Re: Rough Ride Battery????
For a period of about three years, I worked with battery technology. The difference between marine of deep cycle batteries and a standard car battery is the thickness of the plates in each cell. The more plates the higher the cranking amps and voltage during cranking (car batter - great for winter). However they do not take kindly to constant discharge and charging. Each time this occurs some of the plate is dissolved. Cars need the higher amp and voltage during cold weather, and keep the battery from discharging because the vehicle is typically run everyday.<br /><br />Deep cycle batteries have thicker plates and although lower cranking amps / voltage they last longer when discharged and recharged continuously. Since boats are normally run in warmer weather the loss of power in cold temps is not a factor. <br /><br />What will damage the battery when bounced around continuously is the plates may be jarred loose which will kill the battery. Keeping the battery in the back of the boat is more friendly as the ride is smoother in the stern area.<br /><br />Gell cell batteries have a tendency to last longer. One reason is that the gell does not evaporate like water (acid), and the position of the battery is not critical. Glass mat separated (fiber glass matting between cells - with special acid) is a technology and similar to the gell cell. As said above these batteries have some desirable features, but cost is high.<br /><br />I think that you are subject to battery damage regardless of the type if the boat pound as much as it does.<br /><br />However; you have identified the problem with your boat - Boat Balance! And because of this there are other handling issues which you have not addressed. Nate is correct if you wish to improve the ability to plane, and eliminate the pounding and porpoising. Then put your battery in the stern where it will be smoothest.
<br /><br />Sorry couldn't resist....
