How long will a battery last without charge?

[Poopie D]

I was thinking about just leaving a battery in my Four Winns 180 Horizon just to have in case of emergency. I looked at some of the posts on installing a dual battery switch and I can't really figure out what to do.

So, if I just leave a battery in there, charge it between seasons, will it be ok to start the boat in case of an emergency???

I have the 4.3 engine if that makes a difference...

Thanks!

 

[Splat]

Re: How long will a battery last without charge?

A battery under normal conditions(temp etc.) shojuld maintain a charge no problem for several months. I would be sure to put it on a charger every month tho just to make sure.

I just looked it up and the self discharge rate of a group 27 deep cycly is somewhere between 1-15% per month.

Bill

 

[Poopie D]

Re: How long will a battery last without charge?

Thanks!!!

I still will look into the switch option however, I can't really seem to find a good tutorial....Some of the posts here on that subject seem to become debates rather than tutorials!

 

[flargin]

Re: How long will a battery last without charge?

here is a suggestion.

Get a "Jumper box" and install a 12v cigarette lighter.

Typically jumper boxes have a diode which will prevent it from being drained when it is plugged into the 12v cigarette lighter if the supply goes down below 12v.

Then whenever you are running the boat, it will be charging, when you need it, pull it out, jump your boat, and go home. no need to worry if it is dead when you need it.


no complicated switches.

 

[PolishPrince]

Re: How long will a battery last without charge?

Ditto on the "jumper box"
It's probably the least expensive option.
If you hook up two full size batteries, the best way to go is an Automatic Charging Relay (ACR) It connects the batteries together when the engine is running and the alternator is putting out over 13.7 volts. When you turn off the engine and the voltage drops to 12.8 or so, they disconnect from each other. Add a battery switch and you've got a secondary battery when you need it. Depending on your boat, a jumper box may be a hassle "clunking" around inside the boat.

 

[henrye718]

Re: How long will a battery last without charge?

get a solar charger and leave it all year. I have seen them for as cheap as $15. If you get a cheapy just silicone it to be sure water doesnt get in and ruin it. Always have a fully charged battery.

 

[PolishPrince]

Re: How long will a battery last without charge?

Be careful with a solar charger. Make sure it is also a "float charger" so that it measures the current state of charge and only allows charging only when it's needed. Having a charger even without being a float charger is better than none at all, but it may overcharge and shorten battery life.