Batteries

I just replaced the batteries in our boat. I was told that with the newer engines you must have at least 600 cca. Our service center said that they install cranking batteries for the engines, and deep cycle for the house. I do not like mixing different type of batteries that are wired together. so since we don't spend much time on the hook without the gen running. I opted to go with with heavy duty group 31 cranking type with 1000 cca. I understand that they make a combo battery, but I decided to go with the lead acid maintaince free cranking batteries. I could not bring myself to spend nearly $ 1000.00 at one time on three batteries, that equals to 1 boat unit on batteries, ouch!!!!! I have heard that the AGM and GELL-CELL batteries are great batteries, just pricey. Over the span of 6 to 8 years, will probally cost about the same, just besure that your battery charger will charge the AGM or the GELL-CELL type batteries. The normal charger is for lead-acid batteries. After changing out the three batteries, I hope mine last a while, big pain in the back to change out. Good luck.
 
When it came time for my fourth battery replacement ,I considered switching from flooded to gel. My batteries are hard to reach to fill. I did however stay with flooded cells mainly due to cost savings. The advantage to you regarding gells ,aside from the maintenance free issue ,is no leaks. The electrolyte is jellied . The down side is the damage that can happen when you overcharge them. I believe they form pockets and lose their effectiveness when this happens. .An agm contains its electrolyte in a glass mat. This provides better performance but can leak if damaged. The old standby flooded cells are frequently resorted to for their consistant performance ,lower cost and ability to take electrical abuse. If choosing Between agm and gelI would go agm ,However I have a hard time justifying the cost.
 
I did mix two start batteries with a deep cycle and got a shorter life out of the deep cycle. I just did a replacement and installed three 1000 amp starting batteries. I rarely do not run my generator and converter when at anchor. The boats alternators do most of the charging work with my boating habits. I was advised to go to 1000 amp batteries when I re engined .The thing you have to look at is discharging abuse with starting batteries . Their internal structure is not designed for repeated deep discharges. With proper maintenance, they will last a long time. I found out that mixing types deep/starting,is not a good combination on my boat ,and could ony work with a major change in the wiring.
 
Gel cell batteries WILL require specific type of charge. I doubt the charger on your 04 has the correct setting, my 03 does not. AGM's on the other hand will be fine with your stock charger. I have run Deka AGM's for years in boats, cars, equipment etc with excellent life spans, 7+ years. I used to use Optima's but their quality has degraded since around 01 or so and I finally gave up on them. I do have an optima blue top for a winch battery in an off road vehicle thats been there since '99 and still strong but most of the ones I've used since failed too quick. The failed ones have all been red tops, haven't needed a blue top deep cycle so maybe its only their red top units. Alot of people run the blue tops in their boats with good results but for me I stick with the East Penn batts from now on.
SB
 
sfergson727 said:
I just replaced all my batteries with four Optima D31 Blue Tops. The only down side is they are a bit pricey at $225 a piece.
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Gabby-
You have a 2007 year boat and have already replaced the batteries? Seems they should last longer than this.
 
sfergson727 said:
I just replaced all my batteries with four Optima D31 Blue Tops. They meet all the requirements for cranking amps and then some. I haven't tested them in the field yet, but I expect to be able to get at least four or five seasons out of them minimum, and have plenty of power to overnight on the hook with no worries. Best of all, they work fine under the standard charger, no need to modify the boat. The only down side is they are a bit pricey at $225 a piece.
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Hey Scott,

I haven't taken the time to research - obviously you have - could you tell us the difference between Optima's Blue, Yellow, and Red topped batteries?

I seem to recall putting a red top in my '93 Allante (which normally uses an externally vented Delco since the battery is in the passenger compt). I think I bought a red top because it was the cheapest Optima at AutoZone!

Obvioulsy I need more research for the boat...

How's ANC? Much snow?
 
Optima yellows and blues are the same inside...different warranties. Great batteries for the price. The zero maintenance can't be beat. About $160 at Sams Club.

Costco or walmart yellows for flooded are a great buy. As are Eveready golf carts from sams for the house.

Rolls or Trojan or Sears for AGM's are high dollar and worth it.
 
Gels offer little advantage over AGM and are sensitive to over-charging... AGMs are lead-acid. I bought 4 DEEP CYCLE Blue top Optima AGM's. I have no problem cranking at all. For me, boating batteries need to withstand discharging, not combat freezing weather and other extreme cranking scenarios.

Your charger should work perfectly with AGMs. I would recommend putting them in and forgetting about them. Don't buy discount brand AGM's. You'll be wasting your money. I'd go with Optima or Deka (as mentioned by Newbie above).
 
Anyone have any opinions on West marine Seavolt Batteries?
I'll be replacing 4 batteries in the Spring and have not decide 27's or 31's. The price range is huge for the same class of battery "To Gel or not to Gel that is the Question"??? I have 27's in now and am on a mooring with a Genny. What would you guys recommend... Keep In mind I'm looking for the best bang for the buck... without sacrificing safety and convenience...

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=9&classNum=677
 
Don't get gel - there is no benefit. Get AGM.
 
I'm in for battery replacement this spring as well. Fortunately I only need to buy two (one advantage of a single). While I am leaning towards AGM batteries as well, I am not sure given that here in New England batteries are typically only used six months a year, and in hibernation for the other six. I know that AGM batteries will last about twice as long as flooded when in continuous use, but what about on a six on six off basis? If the six on/ six off operational life has a damaging effect will I end up replacing batteries every three years regardless of type?

Henry
 
As others have said...

GEL is NOT the same as AGM even though both do not have liquid sloshing around. I still think people use the word "GEL" even though they are talking about AGM batteries.

I don't understand why anyone would put Gel batteries on a powerboat... it's more of a sailboat thing where the batteries are completely drained all the time.
 
The only reason I can figure is the maintenance free one. My friend bought three gels at a tremendous cost and he is now spared the task of adding water to very hard to reach batteries. I get on average two years out of a set of medium quality flooded cells. The maintenance isn't a big deal to me and replacement every two years is not either. Even if I got twice the lifespan, I still couldn't justify three times the cost. The other thing I hear is the fact that jellied electrilyte won't spill. Thats nice also but I have never had a cracked case and even if it did happen, there is a tray to capture electrolyte is case it did happen.You could then deal with it safely. I think I would rather spend the money on bigger and heavier wet cells versus gels.
 
white glove said:
The only reason I can figure is the maintenance free one. My friend bought three gels at a tremendous cost and he is now spared the task of adding water to very hard to reach batteries. I get on average two years out of a set of medium quality flooded cells. The maintenance isn't a big deal to me and replacement every two years is not either. Even if I got twice the lifespan, I still couldn't justify three times the cost. The other thing I hear is the fact that jellied electrilyte won't spill. Thats nice also but I have never had a cracked case and even if it did happen, there is a tray to capture electrolyte is case it did happen.You could then deal with it safely. I think I would rather spend the money on bigger and heavier wet cells versus gels.
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You know that both AGM and Gel batteries (two different types) don't have a free flowing electrolyte in them? They are both maintenance free..... And AGM's are more popular and people call them "Gel" but they are not... It's important to know because AGM and Gel have different characteristics and if you don't have the right charger (alternator and converter) you'll smoke the battery. AGM's are more "plug and play" into existing powerboat requirements.
 
Yes . My friend was equipped with the selector switch on the converter to use the various types. I have heard that the agm doesn't have the tendency for void formation that the gel does and perform more like a flooded cell. This could account for the cost difference between gel and absorbed.The one thing I have grown to depend on with flooded batteries is they're very predictable .I am still trying to understand the electolyte being taken up in a glass mat being an advantage, is this the thing that makes them maintenance free.
 
Dont waist your money, they are 25-30% more then other local places, I never shop there!!! :smt021

savignr said:
Anyone have any opinions on West marine Seavolt Batteries?
I'll be replacing 4 batteries in the Spring and have not decide 27's or 31's. The price range is huge for the same class of battery "To Gel or not to Gel that is the Question"??? I have 27's in now and am on a mooring with a Genny. What would you guys recommend... Keep In mind I'm looking for the best bang for the buck... without sacrificing safety and convenience...

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wc...=true&storeNum=5002&subdeptNum=9&classNum=677
Click to expand...
 
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