger plugged in throughout the winter.  I got mine from Ebay, posted a topic a few weeks ago.

[imonna 19 6]

Although i am not in a position to afford this method of winter battery maintenance,  its been proven to be the all around best method 100% guaranteed.

Start by leaving the battery in the boat...that's right don't take it out.  Trust me on this one and just keep reading.

anyway, the batteries stay in and connected to the motor.  

they key is to let the batteries charge naturally through the alternator on the engine.  

use the battery to start the motor and let the motor charge the battery.  Now here is the key to the "battery stays in the boat and use the engine to keep them charged" method

you should run the motor intermittently for  8-12 hours in 60-75 degree Fahrenheit water every 3-4 days.  

Now just as an example of how one could do this try, you could locate a warm body of water, head13 miles out at 4800RPM to a favorite wreck, fish for two hours, then 7 miles east at 4200 RPM, reset a drift about three dozen times, maybe chase a flock of birds for a while, then let the batteries rest while you gut a pile of snapper and have a sandwich and a drink, then repeat this process for another 5 hours, followed by a fast steam to shore at 5500 RPM.  

Do this every three days and i 100% guarantee that come May your batteries will be fully charged and ready to go.  

Now I know what your thinking,  every three days sounds like an awful long time to let those batteries drain, well you might be right and what i recommend here is a "Minimum" charging protocol.  I would think the optimum battery performance could be achieved by following this regime daily.

Remember, if you really want your batteries to last, you really need to take the responsibility to charge them the best way.   Any other method is really just irresponsible.


sincerely
Bill

[jaycal3]

Although i am not in a position to afford this method of winter battery maintenance,  its been proven to be the all around best method 100% guaranteed.

Start by leaving the battery in the boat...that's right don't take it out.  Trust me on this one and just keep reading.

anyway, the batteries stay in and connected to the motor.  

they key is to let the batteries charge naturally through the alternator on the engine.  

use the battery to start the motor and let the motor charge the battery.  Now here is the key to the "battery stays in the boat and use the engine to keep them charged" method

you should run the motor intermittently for  8-12 hours in 60-75 degree Fahrenheit water every 3-4 days.  

Now just as an example of how one could do this try, you could locate a warm body of water, head13 miles out at 4800RPM to a favorite wreck, fish for two hours, then 7 miles east at 4200 RPM, reset a drift about three dozen times, maybe chase a flock of birds for a while, then let the batteries rest while you gut a pile of snapper and have a sandwich and a drink, then repeat this process for another 5 hours, followed by a fast steam to shore at 5500 RPM.  

Do this every three days and i 100% guarantee that come May your batteries will be fully charged and ready to go.  

Now I know what your thinking,  every three days sounds like an awful long time to let those batteries drain, well you might be right and what i recommend here is a "Minimum" charging protocol.  I would think the optimum battery performance could be achieved by following this regime daily.

Remember, if you really want your batteries to last, you really need to take the responsibility to charge them the best way.   Any other method is really just irresponsible.


sincerely
Bill

Um..... Hmmmmmmmmm....

Bill, I see you live in Ct also... where might I find a body of water 60-75 degrees around here?  And If I could have gotten out every 3 days during fishing season to run the boat I would have been happy as a pig in... well you know.... :pig: Not to mention having to tow the boat that far every 3 days  - too heavy to do so.

I am unable to read your suggestions seriously and think I will stick to the float/trickle method... but thanks! Did the sarcasm escape me??

[imonna 19 6]

wow, didnt think the sarcasm was that subtle.


let me try again


The best way to maintain your battery during the winter is to move to florida and go fishing every day!

[fitz73222]

Good idea Bill! Tomorrows high 80, sunny, mixed clouds, wind south 5-10. Not bad for three days before Christmas. I think I'll go charge my batteries, catch a limit of Trout,  a Redfish and a flounder or two..... Great idea!

[wingtime]

Yeah this "winter" so far has been great.  Forecast to be in the high 70's or even 80's on Christmas.  SWEET!  I hope it keeps up. cause if it does I'm going fishing next week!

[jaycal3]

wow, didnt think the sarcasm was that subtle.


let me try again


The best way to maintain your battery during the winter is to move to florida and go fishing every day!

That's my bad.... I am so used to morons from other forums suggesting ridiculous ideas from their, um, elbows, that I read it literally and wrapped a bad day into it too.  My apologies.

Those of you in Florida have it sooo good. I was just down there over Thanksgiving and it was 80 degrees and sunny every day.

On a serious note, I do need help in the spring figuring out how I'm going to get out there 3-4x per week fishing!  It may help my sanity!

[imonna 19 6]

No worries jaycal.  I dont post a lot but what i do post tends to be stupid.  We definitely should hook up for some fishing next year, assuming i still have a working battery on my boat by spring.