winter boat and battery care

[rdj]

I am about to purchase a pre-owned boat and would like some input about winter storage and battery care. Unfortunately I'm about 2 months yet from spring weather. I do not have enough garage to house this new boat so it is going to have to be stored outside during winter conditions. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations to make regarding special care or items to pay particular attention to? Also, would I be better to store my batteries inside at room temperature and use a portable charger to keep them topped off or will the onboard charger keep them hot enough to not have a problem with the cold weather and or freezing if I leave it plugged in? Any help with either or both questions would be appreciated. I live in Montana temps often get into the low 20's or teens and stay there awhile.

[scott]

I recommend taking your batteries out of your boat. I have had batteries freeze before,if they dont freeze you will find them getting corrosion on the terminals and wire connections from moisture in your boat. Getting your boat winterized is a good idea! I do every year ,that consists of draining lower unit fluid and putting in new,filling tank up and putting a gas stabilizer in it and they spray something in each sparkplug hole to keep it lubed inside there. Plus they say to keep your motor lowered down. I hope I was some help.

[REW]

To be absolutely safe -- i.e. not having the batteries freeze; take them indoors and store them above freezing. However, having said that, I don't do that for my boat. I take the attitude, that a fully charged battery won't freeze, and if you have a good battery, and no loads on the battery - over a 6 month storage time, there should be less than 10% discharge. I take the position - that
a. I keep the battery in a plastic boat box - so that if the battery does freeze and crack, the battery and contents will be contained in the box.
b. I fully charge the battery before putting the boat in storage.
c. I insure that there are 0 loads on the battery. To be absolutely sure, disconnect one of the battery terminals from all connections.
d. I have used this method for the last 10 years, and have never found my batteries to be more than down about 15% at the end of a winter of cold MN winter storage.

I simply take the position, that if the battery won't make it through the winter - fully charged in the fall - and with no loads on it over the winter -- that if it won't make it through the winter, it is time for a new battery anyway.

This also saves the bother of lugging 3-50-60 lb batteries out of the boat and into a warm area.

Plus, I simply don't like to have lead acid batteries any where in the house. I have an unheated garage, so this would be little difference than storing in the boat.

If you really feel threatened, and unsure, you could always plug in your on board charger once a month for a day and it would keep the batteries topped off.

Take care

REW

[Paperboy]

I agree 100% with REW! A fully charged battery will not freeze. A good battery will not freeze. I too live a cold region and I have yet to have my batteries be bad in the spring.

Good Luck!
Hello REW!!!

[Salty]

I have left batteries in boats for 15 yrs without any problems. I find my starting battery lasts 4 seasons and trolling batteries are 3 seasons. I think that is pretty good.

[rdj]

THANKS for the replies guys!! You've told me what I was hoping to hear.Think chinook winds!!!