Gel battery Question

[cb32863]

A boat I am interested in has a gel battery. The issue being, everything has been sitting for about 3 years. I have no idea if they have kept it on a charger/conditioner for the 3 years, my thought would be no. I think the battery was used for a couple of years before being left to sit. Should I juts consider this a loss and plan on replacement or can it be saved?

 

[Ron20324]

At the minimum, check it with a volt meter. Ya just never know what you might find.

 

[cb32863]

At the minimum, check it with a volt meter. Ya just never know what you might find.

That is very true, will pack that along when I go have a look.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

purchasing a boat predicated on the useful life time of its battery is a novel concept.

Regardless, gels usually hold a charge longer than wet cells if that helps.

 

[Maine Sail]

A boat I am interested in has a gel battery. The issue being, everything has been sitting for about 3 years. I have no idea if they have kept it on a charger/conditioner for the 3 years, my thought would be no. I think the battery was used for a couple of years before being left to sit. Should I juts consider this a loss and plan on replacement or can it be saved?

Cycle them deeply under a load that is close to their 20 hour rate (Ah's divided by 20). Bring them down to about 10.5V or so then recharge them immediately at a rate close to the 20 hour rate. Repeat this twice and you'd be amazed how a GEL battery can survive...

Max charge voltage is 14.1V and float should be 13.8V

 

[cb32863]

purchasing a boat predicated on the useful life time of its battery is a novel concept.

Regardless, gels usually hold a charge longer than wet cells if that helps.

Ummm the battery really has nothing to do with whether I purchase the boat or not. I was just wondering if I should just dispose of the battery and get a new one.....

 

[cb32863]

Cycle them deeply under a load that is close to their 20 hour rate (Ah's divided by 20). Bring them down to about 10.5V or so then recharge them immediately at a rate close to the 20 hour rate. Repeat this twice and you'd be amazed how a GEL battery can survive...

Max charge voltage is 14.1V and float should be 13.8V

Thanks!