Gel batteries

[kenbo]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Thank you, now to find a US source

Lauderdale Battery & Alternator, 2415 SW 3rd Ave, Ft Lauderdale Fl 33315
is a Sonnenschein dealer.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

I have experienced excellent life (10+ years) over several boats using Sonnenschein gel batteries.



I am not convinced by the claims of needing very careful charging. They were fitted to our first boat before solar regulators were available. Charging voltages were manually switched and not well controlled. They lasted 15 years!



This was with 12v batteries.

Wow.

Just goes to show how much difference the marque's design build quality makes.

I take it not too deeply cycled on average?

[CarlF]

I knew someone who bought Sonnenschien batteries from Lauderdale Battery and Alternator years ago. He said they were a good operation - did a lot of superyachts.

[kenbo]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Wow.

Just goes to show how much difference the marque's design build quality makes.

I take it not too deeply cycled on average?

I had Sonnenschein batteries decades ago in a ketch I often left in Nova Scotia for the winter. Pre solar, no electric and got 8 very good years of service. They were charged by an internally regulated Motorola alternator, read not well cared for.
I believe, but I'm not sure, that these batteries were made by East Penn under license from Sonnenschein. They had the Prevalier labels.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by kenbo

I believe, but I'm not sure, that these batteries were made by East Penn under license from Sonnenschein. They had the Prevalier labels.

My understanding is, it was never an OEM / franchise / brand relabeling deal.

More of a training / technology transfer arrangement.

My general impression is that the Sonnenschein Prevailer build quality and longevity are better than Deka's.

But that Deka GEL are still excellent, certainly the best ones to buy in the NA market if the Sonnenschein turn out to be too high priced for your budget. Apparently Deka makes Trojan's GEL line, or at least that used to be the case.

Just as Rolls / Surette may be the top marque for FLA worldwide, but Trojan, Deka/East Penn, U.S. Battery, Crown and Superior are all also excellent choices.

Hoppecke GEL is well respected in Europe, but I think not sold in NA.

[kenbo]

Originally Posted by john61ct

My understanding is, it was never an OEM / franchise / brand relabeling deal.

More of a training / technology transfer arrangement.

My general impression is that the Sonnenschein Prevailer build quality and longevity are better than Deka's.

But that Deka GEL are still excellent, certainly the best ones to buy in the NA market if the Sonnenschein turn out to be too high priced for your budget. Apparently Deka makes Trojan's GEL line, or at least that used to be the case.

Just as Rolls / Surette may be the top marque for FLA worldwide, but Trojan, Deka/East Penn, U.S. Battery, Crown and Superior are all also excellent choices.

Hoppecke GEL is well respected in Europe, but I think not sold in NA.

I bought those batteries in 1986 in South Jersey and like I said I seem to remember in the label's fine print mfg by East Penn Mfg. They were very well priced too, about $1.25/ah

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by john61ct

Wow.

Just goes to show how much difference the marque's design build quality makes.

I take it not too deeply cycled on average?

Most boats relying primarily on solar are very light on batteries and ours is typical. Much of power is provided directly from the solar panels. The batteries are only discharged overnight so the typical SOC is very high. Most of the higher draw appliances are run when solar is most prolific so the battery discharge rate is low.

The batteries have a very easy time and this usage pattern is ideal for lead acid batteries.

[JKMilligan]

A64....I’ve got the same box you do. I’ve got a 27, a 31, and a 4D in there and they just fit. Deka Dominator Gels. I also put four 6V versions in the middle box under the port side.