Posts: 2753
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | PSAGuy - 6/1/2015 10:48 AM
OK...just replaced my starting battery with a nice new Odyssey Group 31. $329.
Now....I find out, my three (count em 3 !!) trolling batteries need replacement. The thought of a grand for batteries makes me nauseous, but I'm prepared to do it if I must. I'd like to explore another option tho. West Marine sells a Group 31 GEL battery that they say is great if it has to sit months in cold weather (like here in MN) with no use. They say the battery works great in a trolling motor application.
I currently run a 101 pound thrust 36v Terova.
Anyone see any issues here with using a Gel to run my Terova? One thing that concerns me is charging. I have heard the gels need a different type charger, but not sure. I run the standard 4 bank Ranger Charger that comes on a 620 Fisherman.
The Gel (group 31) is $149. Another Odyssey (or Die Hard equiv) is $329. See my interest ???
Sure appreciate any input someone can give.
LOL- At those prices they must provide a very warm fuzzy feeling, much like you will feel with your new "gel cell's" - if you get them. You will also likely go into sticker shock for a 3-bank 36V gel cell charger, it is highly unlikely any onboard automatic charger can safely charge or maintain a gel cell battery.
I really love all of these " LOVE brand XXX or brand XXX are JUNK statements or don't buy AGM's or I love Gel Cells"! Seriously? Based on how much experience? Most amatuer's (average fisherman) versus professionals (industries that use large quantities of various deep cycle batteries, including wet-cells, AGM's, and gel cells) most average folks know absolutely nothing about deep cycle battery technologies and why one is better than another.
Your friend at West Marine is smoking some stuff from Colorado or knows nothing about battery storage in cold weather. If you plan on storing any lead-acid battery outside in Emo MN, you had better make sure its fully charged. If not, its likely to freeze.....
https://mathscinotes.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/finalplot.jpg
The way to use this chart is to look at the right hand scale (battery open circuit voltage per cell) multiply by 6, e.g., a 12V battery has 6 cells. So if your battery measures 12V with a digital meter when you put it in your unheated storage shed in Emo MN, go over to the left from the 2V open circuit vertical scale line to where it intersects with the brown electrolyte freezing line and read the electrolyte freezing temperature on the left hand scale. Does it get to -35F in Emo? LOL!
This site has pretty good battery information.
http://www.batteriesnorthwest.com/batteryschool.cfm
Re. State of Charge (SOC) - Beware ! The charts are bit misleading 10.5VDC is the limit for a 12V deep cycle battery, especially AGM's and gel cells, if you discharge them lower than that you may not be able to recharge them.
Wednsday, I'm going to Walmart & buy two(2) new deep cycle group 31 wet-cells for Esox Maniac, its not going to cost me a $658 either! The old ones are 7 years old, they are reading ~12.4V after sitting for a month after charging. Time for replacements.
YES! WET-CELLS!!!!!!!!
Why are AGM's so popular in the boating/fishing industry? Answer: MARKETING! Actually a AGM battery is much more dangerous from a short circuit perspective a group 31 can deliver up to ~5000A.
If you want some high performance AGM deep cycles try C&D's UPS High-Rates. UPS12-540MR (149AH@20hr rate) Its rated for ~25.5A to 5hrs @1.75vpc (10.5V) Most marine grp 31 deep cycles are 25A to 3hrs (180minutes)@1.75vpc(10.5V). Its also 13.42"W x 10.93"H x 6.80"W & 100lbs
Good luck!
Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 6/8/2015 10:30 PM
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