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[canvsbk]

I just put new batteries in my boat. Should I try to run the trolling motor batteries all way down before I charge them??
Thanks

[MBell]

I would throw them on the charger just to make sure they're full.  I don't follow all the rules when it comes to batteries, I just keep them at full charge as much as I can.  It's worked well for me so far.  I have one battery going on it's 5th season. 
-Matt

[smbassman]

The recommendations I have heard is it isn't necessary to run your batteries down all the time.  But every once in a while a deep drain and recharge is needed.  Throughout the fishing season, this type of schedule probably happens on its own.  Most days you only run down to 75% and then you get a high wind day or fish strong current (or forget to plug your charger in ) and you drain them down to 20% or so.  So I say, don't worry about it.  Plug them in and keep them ready to go.  If they are maintanable(removable caps), keep an eye on the water levels about every month or so and remember maintanence free does not always mean maintenance free.  If they are not sealed, they need to me maintained.

[fiker]

Some where I once read that we should drain down our batteries and then charge them.  Seems Like I bought new batteries every other year.

Since then, I've read that we should recharge as soon as we can.  I've been doing this w/ some Everstart batteries, and they are lasting quite a while.

I also buy batteries for the task. (IE cranking for starting, and Deep cycle for trolling).  I've tried the duel purpose batteries, and didn't like em.   They didn't last as long as I thought they should.

Also:
I pull batteries in the winter, and although I must store them in the gargage, I don't let them sit on concrete.  They are up on wood shelves.

I put the charger on them several times a winter just to keep them fully charged.

This "system" seems to be working for me.