"Gary Warner" wrote in message
...



Flooded These "regular" batteries have
a
liquid of sulfuric acid between the plates. When charging they produce
hydrogen and oxygen so they must be ventilated and periodically topped off
with distilled water. The "maintenance free" models do not need water
(not
recommended for hot climates).

Hmm. Mine is maintenance free, which I chose because for the time being,
there's absolutely no place to fasten it down in my 14' boat. It sits wedged
(fairly) securely between the transom and a plastic milk carton which holds
some fishing stuff. But, that means it's in the sun constantly. Perhaps I
made the right choice, in terms of heat.



- Discharge rate of 6% to 7% per month

Mine comes off the charger at about 12.8 volts (confirmed with two different
digital meters). After a week of use, it drops to about 12.3 and sits there
for a month or so before dipping to 12. It's been the same since day one.