Batteries - sealed or not?

[mick]

I'll soon be buying new batteries for the boat. I like the idea of, e.g., the Numax sealed marine battery. I've always had the bog standard wet acid batteries that can be topped up. is there any reason why I shouldn't buy the sealed type?

 

[Stemar]

Cost?

 

[Chris_Robb]

If you believe what Mr Stirling says, then don't fit sealed batteries. The point being that if you have a really good charging arrangement and therefore charge hard up to 14.8 volts (and 15 on equalisation), you will loose water. You can therefore replace it, which you would otherwise not be able to do with sealed. IMHO I would stay with refillable.

As for Gel etc - I get completely lost in the arguements!

 

[Glyka]

[ QUOTE ]
If you believe what Mr Stirling says, then don't fit sealed batteries. The point being that if you have a really good charging arrangement and therefore charge hard up to 14.8 volts (and 15 on equalisation), you will loose water. You can therefore replace it, which you would otherwise not be able to do with sealed. IMHO I would stay with refillable.


[/ QUOTE ]

Agree! Sealed (and gel) batteries are ok for mild charging systems e.g. cars. I would (and I do) fit the cheapest ones and replace them every two years.

 

[pampas]

Just had the same discussion with a mate whose sealed batt are looking up the spout. advised him to go wet cell route and set his Sterling to charge sealed batterys as I have done. Never had to top up in three years. So my advise is to stick with wet cells, been around long enough and with modern plate tech ,just as good and a lot cheaper ,Look for your local battery supplier for the transport industry have a chat and take his advice.

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

Mick, Try DB Wilson in Rutherglen, they are battery manufacturers and really helpfull and a bit cheaper.
No connection, just have used them in the past.

 

[jennymckay]

We're replacing our sealed batteries this year, after 4 years of hard work.
We bought them because normal wet, deep cycle batteries where we are were a fortune, so decided if these lasted 2 years we were quids in - it paid off for us.
We have a high output alternator regulated by a TWC and a 240v AC Sterling 50amp battery charger, neither of which has had a problem with these batteries.
I know all the arguments and, as a marine electrician, have spouted them to my clients but we will still be going for the cheapest (dry) option.

 

[mick]

[ QUOTE ]
We have a high output alternator regulated by a TWC and a 240v AC Sterling 50amp battery charger, neither of which has had a problem with these batteries.


[/ QUOTE ]

I have a Beta 13.5 with a small (40 amp) alternator and that's it - no complicated systems anywhere. Can I assume that sealed batteries would suit my boat? The boat is a Sadler 26 and the batteries are located in a space under the quarter berth cushion. The sealed type interests me as I've always been slightly worried about gassing as there is no provision for venting to the outside.

 

[pvb]

[ QUOTE ]
Can I assume that sealed batteries would suit my boat?

[/ QUOTE ]They'll be fine. As usual, there's been a lot of rubbish spouted in this thread about sealed batteries. Sealed batteries actually make a lot of sense on a boat. Their lead-calcium plate technology makes them very resistant to overcharge. They are clean. And they have a larger than usual volume of electrolyte, to ensure a sensible lifespan.

I use sealed batteries - they're about 10 years old and are just starting to show their age. My alternator has an Adverc controller, so charges at 14.8v most of the time. No problems.

As for the "fit the cheapest ones and replace them every two years" advice, obviously the guy has more money than sense.

 

[mormargh]

Unless you are worried about spillage, I'd stick with the wet ones, but avoid anything with a magic eye.

 

[pvb]

Why's that then?

 

[mormargh]

Had them on my boat, lasted not that well. Mate also had one on his boat - different part of the country, different supplier - same story. Respective marine electrical outfits in both locations advised against and that was too much of a coincidence for me.

To be fair, I'm on a swinging mooring and not permanently plugged in - may be fine for those that are.

 

[pvb]

My 10 year old sealed batteries have "magic eyes". I don't leave the shore power connected. Magic eyes have no influence on the chemistry of the batteries. You're helping to prove my point.

 

[mormargh]

No, I'm describing an experience that happens to differ from yours.

If you have managed to find a battery that will last 10 years, please share the info as to type/supplier with the rest of us, so we can all benefit.

 

[Tranona]

Agree on a small boat like a Sadler 26 the ideal set up is a Red Flash or Odyssey Micro engine start battery (which can be mounted in any orientation) plus an AGM (or sealed battery if you can't run to AGM) of about 80 to 100 AH for services. Charged and switched through a Battery Switch Cluster incorporating a VSR. Takes up much the same space as a single conventional wet battery - much safer and more effective. A small 6w solar charger will keep the service battery topped up if you do not have shorepower. If your engine start does go down you can always use "both" to start from the service battery.

 

[pvb]

[ QUOTE ]
If you have managed to find a battery that will last 10 years, please share the info as to type/supplier with the rest of us, so we can all benefit.

[/ QUOTE ]Delco Freedom - no longer made, but similar sealed types easily available.

 

[maxi77]

I must admit that up till now I have used wet batteries, purchased from caravan shops, they are almost always the cheapest, caravanners are more cost concious. Most caravan shops sell standard recreational 85 and 110 batteries, have good turnover and good pricing.

 

[vyv_cox]

I'm used to getting about 7-8 years from my domestic batteries, have always bought the cheapest 'deep cycling' 105 Ah wet ones from any convenient source.

 

[charles_reed]

The Delco Freedom

range has been superseded by the "Voyager" range - it's just a name change. The batteries appear to be the same with sealed construction, Pb/Ca plates and a "magic" eye.

Whilst they lasted a long time they were pigs for accepting recharge, slow to give up amps and required a significantly different charging regime from conventional lead/acid.

Ironically, the last replacement battery I got, in Malta, was a "Freedom"; mainly because it was such obvious good-value-for-money.

IMHO the most long-lived batteries are going to traction batteries (golf-carts, FLTs) and this has more to do with plate construction than battery-breathing.

Sealed construction, gel and mat-cell are all attempts to cater for the users' carelessness and all degrade performance to a certain extent.

I'm surprised that 10 years is considered a long time for battery life - even in car batteries I expect that sort of life.

In fact AC-Delco are offering a 50-month guarantee on one of their current ranges.

 

[mormargh]

Re: The Delco Freedom

pvb/charles_reed - thanks for the info.