Ask Andrew – December 17, 2020

Dec 17, 2020

‘‘Twas the night before Christmas and all ‘cross the land
Boats were left to slumber, exactly as planned.
Engines were winterized and tarps were tied tight
But batteries – and what to do – give many a fright.

Disconnect or remove, which shall it be?
An expensive replacement for under the tree!
So let’s do it right, with most careful care.
There are many opinions, and many who’ll share.

Lets start with the science, the theory besides:
A charged batt’ry holds acid, not water inside
But when it runs low, the acid is changed
Some molecules swap, leaving water (like rain).

The water can freeze, but the acid, not so
So trust in the science, don’t fret to and fro
They must be left charged, before the boat is left hinter
Don’t leave the volts low, when being safe for the winter

Charge them full-up, and leave them aboard
Lithium ion, lead acid or glass mat (absorbed)
If they’ve been taken offboard, and home to your shed
That’s just fine, too – don’t go worrying your head

The key is in the charging – should be done right and true
Don’t let them drop below Twelve point two.
Check them monthly or else charge on a trickle
Ignoring them now, could put you in a pickle,

Speak not a word, head straight to your work
Remove negative cables – carefully, don’t jerk.
And lay your fingers caref’lly, you don’t want a mark
A tool between terminals can cause quite a spark.

Removing this now, will stop excess discharge
Leaving them longer, with a full tip-top charge
Take off those black cables, the ones running to ground
So that the electrical system will stay safe and sound

So spring now from your boat, lowly blowing a whistle
And step down that ladder like the down of a thistle
All will hear you exclaim, ere you drive out of sight
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night

Andrew McDonald is the owner of Lakeside Marine Services – a boat repair/maintenance firm based in Toronto. Andrew has worked in the marine industry for 12 years and is a graduate of the Georgian College ‘Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic’ program.

Questions or comments for Andrew? Email him directly via: askandrew@lakesidemarineservices.ca