I just had to take out another group 27 gell battery in my 95 Hunter 336. This is the second in two years that has gone so low, it can't be re-charged. Another gell is $360. Before I shell out another $360, I would like to know if these big and heavy guys are the way to go. I have read a lot about the glass mat AGM type which are around $220 each. I would like some advise on which type to use in the existing two battery set up. We sail the Chesapeake Bay on weekends and maby a few four/five day trips but that is it and 90% of the time we spend the night at a marina with power to re-charge. The boat came with a two group 27 gell set up and we are trying to find out if that's the way to keep it. Please advise.
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[FONT="]This is largely a matter of persona preference James and it might help you make the best decision for your specific needs by reading up on what is readily available on the internet regarding the distinction between these battery types, an excerpt from one such site is contained below:
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Battery Designs[/FONT][FONT="]
Flooded Lead Acid (FLA)
These have Plates submerged in an liquid Electrolyte of Sulfuric Acid.
Advantages: They tend to be the lowest cost/Ahr, or stated a different way, “the best bang for your buck” type battery. A little more robust at being badly treated in regards to charging, thus less expensive charging methods can be used. They tend to be the better at deep discharge duty and tend to have the highest number of discharge cycle rates, providing the 50% minimum cycle rule is employed.
Disadvantages:
These require regular inspection to assure the battery is topped off, so as the plates do not dry out. They can spill Acid and thus can only be installed upright. They can be more quickly damaged if left discharged. They are not as robust in regards to vibration as Gell and AGM . They have a higher discharge rate and require constant maintenance charging to keep them in good condition.
Gel Cell
The plates of these batteries are submerged in a thick Gel type paste of Sulfuric Acid.
Advantages:
They have the advantage of being able to be placed in any orientation, having no liquid that can leak out. They are also very good at withstanding high vibration environments. If charged correctly, they do not vent much in the way of Gas. This also means that some of these batteries can come totally sealed, or at the very least, have a relief vent in case of pressure build up.
They have a very low self-discharge rate.
Disadvantages:
More expensive than FLA. As the Gel dilutes the acid, the battery has to be made in a way that makes it larger and heavier. So although these batteries are nuggity, don't let that fool you into thinking it is more powerful. The electrolyte cannot be replaced, although in saying that, it should never need to be. It requires special charging needs and can be damaged or even become dangerous if charged over 14.2V. Thus unregulated chargers should not be used.
Can require a special charger to bring them up out of a very deep discharge.
AGM
These have a glass mat with the Acid absorbed into it, sandwiched between the plates.
Advantages:
These are also considered “maintenance free”, having no user replaceable electrolyte. Thus they can also be installed in a variety of angles, but not upside down. They do have the distinct advantage of being able to be used for both Starting and deep cycle duties, although once again a compromise and most likely at the detriment of their over all life span. However, They are also made in all three specialized types as Start, Deep cycle and Dual, which. Good shock resistance and very low gas release when charged properly. They have a very low self-discharge rate.
Disadvantages:
These tend to be the most expensive batteries. They also tend to be the heaviest/Ahr. Once again, you cannot replace Electrolyte, but also once again, you should never need too.
How long did these existing batteries last you?
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[/FONT][FONT="]
Battery Designs[/FONT][FONT="]
Flooded Lead Acid (FLA)
These have Plates submerged in an liquid Electrolyte of Sulfuric Acid.
Advantages: They tend to be the lowest cost/Ahr, or stated a different way, “the best bang for your buck” type battery. A little more robust at being badly treated in regards to charging, thus less expensive charging methods can be used. They tend to be the better at deep discharge duty and tend to have the highest number of discharge cycle rates, providing the 50% minimum cycle rule is employed.
Disadvantages:
These require regular inspection to assure the battery is topped off, so as the plates do not dry out. They can spill Acid and thus can only be installed upright. They can be more quickly damaged if left discharged. They are not as robust in regards to vibration as Gell and AGM . They have a higher discharge rate and require constant maintenance charging to keep them in good condition.
Gel Cell
The plates of these batteries are submerged in a thick Gel type paste of Sulfuric Acid.
Advantages:
They have the advantage of being able to be placed in any orientation, having no liquid that can leak out. They are also very good at withstanding high vibration environments. If charged correctly, they do not vent much in the way of Gas. This also means that some of these batteries can come totally sealed, or at the very least, have a relief vent in case of pressure build up.
They have a very low self-discharge rate.
Disadvantages:
More expensive than FLA. As the Gel dilutes the acid, the battery has to be made in a way that makes it larger and heavier. So although these batteries are nuggity, don't let that fool you into thinking it is more powerful. The electrolyte cannot be replaced, although in saying that, it should never need to be. It requires special charging needs and can be damaged or even become dangerous if charged over 14.2V. Thus unregulated chargers should not be used.
Can require a special charger to bring them up out of a very deep discharge.
AGM
These have a glass mat with the Acid absorbed into it, sandwiched between the plates.
Advantages:
These are also considered “maintenance free”, having no user replaceable electrolyte. Thus they can also be installed in a variety of angles, but not upside down. They do have the distinct advantage of being able to be used for both Starting and deep cycle duties, although once again a compromise and most likely at the detriment of their over all life span. However, They are also made in all three specialized types as Start, Deep cycle and Dual, which. Good shock resistance and very low gas release when charged properly. They have a very low self-discharge rate.
Disadvantages:
These tend to be the most expensive batteries. They also tend to be the heaviest/Ahr. Once again, you cannot replace Electrolyte, but also once again, you should never need too.
How long did these existing batteries last you?
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James: My original W/M Gels lasted for 10 + Years. What type of a charger are you using? How old are these batteries.
The sealed lead acid ones are the way to go. Cheap and no maintenamce. Expect at least four years
Sealed batteries are mandatory for racing down here
Sealed batteries are mandatory for racing down here
I found the Problem
My dead gel battery was most likely due to a bad bildge pump/switch. We just put in ice which drains to the sump. I looked in the sump and had water over the sump switch. There must be some kind of short or the pump has frozen and still is calling for power. The pump runs directly off #1 battery which is the one that was dead beyond repair. I have a Xantrez Freedom #10 inverter/charger that runs fine so I need to find the power draw. Anyway, I have solved a lot of my Hunter issues over the years on this web page. Sometimes by just reading about someones elses problems Thanks for the comments and help.
My dead gel battery was most likely due to a bad bildge pump/switch. We just put in ice which drains to the sump. I looked in the sump and had water over the sump switch. There must be some kind of short or the pump has frozen and still is calling for power. The pump runs directly off #1 battery which is the one that was dead beyond repair. I have a Xantrez Freedom #10 inverter/charger that runs fine so I need to find the power draw. Anyway, I have solved a lot of my Hunter issues over the years on this web page. Sometimes by just reading about someones elses problems Thanks for the comments and help.
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