Unhooking Batteries

[Kurt]

I am curious of your thoughts and recommendations of unhooking the batteries over the winter while in storage. This is the first newer boat I have owned. In the past with my older boats even with a dual battery perko, I still unhooked the batteries over the winter to prevent any extra amp draw I was unaware of. MM tells me the amp draw for the computer system is miniscule and I should just perko them off and not to unhook and they will be just fine. Of note I did check connections for corrosion and checked the water levels and the shore power will not be plugged in over the winter as it is in dry storage. Thanks, K

 

[Nehalennia]

I just turn my Switch off, but we don't get severe cold and we're hoping to keep using the boat.

 

[Gunn]

I know that on my boat even when the switch is off, the only thing that is still powered is the bilge pump. There is nothing else powered by having that switch off, so that would be sufficient.
But I've started pulling them out and putting them on a trickle charger in the garage all winter... once I have a boat I can use all winter (like your's and Todd's!) I'll keep them in.

 

[sbw1]

We fully charge and then turn off all of the switches. Been doing the same for over thirty years and no trouble or difference noted between cold and heated storage. I'm on my 4th year with this set of batteries and they are still strong as can be.

 

[Kurt]

We do get severe cold with temps dipping to around -5 to -10 but it is just once and awile. Once my boat goes in for storage I cannot take it out for use until March 15th unless I was going to sell it. Off note or fyi,I was told by the dealer not move the boat during freezing temps as it could cause stress cracks in the hull. Thanks

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

I plug in 24/7 while the boat and trailer are home. The battery will drain on mine from the bilge, the CO detector, the engine bay fume detector, auto fire extinguisher system in the engine bay and the radio memory... I'm sure I could disconnect the battery totally but I too use my boat all winter with the exception of December Christmas vaca. I dump all water (holding, water tank, hot water heater, engine raw water) and plug in my engine bay heater and walk away...

My engine is the newer 6.2 HO that has an air pump system and I pump the water out with that. No other winterizing of the engine needed.

 

[Kurt]

My engine is the newer 6.2 HO that has an air pump system and I pump the water out with that. No other winterizing of the engine needed.

I have friend with that system on his Fountain which has proved invaluable otherwise I would think this is a trick for me to think about buying a Bayliner.:lol: Nah just joking, it is fortunate you can use your boat year round. I sure wish the weather cooperated here is Missouri.