Batteries (to gel or not to gel)

[SPYKE-KPT]

Hello, I have a 20' grady white with a 200 hp. Yamaha. It has two batteries, one group 24 starting/deep cycle non-gel and one group 27 deep cycle gel battery. The starting battery is dead. Is it worth the money to replace it with a gel?<br />Thanks, Spyke

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Batteries (to gel or not to gel)

The last gel battery I had lasted over eight years, I just replaced the starting battery with a starting, deep cycle gel at $160.00 at NAPA. Ok, so I have more money than sense.

 

[radsrh]

Re: Batteries (to gel or not to gel)

This will be a good one to watch, My starting battery is a 14yr old non gel that just gave up the ghost last fall.

 

[SPYKE-KPT]

Re: Batteries (to gel or not to gel)

I think I am going to bite the bullet and buy a gel. Does anyone know a good brand to buy?

 

[airman]

Re: Batteries (to gel or not to gel)

I don't think a gel is worth the extra $ in your case. Most standard alternators will cook them as they don't regulate the voltage precisely enough. Flooded batteries are way more tolerant of overcharging (a little is even good for them). The electrical forum has lots of good opinions on this topic.