To Gel or not to Gel?

[Medskipper]

Decided to replace all my batteries on the boat. 12v. 110-120amp batteries.
What is the difference between deep cycle/ultra deep cycle and Gel batteries?

I use the boat for leisure which of course means like most boats it sits in the marina for a good deal of its life. I have an on board battery charger which I use regularly so even when
the boat is not used the batteries are kept in good condition, current batteries have given me 8 years and still don't look bad but I am away for a month cruising and I don't want to be let down! The current batteries are sealed wet cell no maintenance.

So what to replace them with? Deep Cycle or Gel?

Experiences please

Many Thanks /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Barry

 

[andy_wilson]

This article sums up my thinking...

http://www.adverc.co.uk/technical/technical-batteries.asp

I pay about 50p/amp hour for 130Ah truck batteries. I use exactly the same battery for engine start and domestic banks, that way everything fits everywhere, and I can always move things around should there be a failure - until a replacement is obtained. I like built in redundancy. I particulary like simplicity. Standard wet cells are simple to understand, maintain and charge. As soon as you start with gel and AGM you need a different charging rate and system for that bank.

Keep it simple I say.

Can I have your old batteries which, by your own admission seem to be OK. More usefully, I would add that IF they seem OK, they probably are. Buy and fit new and you may get an early failure!

See also...

http://www.sterling-power.com/

and check out FAQ's.

Edit.

Forgot to add, buy from a truck battery supplier and pay a sensible price. You can get these in any pole configuration.