Need new Gel Batteries in Florida

[Panamajames]

I have 2 gel house batteries which were installed in 2005. The charge up nicely but they don't seem to last long. 200 amp hour each, 12V. My boat is a Hunter 42.

What brand would you recommend? I am in the Miami area and could anyone recommend the best place to buy these from and recommended brand. Also the best price.

I love the Gels and do not want to switch to golf cart or other.

Thanks

[GaryMayo]

http://www.odysseyfactory.com/

http://www.odysseybattery.com/locator.html

These are the Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, Brock Lesnar, John Glenn, Bill Gates, Jack LaLane of batteries. Nothing is better that I have tried, hands down.

Can't spill. You can store, charge, use any side up. Lightning in a box.

Add one of these babies to your battery, and you will NEVER be left wondering what is going on inside your battery, and will never be stranded somewhere with a dead battery, by surprise.

http://www.argusanalyzers.com/battery-monitors.html

[Lagoon4us]

The Marilyn Monroe of batteries... love it!!!

[Panamajames]

Looked at Odessesy but never found the large ones I need.

200 amp hour

Gel 12V

about 21 inches long 12 inches wide 170 lbs

Did I miss something? I need two to replace what I have.

[deckofficer]

He isn't kidding. AGM is a great way to go, and Odyssey is the best, probably the least self discharge of any. Dual personality also, cranking and deep cycle and not limited to the 0.1C charge rate. I've charged at 1.0 C no problems.
My hot rod electric scooter.


I have moved on to Winston lithium batteries as they are 1/4 the weight and with a cycle life of 3000, are much cheaper than the Odyssey.

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by Panamajames

Looked at Odessesy but never found the large ones I need.

200 amp hour

Gel 12V

about 21 inches long 12 inches wide 170 lbs

Did I miss something? I need two to replace what I have.

How about 14.3" X 10" X 8.7" and 64 lbs for 12 volt 200 a-hr?

For house batteries check out this nice long thread. http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...nks-65069.html

[Cheechako]

Originally Posted by Panamajames

Looked at Odessesy but never found the large ones I need.

200 amp hour

Gel 12V

about 21 inches long 12 inches wide 170 lbs

Did I miss something? I need two to replace what I have.

Those must be 8D batteries...? Easier to carry if you put a couple smaller ones in place of each of those. Aren't 8D alot bigger than 200AH?

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by Panamajames

I have 2 gel house batteries which were installed in 2005. The charge up nicely but they don't seem to last long. 200 amp hour each, 12V. My boat is a Hunter 42.

What brand would you recommend? I am in the Miami area and could anyone recommend the best place to buy these from and recommended brand. Also the best price.

I love the Gels and do not want to switch to golf cart or other.

Thanks

There are only a couple of makers left in the US for GEL batteries. Most of the GEL batts you come across will be made by Deka/East Penn using Sonnenschein technology from Germany. Properly cared for GEL batteris last longer than any other type of battery I install. Look for Deka GEL's and you'll find them.. Any Deka/East Penn dealer can get them even if not stocked..

[Panamajames]

I am now thinking about AGM batteries. It appears those might be the best for the price. Your thoughts are welcome. Wholesale Batteries Direct ships free and no sales tax as they come from outside Florida. Price seems competitive.

[deckofficer]

I see on that site they don't carry Odyssey but has a 4D AGM 200 a-hr for $440, probably a Deka. Here is the math for price,

Deka should get 500 cycles if cared for and that means no deeper than 50% DOD for 100 a-hr usable.

Winston LiFePO4 160 a-hr 2000 cycles at 80% DOD, so 128 a-hr usable.

Over a 2000 cycle usage, you will purchase the Dekas 4 times for a cost of $1760

while the 160 a-hr lithium will cost $704, not to mention a 70 lb savings in weight.

[sailnautilus]

These guys have great prices, and will price match anybody.
Purchased batteries (8D AGM) starters and alternators from them.
Extremely knowledgable.

EAST COAST BATTERY AND ELECTRIC FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1948 100 SW 17TH STREET FT LAUDERDALE, FL. 33315
PH 954-522-2403 FX 954-522-3701

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by Panamajames

I am now thinking about AGM batteries. It appears those might be the best for the price. Your thoughts are welcome. Wholesale Batteries Direct ships free and no sales tax as they come from outside Florida. Price seems competitive.

You will get more cycles out of GEL than with AGM...

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by Maine Sail

You will get more cycles out of GEL than with AGM...

I don't agree.

[HopCar]

I'm in Miami and I can supply Full River or Lifeline. I'd have to charge you sales tax.
What size are the batteries you need?

[donradcliffe]

I bought an 8d gel (220 amp-hours)in fort lauderdale a couple of years ago. I went through the phone book and found a supplier near the airport for half the price of West Marine.

Claims about cycle life for batteries are usually created by the marketing department. The big advantage for gels over AGMs is that they are more resistant to chronic undercharging, which is what happens when you leave the dock.