deep cycle batteries

[eyecrosser]

I have been having problems with my batteries. I have had three go bad on me this summer. I have an automatic charger ( new this spring )that supposedly shuts off on it's own. I try not to charge them until they are low enough. I've checked for shorts, but found nothing. All the batteries are in thier own boxes. It seems that after I charge them once or twice, they will not hold a charge. Any tips would be great. Thanks

[Suzuki]

I would start by disonnecting all cables from the batteries when not in use and see if they hold charge. If they do one of your connections is putting a constant load on the battery. Have you actually measured the batteries after charge? Do you know for a fact your charger is working properly? If you have another charger use that for a while. I charge my batteries after every use and keep them topped off. I never let them drain down all the way. I even keep them at full charge in storage. I have been doing this for 4 years and the same batteries are showing no signs of failing.

[Gumbo]

Your boat batteries are lead-acid. These batteries are different than the Ni-Cad batteries in your cell phone, camcorder, cordless phone handset, etc. Ni-Cad batteries develop memory and therefore must be depleted before recharging. Not so with lead-acid batteries. In fact--the opposite is true.

To keep your marine batteries in top shape, recharge them as soon as possible after use. Top them off occasionally if not used. The longer those babies are at full-charge, the longer they'll last and the more recharges you'll get out of them.

Also make sure your charger isn't boiling them. And check the fluid levels in each cell and test each cell.

[Hans]

You should charge them after every outing, as soon as possible.

You should ***NOT*** wait "until they are low enough"! You'll destroy them!

Hans

[MR FISH]

Unplug your trollling motor, this can add to the charge on your battery when charging or result in dammage to the trolling motor or the charger. If your batteries are serviceable add water as required to keep them from boiling dry. Above all else "READ THE INSALATION INSTRUCTION FOR THE CHARGER" and double check the connections.

the're always bitin' ;-)

[derrek]

Ditto the other posts regarding charging ASAP after use. Also, I've been told that deep cycle batteries are best charged with a trickle charge - so if your charger has this setting use it, or otherwise use the lowest setting available. A "fast" charge can cook your deep cycles.