battery stored for winter...what type of charger could i use while stored of winter?

[josephsiracusa]

i have 2 deep cycle and ! starting battery...stored for winter... i would like to charge them throughout the winter...what type of charger can i use? i found a few at a local automotive store that have pics on the box for rv,boat,car,truck.....although it is an automotive store, would i be able to use this charger?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: battery stored for winter...what type of charger could i use while stored of wint

Virtually any charger intended for charging 12 volt batteries will work. There are a gazillion to choose from. Some are manual (avoid them) but most chargers today are "smart" in that they turn on and off as needed automatically. Where the money aspect rears its head is in the number of outputs (number of batteries it can charge at once) and the output (amps) of each output. A charger with an output of 1 to 1.5 or even 2 amps is considered a "Maintenance Charger" and would work for off-season maintenance. But since you have have three batteries in your boat, what do you use to keep them topped off when installed. The two deep cycles are apparently for a trolling motor or house circuit. Don't you have an on-board charger for keeping those topped off at the dock or when the boat is not being used? There are lots of options. You can use a portable charger from an auto store -- the battery doesn't care.

 

[josephsiracusa]

Re: battery stored for winter...what type of charger could i use while stored of wint

thanks for reply.... yes i do havea an onboard charger though it is drilled installed to perfection and rather not take it home as dont want to damage the charger by moving around and transport. though i do have an automotive 12 v battery charge. it is 10 years old , still works, has selection for 2amp charge or 10 amp charge, it is not a smart charger though does have a meter on it to show when reached full charge. so i will use that, if anyone else has a different answer let me know thanks.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: battery stored for winter...what type of charger could i use while stored of wint

Using the "Old School" Charger is OK as long as you do not over do it.

Make sure the batteries are fully charged.
Then check the water level of the cells.
Do not water up before the charge, an overflow will result!

The 2 amp setting, for an hour, once a month, will be about all you'll need to top them off.
Do not leave it charging overnight on a fully charged battery.

Check the water again in the spring and go boating!