Batteries, Winter, & Nebraska Cold

[Don Silsbe]

@AmosSwogger— Or go sailing in Florida with the WCTSS.

[Jonathan M. Cohn]

 I went back out to the boat on December 31 and checked the batteries. Bank one read 12.5 and bank two 12.6. Its been two weeks since I last checked and that seems fine to me. Bank one is the "house" bank and perhaps the LED's on the combiner switch draw a smidge of electricity. I plugged in the charger for two hours. I doubt a lot of charging happened at 33 degrees but hopefully every little bit helps. I will check them again in a few weeks.

[jshaley]

Maybe exercise them in the off-season?
https://www.taigamotors.com/en/snowmobiles/

[Jonathan M. Cohn]

We've had LOTS of cold weather including several days in a row with subzero temps. I haven't checked the boat in over three weeks, both battery banks read 12.5 so all seems to be going well. It was slightly above freezing today so I charged for about two hours.

 

I appreciate everyone's suggestions. I don't think I'm hooking up an electric snow machine any time soon and as much as I'd like to come out to North Carolina for some winter sailing, I think I'm stuck here 'till spring. I hope my log isn't too distracting. Stay warm out there!

[Don Silsbe]

I suggest you head to Florida, and cruise with the WCTSS.  Right now the temperature here in North Carolina is 26, and it’s warming up to a balmy 48.  High temps in the Tampa area are around 74.  They have an event going on this weekend, and several next month.  They are nice people, who are eager to help, advise, assist, and share knowledge.  These photographs were taken at an event I participated in two weeks ago.  Windependent performed like a dream.  
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19rtCzkx6U/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[Jonathan M. Cohn]

Thanks for the pics. I am planning on sailing in the Florida 120 again this year and hope to meet some of the WCTSS sailors there. I can't get away before then :-(. I love seeing your pics though!

[Jonathan M. Cohn]

After about a month and seriously cold weather and snow I checked on the boat February 25. Both banks read 12.5. At this point, I think the experiment is a success and I'd winter store with the batteries charged full again.

[Don Silsbe]

Yay!

[Hirilonde]

6 hours ago, Jonathan M. Cohn said:

After about a month and seriously cold weather and snow I checked on the boat February 25. Both banks read 12.5. At this point, I think the experiment is a success and I'd winter store with the batteries charged full again.

Yup, just make sure to remove the leads to avoid any discharge.