AGM battery care during Alaska winter

[PrinceWilliamSound]

I have a Ranger 31 in Alaska and would like information on battery care during winter. We have a winter temperature range of -20 to 40 degrees F. The batteries are AGM. Do I need to be concerned about low temperatures below freezing on AGM batteries? Since the battery banks are located in the side compartments on either side of the engine compartment, they would be exposed to colder temperatures than the engine room and cabin of the boat where I would have my space heaters. Would that be a problem for AGM batteries? Would keeping their charge up with the boat's battery charger be adequate or should I provide separate heat to those compartments? Thanks for any information on winter care of AGM batteries. The boat will be stored in our backyard and have power on board.

John Schoen
Anchorage, AK

 

[Bruce Moore]

Bumping post delayed in moderation queue.

 

[SKI3PO]

I live on the Anchorage hillside and used to store my R27 outside in winter with the boat connected to shore power to keep the batteries topped off. I would pull the fuses for all the gear that is wired directly to the batteries (bilge pumps, etc. ) so they wouldn’t drain if the power went off. Tape the fuses to the steering wheel so you remember to put them back in come spring. I know a lot of Alaskan Ranger owners that do it this same way with no problems. The batteries are too heavy and hard to extract to pull them every winter.

We have a pretty active Tugnuts group up here. We are all gathering for our Alaska Rendezvous in Seldovia in July. Send me a message if you want to be added to our mailing list.

Tim Alderson
Anchorage, Ak