storage and batteries

[pflash]

Procrastination has resulted in losing three possible C-dorys. One of my problems is that the boat would wind up in Fl for the Winter. We are "up North" for about 6 months a year and the boat would be on the trailer at a marina in FL. How do I keep the batteries charged? Remove them and put them on a charger system in FL. Have the marina charge them periodically? Any suggestions? Also, would a cockpit cover keep water out or would I have to have the boat shrink wrapped?

 

[Captains Cat]

Cockpit cover would do the trick, also suggest trying to find a covered (from the sun) space, just to protect your gel coat. As for the batteries, if you're driving home, take them with you. Will protect against theft as well as lengthen the life of the batteries.

If you can't find a covered space, you will have to get at least a cockpit cover as the 22 is not self bailing and requires the batteries (with periodic charging) to run the automatic bilge pump.

Good hunting.

Charlie

 

[potter water]

If his boat is on a trailer, even with a cockpit cover but out in the open and not in covered storage, some water will get in, but the bilge plug should be removed, and zippo, the 22 should self bale just fine.

 

[Chester]

never mind

 

[thataway]

I have maintained both the batteries on several C Dories and the batteries on an RV with small solar panels. I would suggest some cover because of the Florida Sun--and possible debris. The slant back cockpit covers work well.

 

[ccflyer]

When I winterize my CD I remove the batteries and put one of these on each battery:

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-amp-thr ... erralID=NA

Of course, if you can run power to the trailer, just hook up the chargers and you need not remove the batteries.

 

[NewMoon]

If you can be certain that no loads are connected, and that the battery tops are clean and dry, AGM batteries will hold a charge quite well for six months. Their self-discharge rate is far lower than that of ordinary flooded batteries.