Neglected Battery

[dprice]

Hi all,

This is my first winter with the boat (rationalization) and I totally forgot about my batteries until now.

They are West Marine Gel Cells and have been sitting in the boat at the marina since the boat was pulled back in October.  The charger on the boat is the std issue for a '98' which does not appear to be too respected.  There has been no load other than standing losses and it has been very cold here so far this winter,  Long Island, NY.

I figure my choices are to:
Immediately run out to the marina and:

a.  Get a shorepower cord plugged in and charge the battery with the onboard charger.

Can I just leave the boat plugged in for the rest of the winter, approx. 3 months.

or

b.  I have a Sears 3 stage automotive charger which I believe can be set for Gel Cell.  Would this be preferred ?

or

c.  Do nothing until spring.

Thank you

[Norris Johnson]

Not knowing the condition and age of your batteries (assuming they are in good shape}, I wouldn't worry about them if they're isn't a load on them {battery switch "OFF"}. If I did make a trip to the boat, I would charge them up with the charger then switch it off and leave the boat unplugged. I can't imagine leaving my boat for that long, but I live in South Texas and 30 miles from my boat.

I am also one of those folks who had a bad experience the the Flyback 20 charger that came with my boat. I sent it back and it was repaired. No problem since.

[Stu Jackson]

David

B, c or d.

If you do A with your Charles charger, you'll kill the batteries (if that's what you have) by leaving them plugged in too long.

B for short time as Norris suggested.

C if they're good gel cels they should be fine since they don't self discharge.  As long as they were fully charged before you left, they should be OK even in the cold.

NEW!  D - take 'em home, and buy a good shorepower charger for your boat (if you haven't already).

Hope it warms up soon.

Stu

[Norris Johnson]

"Take your batteries home for the winter." I like that idea for you snow birds. Just top them off when sailing season returns and have fun.
If my charger stumbles once more. It will be replaced with a Statpower 30. I have two banks of golf cart batteries.