New trolling motor battery

[slow]

I have a new battery, that was purchased last fall and someone gave it to me a week ago. It was never charged, and I checked the water level this weekend before charging. All cells were half full. I am wondering should I fill the cells with water before charging? The sticker on the panel said to check water after first use. I don't want to ruin or decrease the life. Thanks.

[walleyewild]

Use distilled water and charge the battery fully. The water loss you're seeing is probably due to evaporation. If the charger doesn't see the battery right away because the voltage is too low hook it up to your vehicle with jumper cables for about 15 minutes that will give it enough current to show the charger some voltage.

[Pat K]

Only add enough water to cover the plates in each cell. Charge the battery, then fill the cells to the bottom of the fill tube.

If you fill the cells first some of the electrolite may boil out the top of the battery because it expands when you charge it.

Pat K