Re: Is it ok to mount the battery in the front of the boat?
One other note is that I would use Optima batteries for this application, they are designed for a more abusive environment like the bow. I had two in my Rockcrawler and believe me they take a beating and keep on going, I rolled my rockcrawler completely over several times and never had an issue with the batteries.
From the Optima website:
What does an OPTIMA? Spiralcell? design do?
The unique design of the Spiralcell Technology provides many features not available in ordinary batteries, such as:
More plate surface, closer plate spacing and the ability to use high purity lead. RESULTING IN: Low internal resistance. This low resistance gives you more power in a smaller box, the ability to recharge much faster, and higher and cleaner voltage characteristics during discharge.
Immobilized plates (locked in place). RESULTING IN: Improved vibration resistance, no shedding of active paste material, no gradual loss of power and capacity as the battery ages. This gives you a battery that lasts longer and performs better throughout its life.
Why does an OPTIMA battery last longer than other batteries?
The main reasons the OPTIMA battery has a longer life are:
There is no shedding of active paste material
The Spiralcell design immobilizes the plates preventing the active paste from working loose, which can cause plate to plate shorting
They utilize a high purity lead-tin grid
The grid material in OPTIMA batteries is more resistant to grid degradation - a type of internal corrosion that affects the plates inside a battery as it ages
The completely sealed design prevents loss of water which can lead to plate dry-out and failure
Why the low rate of self-discharge?
Mostly this is due to the purity of the lead in the OPTIMA plates. Some of the alloys in conventional batteries are more prone to electron transfer resulting in higher self-discharge than what is found in an OPTIMA battery.
Why is OPTIMA not perishable like other batteries?
OPTIMA batteries have an increased ability to withstand the high demands being placed on batteries today including high heat situations, heavy electronic loads and increased vibration. The Spiralcell Technology in an OPTIMA is what keeps it from shedding active material that gives a battery power. This technology also extends an OPTIMA battery?s cycling ability.
What is a Gel Cell Battery? Is OPTIMA a gel battery?
A gel battery design is typically a modification of the standard lead-acid automotive or marine battery. A gelling agent is added to the electrolyte to reduce movement inside the battery case. Many gel batteries also use one way valves in place of open vents, which helps the normal internal gasses to recombine back into water in the battery, reducing gassing.
An OPTIMA battery is not a "gel" battery or regular flooded acid battery. An OPTIMA is a Spiralcell AGM battery.
Does an OPTIMA battery ever gas?
When used with a properly regulated constant voltage charging system (such as an alternator) the OPTIMA will usually not emit hydrogen gas. However, gassing can occur when charging at higher voltage levels or in extreme high temperature conditions. In automotive applications this typically will not happen if the alternator/regulator stay below 15 volts.
