Gel Batteries???

Bob Farmer · Jun-20-2007, 10:22 AM

I may need a new battery - I presently have one new one and one that came with the boat when I got it last year. Both are marine batteries, in fact, they're both the same model.

I'm considering a gel battery to replace the older battery. Any of you have any experience with gel batteries? Can you run them with the "old fashion" kind? I'm curious if any of you think the difference in cost is worth it.

Thanks!

Dirtguy · Jun-20-2007, 11:26 AM

They're still sulphuric acid and lead types. The gel has the acid in a gel form. Never spill and will last longer since vibration wil not affect it as badly. Yes, you can use them together, but the stonger batt will do most of the work. Since one is new already, you should be just fine.

DG

slydawg · Jun-20-2007, 11:44 AM

IF you're gonna pony up, maybe you should consider an AGM battery. Send a PM to SURG. I replaced my gel with 2 new AGM. He's THE electronics guy, so hit him up.
.02

MacAttack · Jun-20-2007, 12:22 PM

I’m getting ready to make the same decision - does the lack of actual liquid, per say, in these units make them last longer? From what I’ve been told - the lead oxidizes and falls to the bottom of each cell and then shorts that cell out in time - in a liquid celled battery. Does the gel delay the onset of these particles falling because of the pounding the boat encounters?

*looks like DG may have answered part of this*

Dirtguy · Jun-20-2007, 01:49 PM

That's what happens. A gel battery is packaged tighter with the insulating pads saturated with the acid gel. The types I've been using are flat plate, like Odyssey, and spiral wound, like the Optima. Baker Precision markets other types. They cater to off-road market.
JEG's has a really good supply of various batts like the Absorbed Glass Mat type.

Can you guys publish the prices for the batts you end up with?

DG

albatross · Jun-20-2007, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dirtguy

That's what happens. A gel battery is packaged tighter with the insulating pads saturated with the acid gel. The types I've been using are flat plate and spiral wound, like the Optima. Baker Precision markets other types. They cater to off-road market.

DG

i dont know why but my optimas only lasted one season and were always dead i switched them out with svr and they have been great i love those batteries i left my over head lights on for 2 days and the one i was useing the lights onstill started the boat

Dirtguy · Jun-20-2007, 02:00 PM

Good info! What's "svr?"

Another tip I have to offer is that you can go to your local Interstate Battery store and get "REconditioned" Gel-cell batteries. They're apparently Optimas that have the stickers removed and have a warranty , but, are half the price or less. I do know they work well at half the cost.

I told you guys I was cheap...

DG

Mot's Sr. · Jun-20-2007, 02:23 PM

Good info! What's "svr?"

That's what I was going to ask, ya beat me to it.

Bloody Deckers get a discount at American Battery, they have two stores in SD, one in Escondido and one in Temecula,

Thay are good guy's. In the last year I've bought three of the big 6 volt batteries for my motor home and several others for other things. One starting battery for my motor home also. I think there al of the Trojan batteries like they use in golf carts, expensive but good, Would have bought them at Costco if they handled them, but they don't. They have marine batteries also and the gel type.

I had a battery last year that went bad for my suburban, took it into Costco, they exchanged it, no questions asked.

albatross · Jun-20-2007, 03:36 PM

the car stereo guys use them for vib reasons

flynnaire · Jun-20-2007, 03:55 PM

I'll try to post up the info I have collected on this subject over the years but the short version is not to use gels in a boat. First and for most they require a specific charge rate and have a max charge of 14.3 =/- volts.
The best battery out there is an AGM
West marine has the highest price and the lowest amp hour, Cabbellas has a very good price and the best amp hour rating.

size matters · Jun-20-2007, 10:36 PM

I have 4 Trojan batteries, one year old, any idea how long the life of these are? approximately, I know it depends...but is it 1 yr, 2yr 3yr.... all charged from twin outboard chargers, always strong.

Mot's Sr. · Jun-20-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by size matters

I have 4 Trojan batteries, one year old, any idea how long the life of these are? approximately, I know it depends...but is it 1 yr, 2yr 3yr.... all charged from twin outboard chargers, always strong.

I don't know in boats, but I've only had three sets of them in my motor home in about 12 years. The damn thing just sets and I hardly use it, have to fire it up every now and then just to get the batteries up.