Marine Battery
The West Marine site comments thusly about the batteries of this series:
Manufacturer tests and ''real world'' onboard use have proven that SeaGel Marine Gel batteries offer many distinct advantages in marine conditions. They're remarkably resistant to damage from deep discharges and extended storage. Completely sealed, not merely maintenance-free, they can be inverted or immersed without danger of acid spills or chlorine gas production. Once charged, their low self-discharge rate (retaining 50% charge after 16 months in storage at 68°F) allows the batteries to sit unattended an entire winter without significant power loss. Extra-thick lead calcium plates won't sulfate (destroy themselves) even when left discharged for 30 days. They're capable of over 500 full discharges (over 1000 cycles for the 8GGC) in temperatures from -22° to +122°. 18-month exchange, 5-year pro-rata warranty. Can be shipped via UPS.
Indeed, subjective experience so far does indicate they can handle a fair amount of abuse, but if you're shopping for batteries, do read the comparisons in back issues of Practical Sailor. I fully expect to upgrade, at least to Absorbed Glass Mat if not lithium or something else exotic, by the time we actually start traveling full-time (just to give you an idea, a Group 27 AGM battery, weighing one pound less than this one, is rated at 175 amp-hours as opposed to this rather paltry 86).
An excellent overall discussion of marine battery issues, with substantial technical detail, is on the Redbeard Yacht Systems page.
The West Marine online catalog page for these batteries, if for some reason you want to order one, is right here.
