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Jeff Morris
 
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Default Battery Question

If the batteries start topped off, and they have the proper water level, they have a fair
chance of surviving. That chance can be greatly enhanced if you can plug in and top off
again a few times during the winter. When I've been able to do that, I've never lost a
battery. If that's not possible, you might want to pull them - yours aren't too heavy.
Remember, a charged battery is "protected" against the cold, a discharged battery will die
in the cold weather quickly.

The other thing you can do is put on a solar panel. My 3 50 Watt panels gather enough
through the shrink or blue tarp to keep the batteries well charged. However, last winter
my battery combiner was not set right and one of the starter batteries never got charged
and died. I replaced both of them with AGMs, which hold a charge better, and are
relatively impervious to the cold.

And remember, never, ever put them down on a cement floor! (just kidding!)

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
My C&C 32 has two new Group 27 batteries and a 3rd Group 24 battery. They are
all kept full charged via Charles Charger at the slip.
As we're hauling today, I'm wondering if I should lug them home. Will they lose
appreciable lifespan if I let them stay aboard for the winter. The boat plugs
back in mid March. What's deal on real world damage to charged batteries over a
cold 4-5 month span?

Thanks,

RB