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Gel batteries

As they are made using a viscous mixture of sulphuric acid and silica fume, gel batteries are suitable for use in boats and other vehicles that travel on uneven surfaces.

The chemicals inside gel batteries are immobile, which means there is a reduced risk of spilling when compared with automotive batteries. Other advantages include:

• Stronger plates and separators, cutting the risk of electrical fire on a boat.
• Less chance of the production of dangerous gases. When hydrochloric acid - which is found in many batteries - mixes with salt water, chlorine gas is produced.

Most marine batteries on the market are either sealed maintenance free or gel batteries.

Other uses of gel batteries

Gel technology is often used in motorcycle batteries as well as boat batteries. This is because gel batteries can be installed at unusual angles if the design of a motorbike demands this. They are also often smaller and lighter than other batteries, while offering the same level of power.

Gel batteries are also considered to be more reliable than other 12 volt batteries. They are becoming more popular in premium cars as a result.

Depending on the size of the boat and your level of experience, various sizes of gel batteries are available. These include:

• 6v batteries.
• 9v batteries.
• 12v batteries.

These offer different levels of power. Six and nine volt batteries are found in many leisure boats, as they are ideal for a relaxing trip over the water.

What gel batteries are made of

Gel batteries contain a gelified electrolyte. The mixture of sulphuric acid and silica fume is solid and cannot be spilled - unlike traditional lead acid batteries.

These rechargeable batteries can handle more extreme temperatures than other types of battery and do not need to be kept upright. However, they cannot be charged up while inverted.

While gel batteries are more durable than other battery packs, there are still some safety considerations to take into account. These include:

• Do not use batteries if the casing is damaged.
• Do not reverse charge batteries.
• Ensure that batteries are fully charged before storing them.

Gel batteries offer a highly reliable power source for cars, motorbikes, boats and other vehicles.