Replacing Gel Cell Batteries

[edwardc]

Well, I'm finally having to replace the Gel Cell batteries of my house bank. Last season, the began to degrade rapidly, barely holding any charge by the end the season.

I can't complain. According to my records, they were purchased in 2003, two previous owners ago! That's 12 years on them!

Anyway, they were a pair of Group 31 Seahawk Gel Deep Cycle 97s, model 5320494. I plan to replace them with two, possibly three new G31 Gels, and I was wondering what the current thinking is on the best Gels to use. After pouring through Maine Sail's postings on the subject, I'm looking at the Deka 8G31DTM, but those posts are a few years old, and I'm wondering if Deka is still the best choice, or if there is something better, or something with a better value-per-dollar?

 

[Maine Sail]

The SeaHawk GEL is just a re-stickered Deka 8G31.... Deka is still about the only good choice in a GEL battery. Their GEL batteries are excellent, but their AGM's, not so much... Sonnenschein Prevailers, also excellent GEL batteries, are still available but dealers are far and few between.

You might also consider the new Firefly AGM batteries which are highly sulfation resistant, designed specifically for PSOC use, and also intended for 80% DOD use not 50% DOD use like all other AGM and GEL batteries.. This means less batteries and more usable capacity and the sulfation resistance means longer cycle life.

 

[edwardc]

Thanks for the quick reply! Nice to know I'm on the right track.
The best price I've been able to find for the Deka so far is $298 ea plus free shipping, with a minimum order of 2, from a place in Florida.

 

[Maine Sail]

Thanks for the quick reply! Nice to know I'm on the right track.
The best price I've been able to find for the Deka so far is $298 ea plus free shipping, with a minimum order of 2, from a place in Florida.

Any local Deka dealer can order them in. In Florida you can't go wrong with Lauderdale Battery, always fresh stock and they sell more GEL batteries than just about anyone in the country. An number of dealers in Florida specialize in buying batteries that have sat around for a long time, recharging them, slapping a new sticker on and sending them out the door. Lauderdale Battery won't do this..

 

[edwardc]

It just so happened that I had a friend in Lauterdale who had driven down there, and was willing to pick up two batteries for me. So I saved shipping but paid sales tax...still way ahead on the deal. Total cost was $256 ea. Just got them installed in the boat today. Here's hoping these last another 12 years!