Deep Cycle Batteries

[JMo]

I have two Trojan deep cycles and the starting battery from the boat sitting in the basement waiting for open water. They are about a year old each. They have been sitting since November, I was wondering does anybody throw a charger on them every once in awhile or do you let them sit all winter and charge them up before you put them back in the boat. Just wondering what the best way to keep them maintained is? Thanks for you advice.

[3pronghook]

it wouldnt hurt to put a trickle charge on them. check the water too.

[MuskieJunkie]

I try to trickle charge mine at least once through the off season. It is also good to put some use to them first and then charge them. Like a 12v light or fan for a day or two.

For anyone that still has them in the boat turn on your depth finder or lights.

[deadminnowcatcher]

the posts on one of my batteries is wet??? is this a sign of a bad battery???????

[Hillbiehle]

I have all Trojan batteries. Invested in a high quality trickle charger this year that applies just the right amount of "juice" without overcharging. Send me a PM if you want the info.

[deadminnowcatcher]

anyone know why the positive post of a battery would be wet????

[fish2live]

i have no idea why it is wet but, a quick call to interstate or bats plus could answer that question for you.

[osprey2]

We've had wet posts also,They turned black I think cause of acidic reaction But they yet work fine.

[deadminnowcatcher]

yep, mine turned black also

[Matt C]

What causes them to lose water in the off season? I did my monthly trickel today and put in a little over a gallon of water for all 3 batteries. Is this normal?

[Giant_Jackpot]

A gallon for three batteries? They must have been low before you took them out of the boat.

[BobT]

When a battery is charging they heat up. The water can evaporate and this is why you don't want to over-charge them. You can literally boil the water right out of a battery and this can happen even with a trickle charger.

Bob