Boating – May 2018

Boat

Doctor

Q&A

By

Michael “Mick”

Hannock

BOAT

DOCTOR

BOATINGMAG.COM

MAY 2018

BOAT DOCTOR ///Q&A

BOATINGMAG.COM | MAY 2018 | 27

OVERHEAD LIFE-JACKET STOWAGE The U.S. Coast Guard stipulates that all recre-

ational boats have one properly sized Coast Guard-approved life jacket in good, serviceable condi-

tion for each soul on board, and that the jackets are readily accessible, if not already being worn.

If your boat proves short on life-jacket stowage space, consider installing an overhead bag

such as the T-Bag from Kwik Tek ($51.44, jet.com) or the T-Top Marine Storage Bag from C.E.

Smith ($94.99, westmarine.com). These ventilated, zippered bags attach with straps and buckles

to the underside of Bimini tops and T-tops. Access is convenient and quick. —Jim Hendricks

PHOTOS: OPTIMA BATTERIES

A:

Hi Dick. Batteries should be stored fully

charged. I like to charge them, then remove

the charger and check the batteries monthly. If

they have discharged signifi cantly, I will then

recharge them. AGM batteries self-discharge at

a much slower rate than standard fl ooded-

cell batteries. Still, if you cannot monitor

the batteries monthly, I suggest using a fl oat

charger, often called a trickle charger or battery

maintainer. A fl oat charge is a small controlled

amount of current. In all cases, you want to

check the battery-maker’s specifi cations with

respect to maximum amperage and voltage

ranges. Then select and use a charger that

meets those requirements.

CHARGING

UP

Q:

Hi Mick. I’m a first-time writer but a long-

time reader. I have removed my four AGM

batteries from the boat and placed them

in my basement. How do I properly care

for them over the winter? If the answer

is some sort of charging, please advise

what product(s) you would recommend.

Thanks.

Dick Buttrick

Cataumet, Massachusetts

OPTIMIZED

AGM batteries

require the

correct charger

in order to

perform.