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03-05-2011, 22:12
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montenegro
Boat: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45DS
Posts: 300
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Gel Cell Batteries on their Sides
My Hunter 45 has a pathetically poor 380Ah battery bank as supplied by the factory (2 x 4D Gels).
I intended to fit a third 4D, but find that the space where Hunter now fits a thrid battery is 1/2" too short to fit. I could, however, acheive this if I mounted the battery on its side.
I've heard lots about AGM's on their sides, but does nyone know if Gels are also happy long term mounted sideways ?
Duncan
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03-05-2011, 22:36
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#2
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CF Adviser
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: sausalito
Boat: 14 meter sloop
Posts: 7,260
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Re: Gells on their side ???
AGMs yes; Gels no.
__________________
cruising is entirely about showing up--in boat shoes.
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04-05-2011, 06:21
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#3
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Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2007
Boat: Bestevaer.
Posts: 15,045
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Re: Gells on their side ???
Gels should be fine on their side always check the manufactures specs but most should be OK.
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04-05-2011, 07:00
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montenegro
Boat: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45DS
Posts: 300
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
Hmmmm.... 1 for - 1 against.
BASH : What makes you think gels would not be able to work on their side (migration of the electrolyte out of the plates over time ?)
Duncan
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04-05-2011, 07:41
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Marathon FL
Boat: Endeavour 35, 1984,
Posts: 937
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
AGM Yes
We just did it on my boat.
__________________
People spend time putting little boats in bottles, me I put bottles in my little boat...
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04-05-2011, 08:15
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: VA, boat: Deale, MD
Boat: 1981 Nor'sea 27
Posts: 1,414
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
I'm not familiar with AGM batteries. my understanding and how I used them, Gell Cell batteries are completely sealed and can be mounted in any configuration. I have not heard of anything about negative effects of having one sit on its side.
__________________
Daniel - Rhapsody Blog,
“A sailor’s joys are as simple as a child’s.” — Bernard Moitessier
"I don't need therapy, I just need my boat"
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04-05-2011, 08:34
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#7
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CF Adviser
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: sausalito
Boat: 14 meter sloop
Posts: 7,260
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
Quote:
Originally Posted by duncan_ellison
Hmmmm.... 1 for - 1 against.
BASH : What makes you think gels would not be able to work on their side (migration of the electrolyte out of the plates over time ?)
Duncan
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I quote from the technical manual of MK gel batteries: "Any gel battery permanently installed on its side may lose about 10% capacity."
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sourc...-B-kzA&cad=rja
__________________
cruising is entirely about showing up--in boat shoes.
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04-05-2011, 08:40
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#8
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 4,033
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
Trojan's manual says:
"Gel or AGM batteries are spill-proof and they can be placed either upright or on its side."
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04-05-2011, 20:22
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montenegro
Boat: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45DS
Posts: 300
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
This doesn't seem entirely definitive. But, most here seem to say you CAN put them on their sides, but Bash quotes a specific manufacturer saying that you may lose 10% of the capacity - that's around 20Ah on a 4D cell, I guess since only one of the three batteries will be on it's side, that might be acceptable.
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04-05-2011, 21:15
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cormorant Island, BC, Canada
Boat: Lancer 44 Motorsailer
Posts: 1,878
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
According to Sonnenschein the dryfit Prevailer Gel can be mounted in any position including upside down with no adverse effects.
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04-05-2011, 22:31
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Pacific Northwest, USA
Boat: FL12 12 ft rowboat, 18 foot SeaRay I/O
Posts: 341
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
I would forget the gel cell or agm and go with three wet cells. You simply need to go to a smaller (physical dimension) group size battery of the same amp hour rating. Get three slighty smaller batteries and squeeze them in. Here's a link to the dimensions of various group sizes. BCI Battery Group Size Chart
Pro: more amp hours, less cost.
cons: none that I can think of.
__________________
Ike
"Dont tell me I can't, tell me how I can"
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05-05-2011, 17:46
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#12
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Boat: 2006 Hunter 45CC - Phoenix
Posts: 1
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
Hi Duncan,
I just finished installing a 3rd 4D battery on my 2006 Hunter 45CC in the location where Hunter now puts them (just starboard of the existing two 4D's). Everything fit just fine for me. I made a powerpoint presentation for a friend who has to do the same job. If you send me your email, I'd be happy to share my experience with you. My email is pmm1018 at yahoo dot com.
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05-05-2011, 18:23
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Pacific Northwest, USA
Boat: FL12 12 ft rowboat, 18 foot SeaRay I/O
Posts: 341
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
Excellent.
__________________
Ike
"Dont tell me I can't, tell me how I can"
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05-05-2011, 19:34
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Montenegro
Boat: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 45DS
Posts: 300
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Re: Gel Cell Batteries on Their Sides ?
pmm1018 - excellent indeed, PM on it's way.
Duncan
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