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Thread: Winter Battery Storage, what do you do?

  1. #1
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    Default Winter Battery Storage, what do you do?


    Hey all. I'm in Kansas City which means I get brutal cold and unseasonably warm spells. Overnight lows can drop below zero but usually not for long. It's not uncommon to have 40+ degree days and open water throughout a lot of our winter. Prior to actually catching some fish I just put my boat away for the winter and shoveled snow and ice off the cover. I'd like to be able to go this winter when time and weather permits.
    I used to bring my batteries into the heated garage and leave on a maintainer for the winter. That was not a super easy task before I added several batteries and multiple connections.
    How many of you all store the batteries outside on maintainers through the winter? I'm not sure why I'm concerned about this. I always keep my RV batteries out in the cold but plugged in. Maybe it's because RV batts only need to kinda work and the boat batteries need to be in tip top shape and there are too many to replace often.

    Oh and I have an outboard so long as my gear oil stays dry there isn't anything to (de)winterize.

  2. #2
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    You will get multiple replies to this I am sure. Being farther north then you a good battery can sit for months with very little discharge the colder the better. Biggest problem is parasitic drain from motors electronics radio engine etc. I do one of two things unhook batteries so no drain or plug in the charger once a month or so, and have never had a problem.

    Edited to add Check water levels before storage if they are not a sealed battery. Of course this should be done during the summer occasionally too.
    Likes Baitwaster, Hanr3 LIKED above post

  3. #3
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    I fish all year, so not a thing. My boat stays under a carport, During bad weather I will cover it to keep snow and ice from blowing in. I'm just about 1.5 hours south of you.

    As for batteries, I leave them in the boat. I plug in the chargers periodically, but for the most part, with a master cutoff switch, discharge is very minimal.

  4. #4
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    I'm in NC with a Pontoon 4 batteries, the are on charger 24/7 never a problem, check the water every couple months seldom needs water

  5. #5
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    BuckeyeCrappie is offline Super Moderator * Crappie.com Supporter * Member Sponsor
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    I remove mine from the boat and put my starter battery on a 12v desulfating/maintainer charger and my two trolling motor batteries on a 24v desulfating/maintainer charger for the entire winter. PM me if you are interested in the particular make I use.
    “If your too busy to fish, you’re too busy!” Buddy Ebsen
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  6. #6
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    I check the water levels in the late fall and early spring and leave them plugged in 24/7 while in storage.
    Likes wannabe fisherman LIKED above post

  7. #7
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    Thanks guys. I feel better!

  8. #8
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    Fully charged batteries freeze at -90F. Keep them charged, either with a charger or by disconnecting everything from one post on each battery and you will be good.
    Likes Baitwaster LIKED above post

  9. #9
    catchNgrease's Avatar
    catchNgrease is offline Crappie.com 3K Star General * Crappie.com Supporter
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    Keep em maintained on the boat and make sure you let the foot all the way down and let water drain out each time you pull it out of the water. Then raise and trailer home as normal. I love fishing in winter months.

    Sent from my E6810 using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

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