Gel Cell Batteries on their Sides

[duncan_ellison]

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

[Bash]

AGMs yes; Gels no.

[noelex 77]

Gels should be fine on their side always check the manufactures specs but most should be OK.

[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

[Alecadi]

AGM Yes
We just did it on my boat.

[Rhapsody-NS27]

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.

[Bash]

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

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

[estarzinger]

Trojan's manual says:

"Gel or AGM batteries are spill-proof and they can be placed either upright or on its side."

[duncan_ellison]

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.

[Lancerbye]

According to Sonnenschein the dryfit Prevailer Gel can be mounted in any position including upside down with no adverse effects.

[Ike]

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.

[pmm1018]

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.

[Ike]

Excellent.

[duncan_ellison]

pmm1018 - excellent indeed, PM on it's way.

Duncan