Battery help!

Post by **Mac** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:49 am

Does anyone use the gel type 12v batteries. I run two 12v batteries both interstate srm 29 with 210 RC. I'm getting tired of the maintance, spillage ect. Looking to swap them out! Are the gel type any good? Would they be suitable for trolling motor, livewell, accessories?
Cheers Mac

Post by **big-o** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 3:26 pm

Mac

I don't see why they would not work in a boat application....they are now used in golf carts,wheelchairs...ect....i think the cost of the batterys....have made them less popular with the fishing crowd...hey Spinner do you have a link..about these batterys...and thier uses?????

Post by **M.T. Livewell** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 8:10 am

I think Spinner is still in bed.

Have a look here.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/usingOpt ... nsBlue.asp

Strange though, I have never had a problem of batteries spilling in my boat. Now, oil on the other hand, I am a damn natural disaster when it comes to filling the reservoir.

M.T. Livewell

Post by **spinner** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 8:35 am

If you should decide to use gel cell, be sure you use a charger that is made to handle the charging of gel cells as they are different than std batteries and are very susceptible to overcharging and the resulting damage. I personally feel that the std flooded cell batteries are as good as any and would stick with them. Some new styles may last longer but you pay for it and the yearly cost is likely close.

I don't know why you're having the problems you are as I have only encountered leaking one year in 25 years and it was last year

. I guess it does happen once in awhile.

note- the optima that MT refers to is not a typical gel cell but an absorbed glass mat style that doesn't have the gell cell charging issue

Post by **Mac** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 8:44 am

Thanks all,
Maybe I'll take a closer look at the guy handling the batteries

instead of blaming the batteries. After all has been said the two batteries I have have never failed me!
Cheers

Post by **spinner** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 9:01 am

A few links

http://www.bassandwalleyeboats.com/site ... e_201.html

http://www.yachtsurvey.com/boat_battery_basics.htm

http://www.vonwentzel.net/Battery/01.Type/

Post by **Seaweed** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 9:50 am

I personally could not believe the performance I got from the batteries I installed in the Nitro this year. I bought Deka Marine Batteries on a suggestion from the wife`s Uncle who runs a busline and uses them for raidos on the buses and other electronic stuff.

Well I ran my Motorguide 67 Brute all week up north while fishing the West Arm of Nippissing this year without a charge. I could not believe it and even the last day the darn electric motor was still running strong. Go figure! I have two batteries set up in a 24v hookup.

My buddy was up there and he has those gel batteries this year and has had noting but complaints about them. They run down way too quickly according to him.

The fishgods were smiling this year and I have the photos being developed and will post the results soon about the run up north this year. It was by far the best year yet up there. I am sure that the new boat helped but also the fish just seemed to be extremely active this year. Still no muskie but got loads of big Northern Pike and some real quality bass both smallie and largie.