That is the question. This time of yr I always debate whether or not to change boat batteries. I haven't been fishing a lot the last few years. Last year I went twice, one tourney.. may be the same this year, not sure how much I will go tho.. tm batteries were bought in may of 2008 and cranking battery was a tm battery I bought in 2006. Question is given I don't fish should I replace before they go bad or keep using them till they give up.. every battery I've had seems to be bad coming out of winter with the cold weather, I'm wondering if they are good to start spring if they will be ? So, questions. What time of year do yalls batteries go.out and would you replace an old but working battery. Thinking about changing cranking battery sine it would leave me stranded... Thanks for any input..

Have you been maintaining them thus far?

If they are still holding a charge no need to replace them.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it....

A properly maintained battery will last for many years.

The best practice is to maintain a lead-acid battery continuously with a dedicated float charger or maintainer. This is not always practical, especially in winter storage, but charging them up periodically will go a long way to prevent sulfation and capacity loss over the winter.

I have an minnkota onboard charger. Always have charged each night fishing and when I get back home too. Never done anything special during winter but every year they just keep working.

I look at it like this:

You have had dependable service from your batteries and have had your moneys worth from them.

You know you will need to replace them all in the relatively near future anyway (likely a year or two at very most)if you plan to keep your boat.

When they fail (not IF) they are likely to do so at the most inopportune time, like on the water, at night, far from shore. That will at least leave you inconvenienced and maybe ruin your fishing trip, even if not completely stranded.

Since all lead smelters in the USA have been closed due to EPA regulations, battery prices are likely to soar soon.

Considering all this I would replace them now, at your convenience, while you can shop around and find the best deal on them. It will also give you peace of mind.

Randy

Where will you be when they give up the ghost?

I've had great luck with a battery 'maintainer'. It puts out a high frequency pulse that keeps the sulfates off the plates and greatly extends battery life. I understand they will also rejuvenate a battery that shows signs of going bad. They make one with a solar panel or plug into 120vac power. Either one you can hook up and forget until you are ready to go out again.
this link is just one company offering this type of product.
Go down to the lower right product for $45 for a single 12v model. It doesn't eliminate a charger but it keeps your batteries going without any help from you.

http://www.pulsetech.net/12V-Battery-Maintainers-9657.aspx

Solid advice. The only times I've had issues with batteries (except here recently) was at the most inconvenient times. Last year, I took the boat to the lake and, lo and behold, after getting it out on the water it would not start. The cranking battery died. Had to cancel my trip.