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Cold climate-Winter Storage, Should I remove my batteries?

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nightstalker

Regular Contributor
I think it best to remove my batteries (2 dual purpose cranking/house for Crusaders, 1 deep cycle to start genset) over the winter because of the freezing temps. over the winter in CT. I keep them charged over the winter in my cellar. Wouldn't this significantly enhance the life of the batteries? They are not easy to get at and are a pain to remove and replace every year, so I'm trying to determine if it's worth the effort.
Thanks,
Nightstalker
 
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When I lived up north, I always removed my batteries and kept them at home in the basement, I would check them over the winter and use a trickle charger to keep them topped up. It is a pain, but I never had problems with my batteries.
 
I've never removed a battery for winter storage and have experienced zero problems. Some suggest a full charge prior to storage, but I generally pull the boat so late in the year that I don't have time for such details. I do hook up a charger prior to launch simply because I've always done so. My lay-up time is generally around four months. Batteries are on a six year replacement program - every three years I buy a new one to replace the older of the pair.
 
North Of Lake Ontario............I have two Big Red house batteries, two engine start batteries, 4 thruster batteries and I have never removed any of them for our cold Great White North Winters. I do, however disconnect ALL cables.

In the Spring I do use a trickle charger on the House Batteries but all the other batteries are always "full-up".
 
"They are not easy to get at and are a pain to remove " says it all. As long as you have a way to top off the charge every month or so, leave them in. A solar charger will due if you have no ac power. The self discharge rate is very low. Heat is harder on a battery than cold. Never add water unless you are going to charge them. I just turn off master switches & all breakers.
 
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