Winter Battery Care: How to Maintain Your Marine Batteries for a Longer Life

When the boating season ends and temperatures drop, it’s easy to overlook your boat’s batteries until spring. But proper winter battery maintenance can make a big difference in performance and longevity—especially if you’re using traditional lead acid marine batteries.

Most boaters leave their batteries installed all winter, planning to charge them once it’s time to hit the water again. While convenient, this approach can significantly shorten a battery’s lifespan. Ideally, lead acid batteries should be removed from your boat during storage, placed on a piece of plywood (not directly on concrete), and trickle charged every 30 days. Doing this can extend the life of your batteries by two to three years!

When left in the boat and exposed to freezing temperatures, the electrolyte inside a battery can stratify or even freeze, reducing capacity and permanently damaging the cells. Keeping your batteries in a climate-stable environment during the off-season prevents this and ensures they’re ready to perform when boating season returns.

For boaters who have switched to lithium batteries, maintenance requirements are a bit different. Charging and storage recommendations vary depending on the manufacturer, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual for specific guidelines. Some lithium batteries include built-in management systems that prevent overcharging or deep discharge, but it’s still important to follow proper winter care instructions.

If you’re debating between lithium vs. traditional batteries, check out our article to see why we still recommend traditional lead acid batteries for most boaters — they’re dependable, affordable, and easy to maintain: Read more here.

Once spring arrives, don’t forget to load test your batteries before your first trip to the water. This simple step helps confirm your batteries are holding a charge properly and ready for another great season of boating.

At Water Werks, we carry a full selection of marine batteries and chargers designed to keep your boat powered and reliable. Whether you’re winterizing or getting ready for launch day, our team can help you choose the best setup for your needs.

Visit waterwerks.com or stop in today to talk with our experts about proper marine battery maintenance and storage solutions.