NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
NJ Saltwater Fishing Reports and Information => Helping Each Other Out => Topic started by: Pops Soul on January 24, 2008, 11:22:59 AM
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Just a reminder for the folks that have their boat batteries stored for the winter. Now is the time you should be putting that mid winter trickle charge on them. t^
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t^
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Hell, Skip, I still haven't had a chance to get down and pull mine from the boat yet! Man, I didn't know it was this much work to prepare for retirement. bngh bngh
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I usually charge them up completely in May... is it necessary to trickel charge them now, even if they were new last season.
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Nick, it is best to keep the charge topped off. A weakly charged battery can freeze if out in an unheated garage, etc.
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I have a small solar trickle charger clipped to the batteries that are stored the garage. This keeps them topped off. ;)
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My marina took mine out as part of winterization, so I imagine they have them inside and store/charged properly.
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MBoy, don't take anything for granted 5hrug
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whs
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whs whs
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I usually do not, but when it comes to doing engine work and stuff, they have been very solid.
I believe the battery is original anyway, so I imagine next year I will be getting a new one anyway and am adding a 2nd for my house setup this season anyway.
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I have to Interstate batteries that were original with my boat in 2001. I have pulled them at the end of each season put a bench charge on them and then a mid winter trickle charge. I'm putting 2 new batteries in the boat this year for the first time. TT^
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that is a great life span. My boat is a 2005 and had to replace both my batteries last season.
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I have two battery system, replace one every year.....ss the oldest one is, is only 2 years .
Rather be safe than sorry, especially when taking people out.....beides West Marine always has a 1/2 battery sae every Spring TT^
And my buddy uses my old one in his fresh water bass boat t^
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I do what Capt Bob does, replace one battery every year. That way, every year I have a fresh battery and the other is only one year old. Been doing that since I got the boat. TT^
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OK, it's time for you guys to excuse my ignorance once again. ;D ;D
On my old boat, the battery never even was disconnected during the winter, much less put on a charger. It was usually fine the next season. Can someone tell me a little more how this works? I've heard of these chargers before but haven't used one. Thanks!
t^
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Anyone ever think of having a 3rd [just in case] battery? ???
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A trickle charger will cycle on and off to keep the battery topped off with a charge.
If a battery is low on charge the water inside the battery will freeze, therefore breaking the lead plates inside the battery and destroying the battery.
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Ahh, OK I see. Do these chargers just get plugged into a regular outlet?
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Yup. Nothing fancy about them at all. t^
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Yup. Nothing fancy about them at all. t^
slt
Cool. Do mthey sell them at Lowes/Home Depot, or only at marine stores. I figure a big box store would have the best price on something like that. Seems like I always end up paying double at West Marine.
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you can pretty much get a trickle charger anywhere...Pep Bys, JC Whitney, etc TT^
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thanks must get it done TT^
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Probably get one cheap on ebay.
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Good idea on replacing one battery ever two or three years on a rotating system.This way you keep the cost resonable and the batteries pretty new. Long way from home out there and no buses.
Will definately start that system now. Thanks
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Looked up trickle chargers on eBay today. Cheap is the word! I'm buying one tomorrow, for sure. Thanks for the tip mboy!
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Word to the wise, make sure it is regulated. A cheep trickle charger can do damage to your battery if it puts a constant unregulated charge that might heat up the plates and dry up the electrolite.
Don't forget there are a couple of months to go and unless you check it regularly buy a good charger. One that shuts off when there is enough of a charge on the battery.
Paul
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Anyone ever think of having a 3rd [just in case] battery? ???
No to the third battery, but yes to a jump box.
http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=3104&cid=43 (http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=3104&cid=43)
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I have one I brought out almost every trip last year.
Once I get my house battery/combiner installed, I will probably not bring it as much, but will at least have in car when I go to boat.
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Anyone ever think of having a 3rd [just in case] battery? ???
No to the third battery, but yes to a jump box.
http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=3104&cid=43 (http://www.autosportcatalog.com/index.cfm?fa=p&pid=3104&cid=43)
actually I got one of them for each car.
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Any good suggestions on make, model,amps,voltage or whatever on the jump box ?
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Any good suggestions on make, model,amps,voltage or whatever on the jump box ?
I can't say to much about a make or model on the jump box. Just watch out for cheaper models that have a lighter gauge wire going to the clamps. They make them now that will act as a emergency power source for the house if your power goes out for a short time you could run a light at night time. Some have emergency lights and radios built in. I think I have seen them priced as low as $24 bucks to over 200 dollars. It is a shop around game. t^
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I bought a Husky on sale for $35 or so @ home depot. Works for me.
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I saw one, in one of the local chain stores, had 450 amps,a 12 volt power supply and 250 psi compressor for around 35-40 bucks.I think I might look into it further. See what else is around.