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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 General Sailing Forum
 GelCell Battery and Johnson Outboard		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts
Initially Posted - 03/11/2005 :  12:14:43  Show Profile
I've got an 8hp Johnson I think is a 2001. It seems to have an alternator because there's a wire that comes out below the motor that has voltage on while it runs. To me that means it's not an electric starter.
Question is I want to get a Gell Cell Battery (current batt quit)and I'm not sure if the alternator will over or under charge the battery. I've talked with about 4-5 outboard shops and dealers. I've heard everything from "It couldn't put out enough power to hurt the Battery." to "It will put out way too much for the battery." I know Gells need special care but how can I test my alternater. I could buy an amp meter and do the math I guess...
I want to get a Lifeline (group size 31) 105 ah. Its cheaper and more powerfull than West Marine or Boaters world's 95ah.

Thanks

Scooter
C25 '89 SR/WK #5878 "Square Knot"
Vandemere NC.
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kenobie51
1st Mate

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USA
35 Posts
Response Posted - 03/11/2005 :  13:27:51  Show Profile
Hi,
I am not familiar with Johnson motors of that year. The wire may or may not be from an alternator. Could be part of an ignition kill switch. Check with a Johnson dealer that has a wiring schematic.
I have an 8hp Tohatsu (Nissan) 2 stroke, it has an output of 6 or 8 amps, probably about the same as yours. I have had it connected to a gell type battery for 6 years. No problems. I don't think this low an output could damage a battery unless you motored continuously for say 24 hours.

Regards,
Larry Knobel
C25 1657
Cayuga Lake,NY
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cclark
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USA
104 Posts
Response Posted - 03/11/2005 :  15:44:17  Show Profile  Visit cclark's Homepage
Scooter,
I have a 1999 Johnson 8. It does have an alternator on it. It sounds as if yours does too. I know nothing of gell batteries though. (what is a gell battery?)
Chris
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Scooter
Navigator

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USA
228 Posts
Response Posted - 03/14/2005 :  08:51:24  Show Profile
Gell Cell Batteries have a Gell inside instead of liguid. I like them because they don't lose a charge over the winter (very long shelf life). One less task to keep up with over the winter. Also because there is no liguid there's no issue about a rocking boat exposing the battery cells or a washing machine effect inside the battery. I have some inconsiderate (working folk though) crab boats that zoom passed our pier. Gell Cells can be mounted sideways if you want. (I wouldn't even think of that though).

They're preety rugged but they are expensive. And they require special charging. You can't overcharge them too quickly. There's no place for any gas to escape. Too little and you won't get the full benefit of a full charge.

I had one on our last boat and it lasted a long time and the best part is charging it then forgetting about it all winter. Our last boat didn;t have an alternator though.


One week or so away from a spring splash.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.