Winterizing question

flabeachcomber · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 3:49 pm Post subject: Winterizing question

I plan to have my C-Dory in my yard for about three months before I will start using again in the Spring.

Rather than removing the batteries for the Winter period, can I leave the shore power connected and periodically turn on the onboard charger to keep the batteries charged?

This would be nice so that I can run the engines every few weeks to keep them "exercised".

Would appreciate any comments on what they do for winter months.

Pete (South Carolina).

Sea Wolf · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 4:52 pm Post subject:

flabeachcomber-

What you're planning will work just fine! The basic reasons to remove batteries are for seriously long storage and to avoid winter sub-freezing temperatures. With periodic charging and use, they'll be fine in South Carolina. I'd also check the posts for corrosion and be sure the battery tops are clean as part of the general maintainance procedure to insure you don't have any other current draining problems. Joe.

flabeachcomber · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 5:53 pm Post subject: Thanks

Sea Wolf - thanks for reply.
Would I need to remove caps from batteries each time I charge? I remember when charging a car battery, the instructions said to remove the caps from the battery.

Thanks again for your input!

Pete

katkt · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 8:05 pm Post subject:

Pete,

There is a good chance that your batteries are maintainence free, in which case there will not be any caps to remove.
If the batteries are enclosed below decks or under a hatch like I have on my Tomcat, open the hatch or whatever to allow ventilation while charging.
If you top off the batteries once a month you really shouldn't have any problems.
Goodluck.

Gordon

Almas Only · Posted: Tue Jan 04, 2005 7:41 am Post subject:

Pete, you might want to check the information the charger manufacturer has published, or contact them by phone, to see whether you need to worry about turning the charger off and on. Mine has an automatic maintenance function which is made to maintain charge without overloading. I leave the charger on 24/7, and have never had a problem.

If the charger is designed to operate 24/7, and your batteries have removable top seals, you might want to simply top the cells off with distilled water to the prescribed levels, and merely monotor the fluid level periodically. If the fluid level holds constant, your batteries are not being overcharged.