Battery Storage

timw · 26 October 2003, 21:14

I've just brought home the battery from my RIB.

Now, what do I do with it to keep it healthy for next season?

Thanks

jwalker · 26 October 2003, 21:19

Easy. Clean it then keep it charged and keep it cool.

MeMe · 27 October 2003, 11:34

When refitting, fit a good quality marine isolator switch, which, will prolong it's life even more as well stopping battery drain.

Simon Guest · 27 October 2003, 12:24

Quote:

Originally posted by jwalker
Easy. Clean it then keep it charged and keep it cool.

That'll be cool, but not cold. So in your house, not in your garden shed, I would think. If it's too warm, it'll discharge more quickly, but I'm not aware of any damage that may result (so long as you don't let it fully discharge). If it freezes, it'll be ruined.

cheers,
Simon

Aging Youth · 27 October 2003, 12:40

Before you store it over the Winter You may top up with De-ionised water, and give it a top up charge.

Most Battery/Tyre places will also check the condition of your battery for Free.

This check is something you cannot do at home. It will test the condition of acid and what the platelets are like and how much current it is using

It will a give a good indicator as to whether you will need a new battery in the spring.

Cheers

Lester McCarthy · 27 October 2003, 12:46

What you do with it will depend on what type of battery it is and it would be great if you gave this info -some batteries should not be "topped up" for example.

Aging Youth · 27 October 2003, 12:51

Hi lester,

Thanks for reminding me. We wolud not want one to bang would we

Cheers

timw · 27 October 2003, 15:28

It looks as if it's sealed up so I won't be able to add water.

I'll give it a charge now, then stick it in the cellar (which is cold but not freezing) and maybe give it a charge every 6 weeks or so?

I guess I'm not supposed to leave it on trickle charge throughout the winter? (or it'll blow up?)

MeMe · 27 October 2003, 15:38

All (he says without authority) batteries have metal plates inside. Normal (car) batteries have thin plates whilst Leisure batteries have thick plates. When a battery discharges the plates warp (bend) on a normal car battery and if left to fully discharge run the risk of bending to the extent that they will not bend back to a position where they will take a new charge.

On the other hand, leisure batteries have thick plates which do not bend and thus allow the battery to fully discharge and recharge over and over again.

Therefore, although it is best to maintain a charge when not in use, a leisure battery can be recharged if allowed to discharge.

Jesus, after typing that I'll be dreaming about the damn things tonight.

Mosser · 31 October 2003, 14:29

Just spotted this thread, and before it disappears off the screen...

MeMe, what you say is correct in that marine grade maintanance-free type batteries will take the abuse of being left to discharge and will (should) not suffer accordingly (that's how they market themselves anyway). However, you need to know that you actually have one of these, and the best way to find out is using your pocket. Marine grade batteries will cost maybe double that of say a heavy duty car battery.

If you've taken the cheaper option (as I did) and bought the car battery to power the boat, then a trickle charge over the winter isn't a bad idea.

I have a couple of batteries that I have (alternating) on trickle charge. I use a plug in timeswitch and a small charger (6amp). I leave the charge run for about 15 mins each day. Every few weeks, I change the batteries over.

Overcharging, you run the risk of warping the plates also, so hence the short charge period.