Andy,
My own experience is with the Optima Red Top gel cell. This is free
replacement for 3 years, and 5 year replacement by age amortization
after 3 years. It is NOT the much more expensive marine battery, nor
should it be. You don't need a deep cycle, but if you have long
periods of non-use you do need a small electronic charger, made by
Stomacher and "Battery Tender" that use about 1.25 amp draw, not
charge. These are very small boxes meant to maintain a battery charge
over long periods of non-use, without boiling out the acid (as these
"trickle charger" capable larger units will.)
They range in cost from $39 to $59 and are worth every penny, if this is
your need. The battery is always maintained at a ready state, but not
overcharged, nor does it overheat the acid,
Never use the larger (12"x2"x4" approx.) units that also charge. These
little ones will NOT take a battery from low to charge, but will
MAINTAIN charge without damage.
Can buy one for less than the difference between automotive and marine
Optima versions (for which you will still need one).
Steve
Andy Walker wrote:
>Hello everybody:
>
>Hope everyone had a happy New Year and is well on their way to a fantastic
>2005! I know that I can't wait to get started back to vintage racing this
>year in my Alpine!!
>
>Got a question for you all. I've got a deep-cycle marine battery in the
>racing Alpine. I put it in there back last September. The car has been
>sitting a lot since then and I just now tried to crank it over to see if it
>would start. Actually, it did start, although it labored pretty slowly while
>cranking.
>
>This leads me to my question. How do I charge a deep-cycle marine battery?
>Do they charge like a normal battery or is there a different technique? I
>have a battery charger with three settings; a 2-amp trickle charge, a 10-amp
>charge and a 50-amp start feature. Can anyone give me an idea of what I
>should do to put a fresh charge on this little unit?
>
>Thanks,
>Andy Walker
>Edmond, OK
>B382001600LRXFE
>B9006857LRX
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