cranking battery maintenence

[pond monkey]

I'll not be using my boat for about four months now. Should I pull the battery and charge it monthly to maintain it ....or what? <br /> Can i expect 3 years or more out of a new battery?<br /> BTW it's a sealed - top type.....so I guess there is no maintence required there correct?<br /><br />Thank you....Pond Monkey

 

[Solittle]

Re: cranking battery maintenence

A monthly top off is the absolute best care for your battery. Just don't overcharge it.<br /><br />Yes you can expect 3 years out of most batteries. Most will give you more depending on size, make etc.

 

[roscoe]

Re: cranking battery maintenence

3-7 years in cooler climates

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: cranking battery maintenence

As long as you maintain it. Leave it in there dead and you won't have much of a battery next year. They can freeze and crack plates. Or if the acid is low and the plates are exposed, they sulfate and ruin the battery. Those are the most common causes of a battery's early demise.<br /><br />Although they're called maintenance free, most I've seen have removable caps. If yours is one of these, check the acid level. If you need to add, use only distilled water. It's cheap. There are batteries where you can't get at it, though. If the top of your battery is completely flat, it's probably one of those.

 

[pond monkey]

Re: cranking battery maintenence

My current battery is a Carquest....24M-6 marine cranking and the "cap" which is quite flat seem to be unremovable....the battery is said to be a no maintainence type.....<br />thank you....P.M.