SHETLAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

mix ratio is 50/50

Re: New to this scene

Postby Coddy » Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:39 pm
What are the main differences between car batteries and leisure batteries ?

Hi Dave,
Many thanks for the explanation on difference between car batteries and leisure batteries, it explains a lot.
Maybe you can answer the question of Gell batteries, Are they suitable for replacements for car batteries and leisure batteries as starter/domestic power on boats?
My 25hp Mercury 4 stroke starts on the button every time so needs very little cranking time.Domestic drain is about 4amp average max.
I know that gell batteries are very expensive to buy but I have been offered 2 x 100amh new ones at the right price. ( My ex works overstocked on Fork lift batteries) And I need to replace the existing batteries on the boat.
I have a charging system that gives priority to charging the starter battery, also small solar panels that trickle charge the starter when away from the boat.
So my question is will Gell batteries be suitable for the starter battery and domestic battery.?

50:1

some yamahas were 100 :1 but as a rule better to have a bit more oil that will give a bit more smoke than not enough. spark plugs are cheap. power heads mean often the engine is only fit for the bin.

petermarr wrote:

Re: New to this scene

Postby Coddy » Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:39 pm
What are the main differences between car batteries and leisure batteries ?

Hi Dave,
Many thanks for the explanation on difference between car batteries and leisure batteries, it explains a lot.
Maybe you can answer the question of Gell batteries, Are they suitable for replacements for car batteries and leisure batteries as starter/domestic power on boats?
My 25hp Mercury 4 stroke starts on the button every time so needs very little cranking time.Domestic drain is about 4amp average max.
I know that gell batteries are very expensive to buy but I have been offered 2 x 100amh new ones at the right price. ( My ex works overstocked on Fork lift batteries) And I need to replace the existing batteries on the boat.
I have a charging system that gives priority to charging the starter battery, also small solar panels that trickle charge the starter when away from the boat.
So my question is will Gell batteries be suitable for the starter battery and domestic battery.?

Sorry for the delay in responding

GEL cell batteries are also sealed just like the AGM battery (Absorbed Glass Matte), that is where the similarities end. A GEL battery uses a silica (sand) to turn the sulphuric acid into a jelly like substance. This jelly is then used as the electrolyte. Great care must be taken with GEL batteries not to expose them to high amperage situations. High amperage situations can literally 'SCAR' the jelly inside of a GEL battery, creating a pocket. These pockets allow the plates to begin corroding, leading to premature failure. GEL batteries should not be used for fast charging/discharging, or high amperage charging/discharging situations. Use the other types of battery for these high amperage situations. GEL Batteries are slightly stronger in regards to internal construction than a flooded battery, but pale in comparison to the physical strength of an AGM battery.

So to answer your question I would not use a GEL battery for starting.

Dave

So to answer your question I would not use a GEL battery for starting.

Many thanks for the reply Dave.
I will use the gell batteries for the domestic and get a new car battery for starting.
Cheers
Pete

petermarr wrote:

Re: New to this scene

Postby Coddy » Mon Aug 19, 2013 11:39 pm
What are the main differences between car batteries and leisure batteries ?

Hi Dave,
Many thanks for the explanation on difference between car batteries and leisure batteries, it explains a lot.
Maybe you can answer the question of Gell batteries, Are they suitable for replacements for car batteries and leisure batteries as starter/domestic power on boats?
My 25hp Mercury 4 stroke starts on the button every time so needs very little cranking time.Domestic drain is about 4amp average max.
I know that gell batteries are very expensive to buy but I have been offered 2 x 100amh new ones at the right price. ( My ex works overstocked on Fork lift batteries) And I need to replace the existing batteries on the boat.
I have a charging system that gives priority to charging the starter battery, also small peimar solar that trickle charge the starter when away from the boat.
So my question is will Gell batteries be suitable for the starter battery and domestic battery.?

Hello have you got the Gell batteries? Even I am considering to have these batteries so are they worth.

Hello have you got the Gell batteries? Even I am considering to have these batteries so are they worth.

Hi Kurt,
Yes as advised I have used the Gel bateries for the domestic side ( lights, pumps and general electrics) and used a car battery for cranking the engine.
The good thing about gel batteries are that they are sealed and do not need to be vented as normal lead acid batteries are for the BSS. as they do not give off gas vapours when charging.
As for the life of them they last a lot longer than lead acid on our fork lift trucks at work, and seem to retain there power in very cold conditions, so I am hoping they will on the boat.
the drawback is the cost of them.