battery charging

[bowtech_182]

Is it required or recommended to stick a brand new deep cycle battery on the charger before first use?  I would like to maximize the life of the battery, and make sure I don't get stranded my first time out because the battery dropped some charge from sitting on the store shelf.

Thanks,

Andy

[Micro]

Every battery I've ever bought went on the charger before first use.  And all them required quite a bit of time to charge up completely.  

You may be unpleasantly suprised if you go out with a new battery without charging it up first.

[Jig Man]

Yes charge it before you go out and for extended life, charge it everytime when you get back home.  Also check the water regularly and keep the plates covered.

[burleytog]

I've never bought a deep cycle that didn't require a charge.  They rarely have enough juice in them to even crank the outboard.

[surfer]

Yes charge it before you go out and for extended life, charge it everytime when you get back home. Also check the water regularly and keep the plates covered.

X2  

A battery sitting uncharged is bad for the battery.  Same applies to when it's on the store shelf.  Take tester with you to the store and look for a battery that is charged.  Get a charger that will automatically turn off to prevent over charging.

[Tom Bass]

and always use distilled water in your batteries..........

[Micro]

...and never drink the distilled water if you get thirsty...