PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

Thanks in advanced,

Dizouglas

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 10:29 am, HK wrote:
wrote:
It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

Thanks in advanced,

Dizouglas

Take the battery out of the boat, clean it off, fill it with distilled
water if it needs it, and carry down to your basement or storage room.
Give it a trickle charge and trickle charge it once a month.

Do not hook it up to your truck.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Why not?

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

No, that is a bad idea. Your truck alternator probably puts out something
around 50 amps max. If much of that gets applied to the pwc battery it will
be toast. I take all my small wet cell batteries out, clean them up, top
off the water and leave them on the corner of my garage workbench. Every
month or so I put a 1 amp charger on them for a day. Having them on the
corner of the workbench reminds me. Another option would be to mark your
calendar.

wrote in message
...
It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

Thanks in advanced,

Dizouglas

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Sat, 17 Nov 07, HK wrote:
Give it a trickle charge and trickle charge it once a month.

You can get "Smart Chargers" these days that sense battery condition
and turn themselves on when needed.
My primarry charger stays plugged in and hooked up to a boat battery
whenever I'm not using it (the charger) elsewhere. Now and then, I
hear it kick on and trickle a little while. Otherwise I'd forget for
sure.

Rick

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 11:31 am, "jamesgangnc" wrote:
No, that is a bad idea. Your truck alternator probably puts out something
around 50 amps max.

How? The power produced by the alternator is regulated. The only way
you'll see that 50A current is if both batteries are dead flat. Then,
the truck's battery will be taking half of that.




Dizouglas- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 11:15 am, HK wrote:
wrote:
On Nov 17, 10:29 am, HK wrote:
wrote:
It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.
With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?
I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.
Thanks in advanced,
Dizouglas
Take the battery out of the boat, clean it off, fill it with distilled
water if it needs it, and carry down to your basement or storage room.
Give it a trickle charge and trickle charge it once a month.

Do not hook it up to your truck.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Why not?

Because something will go wrong.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What "will" go wrong?

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 11:15 am, HK wrote:
wrote:
On Nov 17, 10:29 am, HK wrote:
wrote:
It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long
periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.
With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?
I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.
Thanks in advanced,
Dizouglas
Take the battery out of the boat, clean it off, fill it with distilled
water if it needs it, and carry down to your basement or storage room.
Give it a trickle charge and trickle charge it once a month.

Do not hook it up to your truck.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Why not?

Because something will go wrong.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What "will" go wrong?
Very good question. I'm glad you asked.


--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 12:59 pm, wrote:
On Nov 17, 11:15 am, HK wrote:



wrote:
On Nov 17, 10:29 am, HK wrote:
wrote:
It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.
With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?
I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.
Thanks in advanced,
Dizouglas
Take the battery out of the boat, clean it off, fill it with distilled
water if it needs it, and carry down to your basement or storage room.
Give it a trickle charge and trickle charge it once a month.

Do not hook it up to your truck.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Why not?

Because something will go wrong.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

What "will" go wrong?

What is the amp/hour rating for a PWC battery versus a full size truck
battery? Just out of curiosity.

I had another friend suggest wiring it up to a 12-volt headlight for
the laundry room, then charge it each month.

I will look into the trickle charger suggestion.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:

I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.

I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 10:29 am, HK wrote:
wrote:
It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

Thanks in advanced,

Dizouglas

Take the battery out of the boat, clean it off, fill it with distilled
water if it needs it, and carry down to your basement or storage room.
Give it a trickle charge and trickle charge it once a month.

Do not hook it up to your truck.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Why not?

Because carrying the extra weight will contribute to global warming.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

JimH wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.
I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).


What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?



Batteries will self discharge over the winter, especially in colder
areas. A discharged battery will have definitely have a shortened life.

When I had a trailered boat, I was told to bring the battery home to
keep it in the basement and keep a trickle charger on it. Many people
who don't want to bring the battery home, will use a solar panel trickle
charger to keep the battery fully charged.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

Reginald Smithers III wrote:
JimH wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.
I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).


What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?


Batteries will self discharge over the winter, especially in colder
areas. A discharged battery will have definitely have a shortened life.

When I had a trailered boat, I was told to bring the battery home to
keep it in the basement and keep a trickle charger on it. Many people
who don't want to bring the battery home, will use a solar panel trickle
charger to keep the battery fully charged.



ps - Before I took the battery back to the boat, I would always bring
the battery by my mechanic and have him charge the battery and then run
a load test on the battery. If it was showing a marginal test, I would
replace it at that time, and not wait till it would not start the boat.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

Somebody wrote:


When I had a trailered boat, I was told to bring the battery home to keep
it in the basement and keep a trickle charger on it. Many people who
don't want to bring the battery home, will use a solar panel trickle
charger to keep the battery fully charged.




I'd recommend a float type battery maintainer rather than a trickle charger.
The old trickle chargers can still overcharge or boil off a battery over a
long period.

The newer, "smart" battery maintainers keep the float charge voltage below
14.4 volts.
I use them for my motorcycle batteries during winter storage. The work
great and are not expensive. Plug 'em in and forget them until spring.

http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/VEC-080.htm

Eisboch

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

Eisboch wrote:

I'd recommend a float type battery maintainer rather than a trickle charger.
The old trickle chargers can still overcharge or boil off a battery over a
long period.

The newer, "smart" battery maintainers keep the float charge voltage below
14.4 volts.
I use them for my motorcycle batteries during winter storage. The work
great and are not expensive. Plug 'em in and forget them until spring.

http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/VEC-080.htm

Eisboch




I've got a larger "VEC" "marine" battery charger. I just hook it up once
a month on the boat batteries. I'm just not used to leaving a battery
charger hooked up all the time.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

JimH wrote:
"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in message
...
JimH wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.
I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).

What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?
Batteries will self discharge over the winter, especially in colder areas.
A discharged battery will have definitely have a shortened life.

When I had a trailered boat, I was told to bring the battery home to keep
it in the basement and keep a trickle charger on it. Many people who
don't want to bring the battery home, will use a solar panel trickle
charger to keep the battery fully charged.

As I said before, I never had a problem with this technique. Besides, as
you know, you are the last person I would take any sort of advice from.



Wow. "Reggie" claims to have had a "trailered boat." Right.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

"HK" wrote in message
. ..
Eisboch wrote:

I'd recommend a float type battery maintainer rather than a trickle
charger.
The old trickle chargers can still overcharge or boil off a battery over
a long period.

The newer, "smart" battery maintainers keep the float charge voltage
below 14.4 volts.
I use them for my motorcycle batteries during winter storage. The work
great and are not expensive. Plug 'em in and forget them until spring.

http://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/VEC-080.htm

Eisboch




I've got a larger "VEC" "marine" battery charger. I just hook it up once a
month on the boat batteries. I'm just not used to leaving a battery
charger hooked up all the time.

That works, but the maintainers are really foolproof. They only put out 1.5
to 2 amps max. and then only if a full charge is required. They're designed
to be left on for extended periods .... like all winter. I've been using
them without a problem for several years on the bikes and classic cars.

Come to think of it, the Navigator's battery chargers have been on now 24/7
for about 3 years. The three 8D batteries are charged by a big, triple
output 90 amp ferroresonant type charger, so I have to routinely check and
add water as required. The two thruster batteries (next size down from an
8D) are charged by a newer, 30 amp, dual output "smart" charger with float
mode. I've never had to add water to the thruster batteries.

Eisboch

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:13:38 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

First, I would suggest that something is wrong with the charging
system in the PWC if you are having to replace batteries every year.

Secondly, wiring it to the truck in parallel wouldn't be a good idea
for a variety of reasons including over charge, unequal charge, etc.

Third, get a "floating" charger rather than a constant "trickle"
charger. The floating charger will turn itself on and off as the
battery requires over winter. You don't really need to remove it from
the PWC - just unconnect it from the PWC (leave it in), hook the
charger to it and plug it in. Unless, of course, that isn't
convenient - in that case just remove it, put it somewhere you can
plug in the charger and let it sit over winter.

I use three floater units on my Ranger over winter and haven't had a
failure yet.

Unless you count the time I left the key and radio on, but that was
Scott's fault. :)

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:26:17 -0500, Gene Kearns
wrote:

I'm wondering how long it will be before the old "concrete floor"
thing comes up....

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1... :)

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:26:17 -0500, Gene Kearns
wrote:

I'm wondering how long it will be before the old "concrete floor"
thing comes up....

5 - 4 - 3 - 2 - 1... :)


Geeze. I put that issue to bed years ago.

I tiled my garage concrete floor.

Eisboch

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

JimH wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..
JimH wrote:
"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in message
...
JimH wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my
boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.
I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).
What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?
Batteries will self discharge over the winter, especially in colder
areas. A discharged battery will have definitely have a shortened life.

When I had a trailered boat, I was told to bring the battery home to
keep it in the basement and keep a trickle charger on it. Many people
who don't want to bring the battery home, will use a solar panel trickle
charger to keep the battery fully charged.
As I said before, I never had a problem with this technique. Besides, as
you know, you are the last person I would take any sort of advice from.
Wow. "Reggie" claims to have had a "trailered boat." Right.

He gets confused at times. He once said he had a bubble boat and recently
claimed to own a houseboat. When you lie it is easy to get caught up in
them.



Dennis, Please show me a post where I said I owned a houseboat?

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

JimH wrote:
"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in message
...
JimH wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
. ..
JimH wrote:
"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in message
...
JimH wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my
boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.
I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when
the
battery charge ways the battery is full).
What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?
Batteries will self discharge over the winter, especially in colder
areas. A discharged battery will have definitely have a shortened
life.

When I had a trailered boat, I was told to bring the battery home to
keep it in the basement and keep a trickle charger on it. Many people
who don't want to bring the battery home, will use a solar panel
trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged.
As I said before, I never had a problem with this technique. Besides,
as you know, you are the last person I would take any sort of advice
from.
Wow. "Reggie" claims to have had a "trailered boat." Right.
He gets confused at times. He once said he had a bubble boat and
recently claimed to own a houseboat. When you lie it is easy to get
caught up in them.
Dennis, Please show me a post where I said I owned a houseboat?



Which of your 2+ dozen handles should I search Jim Gallow?



Dennis,
You said I just recently said this, so it really should be easy for you
to find.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 3:32 pm, HK wrote:
wrote:
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.

I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).

What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?

One year, I left it disconnected inside the PWC, Last years it sat on
the basement floor. I suspected the first battery charger didn't
work, so I replaced it, sat all winter on the charger, still ruined
it.

What kind of batteries are you buying, what are you paying for them, and
where are you buying them?

I bought the battery at a "Batteries Unlimited" store. The battery
type is "Xtreme Permaseal High Performance AGM Jet Ski, Powersport
Battery - XTA16CL-B-BS"

It cost about $70.00

Here is the link:
http://www.batteriesplus.com/pc-3274...16CL-B-BS.aspx

The salesmen stated that it's a gel, 12-month warranty (just in time
for it to die before next summer)

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:13:38 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

First, I would suggest that something is wrong with the charging
system in the PWC if you are having to replace batteries every year.

Secondly, wiring it to the truck in parallel wouldn't be a good idea
for a variety of reasons including over charge, unequal charge, etc.

Third, get a "floating" charger rather than a constant "trickle"
charger. The floating charger will turn itself on and off as the
battery requires over winter. You don't really need to remove it from
the PWC - just unconnect it from the PWC (leave it in), hook the
charger to it and plug it in. Unless, of course, that isn't
convenient - in that case just remove it, put it somewhere you can
plug in the charger and let it sit over winter.

I use three floater units on my Ranger over winter and haven't had a
failure yet.

Unless you count the time I left the key and radio on, but that was
Scott's fault. :)

I think PWC's are similar to race cars. They beat the battery apart. When
I raced the Vette, I had a lifetime Sears Diehard. Had a quite a few of
them given to me.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

wrote in message
...
It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

Thanks in advanced,

Dizouglas


Where the **** did you get the idea that you needed to buy a new battery
each summer, you silly troll?

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:28:43 -0800, "Calif Bill"
wrote:


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
.. .
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:13:38 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

First, I would suggest that something is wrong with the charging
system in the PWC if you are having to replace batteries every year.

Secondly, wiring it to the truck in parallel wouldn't be a good idea
for a variety of reasons including over charge, unequal charge, etc.

Third, get a "floating" charger rather than a constant "trickle"
charger. The floating charger will turn itself on and off as the
battery requires over winter. You don't really need to remove it from
the PWC - just unconnect it from the PWC (leave it in), hook the
charger to it and plug it in. Unless, of course, that isn't
convenient - in that case just remove it, put it somewhere you can
plug in the charger and let it sit over winter.

I use three floater units on my Ranger over winter and haven't had a
failure yet.

Unless you count the time I left the key and radio on, but that was
Scott's fault. :)

I think PWC's are similar to race cars. They beat the battery apart. When
I raced the Vette, I had a lifetime Sears Diehard. Had a quite a few of
them given to me.

That's a good point - I didn't think of that.

Although I beat the snot out of my four wheeler running around my
woods and haven't replaced the battery in three years.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

wrote:
On Nov 17, 3:32 pm, HK wrote:
wrote:
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.
I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.
The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).

What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?

One year, I left it disconnected inside the PWC, Last years it sat on
the basement floor. I suspected the first battery charger didn't
work, so I replaced it, sat all winter on the charger, still ruined
it.

What kind of batteries are you buying, what are you paying for them, and
where are you buying them?

I bought the battery at a "Batteries Unlimited" store. The battery
type is "Xtreme Permaseal High Performance AGM Jet Ski, Powersport
Battery - XTA16CL-B-BS"

It cost about $70.00

Here is the link:
http://www.batteriesplus.com/pc-3274...16CL-B-BS.aspx

The salesmen stated that it's a gel, 12-month warranty (just in time
for it to die before next summer)


Wow. You're buying a decent battery. I dunno what is happening to you.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

I don't think it's the pwc. I've had similar problems with all my small wet
cell batterys. They just don't hold up as well to sitting all winter. They
are often dead the next spring and sulfated enough to not hold a decent
charge. Charging them in the vehicle would probably work just as well but
it's way easier to do it with them out and all together in one place.

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
...

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:13:38 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

First, I would suggest that something is wrong with the charging
system in the PWC if you are having to replace batteries every year.

Secondly, wiring it to the truck in parallel wouldn't be a good idea
for a variety of reasons including over charge, unequal charge, etc.

Third, get a "floating" charger rather than a constant "trickle"
charger. The floating charger will turn itself on and off as the
battery requires over winter. You don't really need to remove it from
the PWC - just unconnect it from the PWC (leave it in), hook the
charger to it and plug it in. Unless, of course, that isn't
convenient - in that case just remove it, put it somewhere you can
plug in the charger and let it sit over winter.

I use three floater units on my Ranger over winter and haven't had a
failure yet.

Unless you count the time I left the key and radio on, but that was
Scott's fault. :)

I think PWC's are similar to race cars. They beat the battery apart.
When I raced the Vette, I had a lifetime Sears Diehard. Had a quite a few
of them given to me.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 4:10 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
"HK" wrote in message

. ..





JimH wrote:
"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in message
. ..
JimH wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my
boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.
I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).

What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?
Batteries will self discharge over the winter, especially in colder
areas. A discharged battery will have definitely have a shortened life.

When I had a trailered boat, I was told to bring the battery home to
keep it in the basement and keep a trickle charger on it. Many people
who don't want to bring the battery home, will use a solar panel trickle
charger to keep the battery fully charged.

As I said before, I never had a problem with this technique. Besides, as
you know, you are the last person I would take any sort of advice from.

Wow. "Reggie" claims to have had a "trailered boat." Right.

He gets confused at times. He once said he had a bubble boat and recently
claimed to own a houseboat. When you lie it is easy to get caught up in
them.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Jim, quit lying. Reggie never stated he owned a houseboat, and you
know it.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 2:46 pm, " wrote:
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:



I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter lay-up.

I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when the
battery charge ways the battery is full).

The math here just doesn't make sense althogh I am not doubting you. I
would look into other conditions that might cause the problem, such as
wiring and connectors. A wet cell should produce about 1.2 volts per
cell unless one goes bad / becomes sulfated. If all the cells are
good, you should have plenty of juice at the battery. A typical lead
based wet cell battery design has not changed in decades that I know
of and a wet cell should last from 2-4 years typically, and can of
course last considerably longer. Although I have not tried one yet, if
I ever need a new trickle charger, I will get one of the new high tech
ones that monitor the battery and adjust accordingly...

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 4:26 pm, Gene Kearns
wrote:
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:58:38 -0800 (PST), penned
the following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Nov 17, 11:31 am, "jamesgangnc" wrote:
No, that is a bad idea. Your truck alternator probably puts out something
around 50 amps max.

How? The power produced by the alternator is regulated. The only way
you'll see that 50A current is if both batteries are dead flat. Then,
the truck's battery will be taking half of that.

That is an assumption. The battery getting the most will be the one
with the least internal resistance. Plus, with a parallel setup the
alternator is going to see a combined resistance lower than the lower
of the two batteries.

IMHO, doable, but only with some additional hardware like a battery
combiner.

PS
I'm wondering how long it will be before the old "concrete floor"
thing comes up....

--

Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.

Homepagehttp://pamandgene.idleplay.net/

Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguidehttp://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats

Been wondering about that myself!

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 5:50 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in . net...





JimH wrote:
"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in message
.. .
JimH wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
news:NaGdnViiQrsPy6LanZ2dnUVZ_s3inZ2d@comcast. com...
JimH wrote:
"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in message
t...
JimH wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 2:41 pm, " JimH" ask wrote:
I have never had a problem just disconnecting the batteries on my
boat
(fully charged) and leaving them in place during the winter
lay-up.
I have bought 4 batteries in 4 years now.

The battery will not be strong enough to start the PWC (even when
the
battery charge ways the battery is full).
What did you previously do with the battery over the winter lay-up?
Batteries will self discharge over the winter, especially in colder
areas. A discharged battery will have definitely have a shortened
life.

When I had a trailered boat, I was told to bring the battery home to
keep it in the basement and keep a trickle charger on it. Many
people who don't want to bring the battery home, will use a solar
panel trickle charger to keep the battery fully charged.
As I said before, I never had a problem with this technique.
Besides, as you know, you are the last person I would take any sort
of advice from.
Wow. "Reggie" claims to have had a "trailered boat." Right.
He gets confused at times. He once said he had a bubble boat and
recently claimed to own a houseboat. When you lie it is easy to get
caught up in them.
Dennis, Please show me a post where I said I owned a houseboat?

Which of your 2+ dozen handles should I search Jim Gallow?

Dennis,
You said I just recently said this, so it really should be easy for you to
find.

Sorry Jim Gallow, I have better things to do.

By the way.......my real name is Jim. Why are you ashamed to post under
your real name Jim G?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Experts agree that it's foolish to use your real name in newsgroups,
etc.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

On Nov 17, 4:51 pm, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

First, I would suggest that something is wrong with the charging
system in the PWC if you are having to replace batteries every year.

Secondly, wiring it to the truck in parallel wouldn't be a good idea
for a variety of reasons including over charge, unequal charge, etc.

Third, get a "floating" charger rather than a constant "trickle"
charger. The floating charger will turn itself on and off as the
battery requires over winter. You don't really need to remove it from
the PWC - just unconnect it from the PWC (leave it in), hook the
charger to it and plug it in. Unless, of course, that isn't
convenient - in that case just remove it, put it somewhere you can
plug in the charger and let it sit over winter.

I use three floater units on my Ranger over winter and haven't had a
failure yet.

Unless you count the time I left the key and radio on, but that was
Scott's fault. :)

I thought (between the words I can't spell) you told me it was because
you set the battery on a concrete floor. At least you noticed (tested)
before we wet the hull;)

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 4:26 pm, Gene Kearns
wrote:
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:58:38 -0800 (PST), penned
the following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Nov 17, 11:31 am, "jamesgangnc" wrote:
No, that is a bad idea. Your truck alternator probably puts out
something
around 50 amps max.

How? The power produced by the alternator is regulated. The only way
you'll see that 50A current is if both batteries are dead flat. Then,
the truck's battery will be taking half of that.

That is an assumption. The battery getting the most will be the one
with the least internal resistance. Plus, with a parallel setup the
alternator is going to see a combined resistance lower than the lower
of the two batteries.

IMHO, doable, but only with some additional hardware like a battery
combiner.

PS
I'm wondering how long it will be before the old "concrete floor"
thing comes up....

--

Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.

Homepagehttp://pamandgene.idleplay.net/

Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguidehttp://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats

Been wondering about that myself!


Storing a battery near anything that's blue in color will make it explode. I
read it somewhere.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 4:26 pm, Gene Kearns
wrote:
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:58:38 -0800 (PST), penned
the following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Nov 17, 11:31 am, "jamesgangnc" wrote:
No, that is a bad idea. Your truck alternator probably puts out
something
around 50 amps max.
How? The power produced by the alternator is regulated. The only way
you'll see that 50A current is if both batteries are dead flat. Then,
the truck's battery will be taking half of that.
That is an assumption. The battery getting the most will be the one
with the least internal resistance. Plus, with a parallel setup the
alternator is going to see a combined resistance lower than the lower
of the two batteries.

IMHO, doable, but only with some additional hardware like a battery
combiner.

PS
I'm wondering how long it will be before the old "concrete floor"
thing comes up....

--

Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.

Homepagehttp://pamandgene.idleplay.net/

Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguidehttp://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats
Been wondering about that myself!


Storing a battery near anything that's blue in color will make it explode. I
read it somewhere.




I poured an extra concrete floor just so I could not store my batteries
safely.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
wrote in message
...
On Nov 17, 4:26 pm, Gene Kearns
wrote:
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:58:38 -0800 (PST), penned
the following well considered thoughts to the readers of rec.boats:

On Nov 17, 11:31 am, "jamesgangnc" wrote:
No, that is a bad idea. Your truck alternator probably puts out
something
around 50 amps max.
How? The power produced by the alternator is regulated. The only way
you'll see that 50A current is if both batteries are dead flat. Then,
the truck's battery will be taking half of that.
That is an assumption. The battery getting the most will be the one
with the least internal resistance. Plus, with a parallel setup the
alternator is going to see a combined resistance lower than the lower
of the two batteries.

IMHO, doable, but only with some additional hardware like a battery
combiner.

PS
I'm wondering how long it will be before the old "concrete floor"
thing comes up....

--

Grady-White Gulfstream, out of Oak Island, NC.

Homepagehttp://pamandgene.idleplay.net/

Rec.boats at Lee Yeaton's Bayguidehttp://www.thebayguide.com/rec.boats
Been wondering about that myself!


Storing a battery near anything that's blue in color will make it explode. I
read it somewhere.



Damn that is the way silly rumors get started, it is only when it is
near a soft Columbian blue that you need to worry about it.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

I usually get at least 3 years out of a standard wet cell jetski
battery (16CLB) bought at KMart or WalMart. The current one just
finished its 3rd year and was fine when I took it out - who knows next
spring. I don't exactly baby them, using tap water to keep them
filled, etc. but I do take them out for the winter, set them on the
work bench and periodically hook them up to a little smart trickle
charger that I bought at WalMart for $18 a few years ago. The boat
battery is treated the same.

Dave Hall


On Mon, 19 Nov 2007 08:03:18 -0500, "jamesgangnc"
wrote:

I don't think it's the pwc. I've had similar problems with all my small wet
cell batterys. They just don't hold up as well to sitting all winter. They
are often dead the next spring and sulfated enough to not hold a decent
charge. Charging them in the vehicle would probably work just as well but
it's way easier to do it with them out and all together in one place.

"Calif Bill" wrote in message
...

"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 17 Nov 2007 07:13:38 -0800 (PST), "
wrote:

It is my understanding that a battery needs "exercised". Long periods
of non-usage (over the fall/winter/spring months) will result in the
battery loosing its charge and not be able to accept a charge.

With that said, is it possible that if I wired my battery (in
parallel) to my Ford truck battery, will it be "exercised" and be
ready for another full year of boating, or will it damage the PWC
battery?

I'm trying to avoid the cost of trading in the old battery and
purchasing a new battery each summer.

First, I would suggest that something is wrong with the charging
system in the PWC if you are having to replace batteries every year.

Secondly, wiring it to the truck in parallel wouldn't be a good idea
for a variety of reasons including over charge, unequal charge, etc.

Third, get a "floating" charger rather than a constant "trickle"
charger. The floating charger will turn itself on and off as the
battery requires over winter. You don't really need to remove it from
the PWC - just unconnect it from the PWC (leave it in), hook the
charger to it and plug it in. Unless, of course, that isn't
convenient - in that case just remove it, put it somewhere you can
plug in the charger and let it sit over winter.

I use three floater units on my Ranger over winter and haven't had a
failure yet.

Unless you count the time I left the key and radio on, but that was
Scott's fault. :)

I think PWC's are similar to race cars. They beat the battery apart.
When I raced the Vette, I had a lifetime Sears Diehard. Had a quite a few
of them given to me.

PWC Winter Battery - How To Make It Last Until Next Summer
 

"Reginald Smithers III" wrote in message
...


Storing a battery near anything that's blue in color will make it
explode. I read it somewhere.

Damn that is the way silly rumors get started, it is only when it is near
a soft Columbian blue that you need to worry about it.



I get the feeling you don't take this seriously. But, as further proof of
the power of colors, I offer this: My 2002 Tacoma owner's manual says that
one way to know if you have the towing package is to look for the color mark
on the fan housing. Different fan clutch. I believe it's the orange mark
that's better for towing than the green one, although I may have that
backwards. They say you can change the assembly, but they don't tell you
that you can just go out there with some paint and change the colored mark.
Why?

Because they don't want you to know.