Winter Charge

[Geiger41]

Does keeping my batteries on a charger (Minn-Kota) for the entire winter have any negative affect on the batteries?

 

[Ronnie]

I'm sure someone will provide you with a more technical response soon but make sure its a charger / maintainer not just a charger or you will overcharge your batteries.

 

[txav8r]

Good question. If your charger has "smart" programming, no, it won't harm them and will actually keep them desulfated. But if it sets and keeps a gradual trickle on them all winter, that isn't as good as occasional. Most of the smart chargers disconnect at some point and test occasionally, but don't continuously trickle the batteries. I keep my pulse tech charger on mine 24/7/365 when I am not using the boat. Look up your model charger and see what it says about how it charges. Getting a C-tek or pulse tech charger for your arsenal is a good move, but not necessary if you have a smart charger already.

 

[cep022]

I installed the following below a couple years ago. I have it plugged in all the time as my boat stays on a lift at the lake. It has a recondition feature that conditions the batteries once a month as well and charges as needed.
I only have two batteries but bought the triple back for future expansion.

PROFESSIONAL MARINER ProSport 20 Plus Heavy-Duty Marine Battery Charger, 20A, 12/24/36V, 3 Bank Charger