Shep- of course not. It was directed at the MF readership in general, i.e., always interpret opinions with some degree of skepticism. Even mine! However, I probably have a little more experience with batteries and charging systems than the average reader. In my day job we take the issues of battery charging and maintenance pretty seriously. A constant float type charger is probably most common - but even they can fail and someone has to catch the failure. We even offer 7x24 remote system monitoring for customers who don't want to rely on their own staff or have time themselves.

You are absolutely correct- Guest will probably take care of you and just like CPR it's your choice/risk to take.

ghoti- brings up a very good point. A short circuit could mean a boat fire, sulphric acid all over, etc. But it also could involve your home and family or perhap's other people's property if you lease/or rent storage. I don't know about you, but I don't think it's my right to risk my family's lives or other peoples property.

As for batteries sitting in cold temepatures. It's not a problem as long as they are fully charged. The greatest risk is freezing of the electrolyte in a discharged or undercharged battery. This can damage the battery's internal construction and crack the case/jar. Fully charged batteries are usually good to ~ -40 deg. F. 

Al Warner

"The wireless telegraph is not difficult to understand. The ordinary telegraph is like a very long cat. You pull the tail in New York and it meows in Los Angeles. The wireless is the same, only without the cat." - Albert Einstein