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From: Flying_Cloud (no email)
Date: Fri Aug 20 1999 - 11:15:37 EDT
Pierre
snip
> Unfortunately your comparison of gel vs. Flooded batteries is incorrect!
I may or may not be incorrect! Yours is just another opinion...it does not
make YOU RIGHT! I respect that you have a difference in opinion.
Reviews and articles I have seen indicate differently! For one check out the
recent Cruising World article on AGMs. Certainly my own experience tends to
indicate that my gels lasted way longer than flooded. Still that is NOT MY
POINT - the ****ability to accept charging amps**** is the basis for my
decision. Or else why bother buying the high amp output alternator!!!!?????
The sole reason for me to purchase AGMs is the ability to accept high-amp
charge!!! While you agreed with the charging advantage - you would still buy
a flooded. I want to keep my engine/ genset running time to a minimum and
enjoy the peace and quiet.
If $334 buys a 255 AH (8D) - what does it cost for an equivalent flooded -
you didn't say. Even if it is cheaper - is it worth the ability to accept
only 25% of the amp hours that an equivant AGM bank can accept!!!!! To me a
marginal difference in cost is worth such a difference.
snip
> cases,IF you learn how to take care of them (water them, measure specific
> gravity each month, and equalize them occasionally)
In the southern climate who wants one more maintenance item to caretake the
batteries once a month - as that is the frequency that the fluid needs to be
checked. I want less maintenance and more sailing time.
Mounting option are hardly in my opinion the reason for me to buy gels. (or
AGMs).
Other reaons for my decision include longer life; low maintenance; and more
forgiving.
Obviously I know something about the care of my batteries - since one bank
was 8 years old and still is being used! (the other 7 years old). I would
even bet your flooded aren't this old or ever have been in liveaboard use.
Sandra
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