as i look to replace the batteries in my 26X i'm leaning towards the gell batteries... i know the cost is more but i think the life span will make up the cost in long run.... anyone have any expirence with the gell batteries? thanks, steve mac26X "heard the call"
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Gel Cells
Steve The advantage of the gels is that they have little self discharge, so you don't have to keep plugged into shorepower. I avoid being plugged in by using an 11 watt solar panel to offset the self discharge of our wet cells. I had one 95AH gel on our old C25 and it worked well for four or more years. I had a 5 watt panel for that battery. If you're willing to pay the extra for the convenience go for it. The advantages and disadvantages are so well written up in West Marine's Advisors, that there's little anyone here can or needs to add. Stu
Steve The advantage of the gels is that they have little self discharge, so you don't have to keep plugged into shorepower. I avoid being plugged in by using an 11 watt solar panel to offset the self discharge of our wet cells. I had one 95AH gel on our old C25 and it worked well for four or more years. I had a 5 watt panel for that battery. If you're willing to pay the extra for the convenience go for it. The advantages and disadvantages are so well written up in West Marine's Advisors, that there's little anyone here can or needs to add. Stu
Over 10 years on Gel Cells.
Steve: I had W/M Gel Cells that lasted for over 10 years. Never looked at them, never cleaned the battery posts. I will tell you that they were on the charger 24 x 7. I would also suggest that you take a look at AGM's too. You can purchase them from other sources other than the marine outlets.
Steve: I had W/M Gel Cells that lasted for over 10 years. Never looked at them, never cleaned the battery posts. I will tell you that they were on the charger 24 x 7. I would also suggest that you take a look at AGM's too. You can purchase them from other sources other than the marine outlets.
I would use AGM
as they have all the advantages of gel but are not as sensitive to charging as gel cells. I had gels and recently replaced with Lifeline AGM's. Try this link, I found that even with freight they were cheaper than any local distributor.
as they have all the advantages of gel but are not as sensitive to charging as gel cells. I had gels and recently replaced with Lifeline AGM's. Try this link, I found that even with freight they were cheaper than any local distributor.
I agree with Ron
AGM's are the way to go. They're darn near bomb-proof and don't cost much more than gels.
AGM's are the way to go. They're darn near bomb-proof and don't cost much more than gels.
AGMs over Gels
I have a Gel bank, which has served me well enough. However, if I were starting from scratch I'd choose AGMs. They cost about the same as gels, have the same self-discharge characteristics, and -- most important -- they use the *same charging voltages* as flooded batteries. That means that you don't need to replace or make any adjustments to your shore charger or your alternator regulator.
I have a Gel bank, which has served me well enough. However, if I were starting from scratch I'd choose AGMs. They cost about the same as gels, have the same self-discharge characteristics, and -- most important -- they use the *same charging voltages* as flooded batteries. That means that you don't need to replace or make any adjustments to your shore charger or your alternator regulator.
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