Thread subject: Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos :: Winter battery storage?
Posted by Dogface on 10/27/08 - 8:06 AM
#1
I have a Montauk 15 and will store it indoors with a cover. I plan to attach a battery maintainer but worry some about sulfating over such a long storage. Is this a problem..? What to do to prevent it. ? Should it be removed from the boat? Other advice ?
Posted by CES on 10/27/08 - 8:09 AM
#2
Typically what I have done in the past with batteries is disconnect the battery cables completly. Then I would either trickle charge the battery or charge it up about once a month. Do not store your battery on cement though....place it on some wood.
Posted by kamie on 10/27/08 - 10:15 AM
#3
I typically unhook my battery (positive and negative) and then charge it up in the spring if necessary but it rarely is. I leave mine on the boat all winter.
Posted by Tom W Clark on 10/27/08 - 10:37 AM
#4
The advice against storing a battery on concrete is an old wive's tale. It does not make the slightest bit of difference.
Posted by Binkie on 10/27/08 - 11:18 AM
#5
I second Tom`s advice I was told that years ago from a friend in the battery business.
rich
Posted by CES on 10/27/08 - 12:34 PM
#6
Probably so, I've heard that since I was a kid....and just continued with that practice.
Posted by Joe Kriz on 10/27/08 - 12:52 PM
#7
I've always heard the same thing about concrete and put my battery on a piece of wood rather then concrete.
The only thing I can say about batteries and concrete is that cold weather seems to discharge batteries more than warm weather so the battery will be colder when sitting on concrete for long periods of time if you live in a cold climate. (this may or not be true)
The best thing to do in my opinion is to disconnect the ground cable, charge the battery, and you should be good to go for the winter. In the spring, charge the battery before using it for the first time.
Posted by moose on 10/27/08 - 3:31 PM
#8
All I can add to the above is to make sure the outside of the battery is exceptionally clean, especially the top. With the cables removed some discharge can occur through damp dirt or whatever on the surface.
Mike
Posted by DaveL on 10/27/08 - 7:21 PM
#9
A friend of mine gave me a great idea for off season battery storage. We live in snow country, but you can do this even if you don't.
We plowed snow as private contractors for a little extra cash. He installed an extra battery tray in the engine compartment of his pick up truck. When he hauled his boat for the season, he took the boat battery and placed it in his truck. Just get a couple of cables and hook into the truck battery. We then had an extra battery for cold weather starts and to power the electric/hydraulic snow plows we had. And, your boat battery will get used every day and be ready come spring!