Stan (the Man) wrote:


Harry Krause wrote:

Now, to once again keep things on-topic, does anyone know if any
permanent damage will be done to my batteries if they're simply
left connected in the boat for the winter?



I know. But I won't tell you unless you put your panties back on
your head.

Ok, but just this once. Now, spill.



You can leave them in the boat, but you should check their charge
every couple of weeks and keep them charged up. I would disconnect
them, just because I've always done that. In fact, I have the
batteries from my Parker in my basement right now, cleaned up, charged
up, and sitting on a shelf.

My problem is the boat is already shrink-wrapped and the batteries are
inaccessible. I wanted to take them out first, but the marina is a bit
more efficient than I figured. If they remain connected and I'm unable
to check and refresh their charge, will I be unable to charge them come
spring?

Anytime batteries totally discharge, they do lose some of their ability
to hold future charges. Depending upon the age, and if the battery has
lost it's chareg in the past, will determine if the battery will be
functional in the springtime. I always pull the battery prior putting
the boat away, and have Firestone, run a battery test in the springtime
before reinstalling the battery. Since marine batteries take more abuse
then auto batteries, I normally replace them every 3 yrs.