Storing batteries during the Winter, I live in MD

Started by Kris, November 22, 2015, 03:57:35 PM

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Kris

Every year since I have owned boats and RV trailers I bring the batteries in the heated garage during the Winter here in Maryland.  Today that is four from my reservoir rig and one spare battery.  I am working on a project, Ouachita 16 footer, and that will have at least four more batteries.  Once I get the Ranger here that will add three more batteries to the mix.  The reservoir rig is for sale and that would leave me with eight batteries.  I will usually put a 2 amp charger on each battery until fully charged every month or so.  I am actually thinking about putting a 2 amp charger on remote connections to all eight batteries for the whole Winter and unpredictable Spring here.  By the way, I usually use Group 29 for trolling motors and Group 27 for cranking.
Anybody in the cold States do this?
Reservoir fishing in MD, Vietnam Vet, Retired
Ouachita 16' Model B, Minn Kota, Lowrance, Raymarine
Moderator - Maryland Fishing Reports and Chat

cojab

My shop is not heated so I leave mine in the boat and plug in the three bank charger every few weeks.
Not sure of what I am doing is the best plan so I'm looking forward to seeing the input here.
TTK has spoken.

Princeton_Man

I have a ProSport 3 bank charger in the boat and it stays connected year-round when not on the water. Did the same on my previous boat as well and so far never had an issue. The trolling motor batteries are Duracell type 29 and the cranking battery is a 27 Interstate.
Stratos 285 XL Pro 150 Evinrude ETEC

Dobyns Rods - LSCR Club

Pferox

I have overwintered a lot of batteries in my time both personally and at work, the best luck we had was to use a 1 or 2 amp maintenance charger, which is designed to stay hooked up all the time.  When it got real cold we would put an incandescent light bulb on in the vicinity of the battery to help keep it from freezing.
"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito" - African Proverb.  Jim

Oldfart9999

I have a Minn Kota charger in my boat and the boat stays outside. We had 4 weeks of 0 degree weather and a winter of below freezing last year and I had no trouble with the batteries this spring. Clean you connections and leave the charger hooked up, they are designed to charge and to maintain so you are good to go.
Rodney
Old Fishermen never die, their rods just go limp.