new battery procedure

[dadgummit]

a fishing buddy of mine told me to run my new trolling batteries all the way down on the first time out before the first charge. This was supposed to let them charge all the way every time after that. Is this true? Is there any thing else I need to do with new batteries? thanks -D

 

[ddennis]

Re: new battery procedure

a fishing buddy of mine told me to run my new trolling batteries all the way down on the first time out before the first charge. This was supposed to let them charge all the way every time after that. Is this true? Is there any thing else I need to do with new batteries? thanks -D

that is the best way to ruin them. Make sure they are fully charged before first use and don't discharge them more than 50%. Charge them again as soon as you get home.

 

[dadgummit]

Re: new battery procedure

cool, thanks ddennis!

 

[firehog6305]

Re: new battery procedure

and remember a slow charge is better in my mind, I'm sure you will get 10 people saying differant though

 

[byacey]

Re: new battery procedure

All good advice above, except for running the batteries down before recharging. Lead acid wet cells don't like to be in a state of discharge; it causes sulfation of the plates in the battery and reduces the efficiency. Slow trickle charging is good if you have the time, and I have also heard that pulse type regulated chargers also work well and have certain merits regarding battery longevity.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: new battery procedure

no matter which method charge as soon as you can after use. also a maintainer Float charger is also good to use, especially for winter storage.

 

[dadgummit]

Re: new battery procedure

Man, thanks guys! I can't believe everything my buddies tell me I do live in Oklahoma.

 

[Boatist]

Re: new battery procedure

We all agree to not discharge your batteries more than 50 precent and recharge as soon as possible. When batteries are discharge and especialy when below 50 percent damage is done. The longer the battery is discharged the more damage is done.

I will disagree with the slow charge idea. First it means your battery is discharged longer and more damage is done. If you have 2 batteries and they are in Parrallel and you charge with a 10 amp charger it will take 48 hours to fully charge two group 27 discharged batteries. If you buy a battery charger buy a smart charger. If you have two group 27 or larger batteries in parallel get at least a 15 amp or higher charger.
Even 15 amps means each battery gets 7.5 amps max. If it a smart charger it will taper to 0 amps as the battery reaches full charge.

My boat has a 64 amp alternator and charges two group 24 batteries one auto starting and one delco voyager deep cycle thru a battery isolator. The deep cycle is over 8 years old and is still going strong. The Costco Starting battery is over 7 year old.

I still fully charge both batteries thru My battery isolator when at home with a 15 amp smart charger.

My routine is when I get home hook up the Charger to plug on the front of the boat and turn the charger on. Then unload the boat gear and fish. Clean the fish. After that check the battery charger and make sure below 1 amp, it always is. Disconnect the charger and cover the boat.

If you want your batteries to last charge at least 1 time a month in summer and every two months in winter. Also do not let the water get so low plates are dry. In my case add a small amount of water every summer and check every spring.