Battery Maintenance - Save Your Back

[Traveler2586]

I was speaking with a friend last week, a young man in his thirties, who had just seriously injured his back trying to remove his deep-cycle batteries for winter maintenance. He was kneeling on the rear deck of his boat when he attempted to remove the deep-cycle batteries; the first was ok but a heavy lift, but the second was further back and proved more difficult.... That's when a hot knife plunged into his back and he couldn't move, couldn't get off the boat, and his wife couldn't move him. Long story short - The EMT's were called and transported him to the local ER where a CT/x-ray revealed a ruptured disk.

So, I just want to pass along to all of you a reminder to be careful of your backs when removing batteries from your boat.

The best tip I can offer is to attach a short piece of rope to the lift handles of the battery, then stand straight up and lift the battery by bending at the knees; the rope will allow you to maneuver the battery to clear the locker sides and get it on deck.

Bottom line, take a few extra minutes to protect yourself from injury.

Cheers, and Merry Xmas

[Bankbeater]

Good idea Traveler.

[topwaterrob]

That is actually good advice, I almost tore my bicep trying to remove a battery a few months ago (stinks getting old). Better advice is move on down to Fla so you don't have to winterize any more....

[Traveler2586]

That is actually good advice, I almost tore my bicep trying to remove a battery a few months ago (stinks getting old). Better advice is move on down to Fla so you don't have to winterize any more....

Wish I could, but I'd still have to do bi-yearly battery maintenance.

[3dees]

great advice but why remove the batteries at all? I have been storing boats outside for 35 years and never removed them for winter. just charge them for a day every few weeks. I'm guessing some may have to do it if there is no electricity available.

[Traveler2586]

great advice but why remove the batteries at all? I have been storing boats outside for 35 years and never removed them for winter. just charge them for a day every few weeks. I'm guessing some may have to do it if there is no electricity available.

I have learned over time that bi-yearly battery maintenance helps to avoid being blindsided unexpectedly by battery and other rear locker issues while on the water. As S.O.P. I remove my batteries to inspect and clean all sides of the casings (including the bottoms), terminals, check water levels, inspect and clean the battery compartment, trays, and hold-downs. All items are much more difficult, if not impossible, to do while the batteries are installed; also I inspect and clean all battery cable connectors and put fresh dielectric grease on all connections. Dielectric grease helps to delay terminal corrosion by providing a "gas tight" barrier to oxygen and moisture; I've been told it also helps keep rubber spark plug boots and cables from getting hard and cracking.

I also use this time to pull my two cycle oil tank for inspection and cleaning. Additionally I check all electrical cables, oil lines, and fuel lines for cracks or other damage while working in the rear locker.

Batteries take a beating while on the road and the water as few hold-down systems really secure the batteries from all movement, so it's good to spend some time giving them some TLC.

Note: See my album "Traveler - Other Stuff" for pic's

[Sam]

Eric, I switched over to a 24-volt trolling motor system so I have three batteries on my boat.

The third battery is under the back deck and very difficult to remove.

I take my chances and keep the batteries plugged in all winter and check the water levels every month.

So far, so good. Have not encountered any problems.

I also change out batteries every three years, if not sooner.

Thanks for reminding us of the serious problems you can encounter while working on your boat. I have fallen out of my boat in the driveway more times than on the water.

See you next year at the Greet and Meet unless you come on down to Richmond and we can meet for lunch at Bass Pro Shop. Outstanding resturant. You will be my guest.

[Traveler2586]

Here is something I posted on another forum in response to an inquiry on winterizing batteries, I thought members here may be interested as well...

"As you probably are award, clean your battery terminals, use dielectric grease on all connectors, and check your water levels.

Use a good charging system and keep it plugged in; a cheep charger can kill your batteries through improper charge levels and cause "sulfation".

IMHO, battery sulfation is a subject all boaters should be aware of; search the Internet on "battery sulfation", there is plenty of good sites on battery maintenance to review, i.e. Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ 2012, Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List, and Battery References and Information Links List ; and Car and Deep Cycle Battery Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section 13

I'm in Maryland and keep my Ranger ready for those warm days during the winter."

Have a happy holiday.

[Traveler2586]

Eric, I switched over to a 24-volt trolling motor system so I have three batteries on my boat.

The third battery is under the back deck and very difficult to remove.

I take my chances and keep the batteries plugged in all winter and check the water levels every month.

So far, so good. Have not encountered any problems.

I also change out batteries every three years, if not sooner. Boy, that can get expensive.

Thanks for reminding us of the serious problems you can encounter while working on your boat. I have fallen out of my boat in the driveway more times than on the water. The last I heard on the young man is they were talking about removing the disk and fusing the vertebrae.

See you next year at the Greet and Meet unless you come on down to Richmond and we can meet for lunch at Bass Pro Shop. Outstanding restaurant. You will be my guest. Thanks, I would enjoy meeting you for lunch one day.

Have a happy holiday.