On Fri, 2 Jan 2009 11:21:30 -0800, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"Eisboch" wrote in message
m...

"Boater" wrote in message
...


I keep my Parker batteries on the lower shelf of my garage workbench in
the winter. Every month, I hook them up to my auto shut-off charger on
its low amp setting and top them up. I got five years out of a pair of
batteries on the first Yo Ho that way, and they were still good when I
sold that boat.


I don't think I'd consider 5 year old batteries in a boat to be in good
shape regardless of how
well they were cared for. Don't like surprises.

Eisboch

Agree completely. Wife's car was slow starting. Was going to get the
battery tested and when I looked at the battery was 6 years old. Surprized
me that it lasted that long. Got a replacement battery and engine starts
easy now.

Too late for that one, but I think wiping my batteries down has made
them last years longer. Do it when I change oil.
You'll notice a thin sheen of acid/oil on the battery top.
Think that's bad due to allowing some current discharge across cells.
But I'm not much on electrics.
Use a clean rag and watch the acid.
Read it many years ago and it seems to do some good.

--Vic