Charging gel batteries

[Captain W]

New to the forum. Relatively new to boat ownership (about two years). Just bought a boat from an owner that had two gel batteries that were about 12 years old. When surveyed last fall, everything worked fine. During commissioning this spring, the new boatyard reported they were unable to start the engine and the batteries wouldn't take a charge. They recommended I replace the batteries because the engine wasn't starting and "no one uses gel batteries any longer.". The previous owner was perplexed as the gel batteries had never had trouble. I called around about what type of batteries to replace them with and in the process learned that gel batteries are fairly sensitive to charging. Turns out the engine troubles were associated with the fuel line. I am concerned now that the gel batteries were in fact fine and needed either no charge or a trickle charge and if the boatyard had placed a charge on them like a FLA battery the batteries may have been compromised resulting in it not taking a charge.

Any thoughts?

 

[dlochner]

Welcome to the Forum and sailing.

12 years is a long life time for batteries. So, whether the were really dead or just on life support may still be debated, however, they were at or near end of life.

Gel and AGM batteries are much more sensitive to charging practices than FLA batteries. Before spending a lot of money on batteries, the charging system should be assessed and upgraded if needed.

There are several excellent articles on batteries and charging on the Compass Marine website. Spending time with the articles and on the website is time well spent. Also take a look at RC's Musing with MaineSail forum here on SBO.

Batteries Archives - Marine How To

Marine How To is the premier site for DIY boaters to get in depth articles for maintenance, upgrades and insight from a professional. I sell products that I know work, because I've worked with them. I tell it like it is. No sponsors, except my readers!

marinehowto.com

There is a good intro article by Drew Frye about the various battery types in the March/April issue of Good Old Boat magazine. He describes the pros and cons of different battery chemistries.

Taking Charge - Battery Basics - Good Old Boat

Knowing battery basics and technologies empowers battery choices. Aboard any boat with an electrical system there exists a need to store electricity. Enter the battery. But unfortunately (or fortunately), a battery just isn’t a battery, and choosing the type of battery that’s right for you, for...

goodoldboat.com

 

[Davidasailor26]

I’d respectfully disagree with your yard on two counts - I don’t think it’s fair to say that no one uses gel anymore, and also it shouldn’t be hard to tell the difference between a battery issue and a fuel issue when starting the engine. What kind of charging capabilities are installed on the boat? Gel needs specific charging voltages, different than FLA or AGM, but otherwise shouldn’t be too much more picky. At 12 years old they might be due for replacement anyway, depending on how you want to use them. When replacing, or if staying with these, you should just check to make sure that your charging sources can be set to the voltage ranges for whatever type of battery you’ll use.

 

[CarlN]

I think it’s a good bet that the boatyard threw a 14.5v charge on them and ruined them. A lot of the reason gel’s fell out of popularity is they kept being ruined by people who didn’t know what they were doing.

But even a gel is reaching its EOL at 12 years. Even if they are OK, why risk ruining a cruise to just eke an extra year out? If the new batteries last 12 years then it’s likely the next owner will be the one to replace them.

I’d just get new gels. The boat’s charging system is obviously correctly set up for them. Do not get AGMs. If you want to go pricier than gel look at Firefly.

 

[Benny17441]

How were the batteries being maintained from the Fall when the boat was surveyed to the Spring when it was launched? What were the Boatyard's responsibilities during this time? Old batteries can and will suddenly fail. Failed batteries can place a boat in jeopardy or ruin an expensive vacation trip. Those batteries should have been replaced at least 5 years before. Before considering what type of batteries to purchase just establish in what kind of sailing will you be using the boat. I'm a coastal cruiser and prefer the Flooded Lead Acid batteries because they are inexpensive, will take some abuse and I can get a replacement anywhere I can tie up the boat too. Gell and AGM batteries offer good performance but they require monitoring and charging equipment to protect them.

 

[Captain W]

Thank you all for your comments. It’s tough to be a new owner and be between the yard and the previous (but well-meaning) owner recommendations. I will do some more researching on batteries and their maintenance on the sites you recommended. Thanks again.

 

[jssailem]

Welcome Captain W. Don't be too hard on yourself. We have all been there. One of the reasons this site exists is to help us all navigate the sometimes confusing issues of boat ownership.

You got some good reading to do. The sources given by Dave are excellent. In no time you will build a sense of confidence and who knows be back here sharing your stories and insights. At least I hope you will.

Now for the real important stuff. What does your boat look like? Where are you planning to sail her? Pictures man they are important.

A former neophyte boat owner. Now just stumbling along.

 

[Captain W]

Cheers! Thanks for the welcome.

I bought SHILOH from a couple who had stewardship of her for 36 years! He was so knowledgeable and I felt so novice. He encouraged me that it just takes time and learning. What I appreciate about joining this forum is having access to so many experienced sailors and even folks like me who are asking the “dumb” questions. You are right, there is so much to learn, but it‘s nice to learn from others.

I have yet to be underway on her as SHILOH’s new owner, but hoping to get underway this next weekend now that the engine is working again. I’ll post some photos then!

 

[CarlN]

It’s a real plus that you are in touch with the previous owner. He can be an endless source of help. I enjoy keeping track of my previous boats and providing what help I can. I never fully “sell” a boat. I love hearing about their adventures. They are just too much a part of my life. This week I was exchanging emails with the owner of my last boat (sold four years ago) that’s in North Carolina. He’s trying to figure out an odd electrical gremlin. I’m more than happy to help. I also put him in touch with a local friend who owns a similar boat.

 

[dlochner]

Thank you all for your comments. It’s tough to be a new owner and be between the yard and the previous (but well-meaning) owner recommendations. I will do some more researching on batteries and their maintenance on the sites you recommended. Thanks again.

And you thought all you needed to learn was how to sail.

The sailing part is the easy the part, the rest well, somedays we all hate boats.

Enjoy!