dead battery

[cat25]

went to pick up the boat from the marina last night after winter storage (planned to go after hours so confirmed with the marina that boat was good to go). battery was dead. i feel like we've had this problem before and have had to jump/replace the battery a couple of times. further info - i'm a sailor and we use the boat infrequently. since being serviced by the marina the boat has been sitting for 6 weeks at the slip. my question is, will the battery run down just for sitting this period of time or is it more likely there is an electrical issue going on (assuming it's not as simple as they left switch on). thanks!

(2008 keywest 2020DC)

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: dead battery

IF the battery is good it ought to be able to hold a charge for far more than 6 weeks. Either disconnect the battery when you're not going to be using the boat or else install a battery master switch.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: dead battery

agreed as to battery switch. Many boats especially sitting in water and especially salt water will mysteriously "leak" electricity no matter how hard you maintain it.

But in your case I think I'd suspect the battery, or maybe the boat storage guy just gave it a hot charge. Marine batteries just don't last that long. part of the mystery.

Heat will also work on a battery. And non-use; it take a lot of running to really charge them up. And they can crap out on you for starting even if just a little bit low.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: dead battery

An often overlooked feature on a boat is the radio "station memory and clock" functions. Although these features draw little current, six weeks is a lengthy period and batteries will self discharge. How much depends on the health and age of the battery. My suggestion, like others is to install a battery cut-off switch. Y9u migjht also remove the battery, charge it yourself, then take it to any auto store for a load test.