In article PCw4g.5227$Cv1.1512@edtnps82, "Gordon Wedman" wrote:

"feetwet" wrote in message
oups.com...
I'm hearing mixed reviews about deep cycle batts. Should you keep it
charged all the time or let it run down before charging (i.e. memory
effect). After a few hours of trolling my batt still shows at least
70-75% full.

I think the charging scenereo is pretty much known. Discharging or
letting it run down seems like it would help equalize cells, but I may be wrong.
Too much discharge results in big problems. Over charging before use will
extend use by a small degree. A trickel charge of not more than 10 ma. will
minimize bubbling if trickel charging is desired.

Lead acid batteries have no "memory effect". There is even a lot of debate
as to whether or not NiCd batteries really suffer from memory effect.

There is no debate with NiCd's. But, the memory effect most commonly discussed
is not memory effect. That results from charging improperly, ie constant
charge. It results in less holding capability. I really see problems also
with NiMH.

The basic rule with lead acid batteries is that you do not discharge them
more than 50% before recharging them. The 50% level is represented by a
specific voltage, something like 12.4 volts, don't remember for certain.
I'm sure you can find this on the net. In the meantime if you keep them on
a charger at 13.2 volts they will stay fresh.