Gel Battery replacement

Oct 2, 2008
3,811
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
Hi all,

Since leaving NE 6 weeks ago we've had one house bank get hot while running the engine during an overnight hop. We also got a similar event when plugged in to shore power and while running the generator to charge the batteries. We had them checked and that bank was marginal so we are getting them replaced. Since there was no date marking the age, I'm guessing between 9-11 years old. For us they were a good value.
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,759
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
I have in my notes from 2011 that those batteries were at approx 4 years old back then, so I think about 11 +/- years old is a pretty solid guess. Excellent life for the cruising you guys do!!!
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
I guess you are in Yorktown? You must have made good time Saturday after we talked. We jibbed in 28 knots to Galesville. WHAT A RIDE!
 
Oct 2, 2008
3,811
Pearson/ 530 Strafford, NH
I guess you are in Yorktown? You must have made good time Saturday after we talked. We jibbed in 28 knots to Galesville. WHAT A RIDE!
Yes we caught a nice ride trying to use some of the advice I've gotten here on SBO.


I have in my notes from 2011 that those batteries were at approx 4 years old back then, so I think about 11 +/- years old is a pretty solid guess. Excellent life for the cruising you guys do!!!
Do you think that's because we have 900 amp hours with 12 volt refrigeration the only big draw. Or the 500 watts solar and wind that keeps batteries near full?
 
Feb 6, 1998
11,759
Canadian Sailcraft 36T Casco Bay, ME
Yes we caught a nice ride trying to use some of the advice I've gotten here on SBO.




Do you think that's because we have 900 amp hours with 12 volt refrigeration the only big draw. Or the 500 watts solar and wind that keeps batteries near full?

Combination of both... Low average DOD and the ability to cycle in a higher SOC range plus GEL batteries, specifically East Penn or Sonnenschein (Trojan GEL's are made by East Penn too) are some of the longest last of any deep cycle lead acid batteries.