Since we have the same boat, The Heart Interface has a SETUP for both wet cell, gel and AGM.I have a heart interface, original to boat 1997
While this is a possibility, consider that some folks are also using poor quality or defective battery chargers that are causing out-gassing. Ventilation is required, but there are factors that can exacerbate the problem. Our flooded batteries have bubbled a little bit the few times we have re-charged from days on the hook, but they are in a ventilated compartment. We check them regularly for water level, as well.It is my understanding that wet cell batteries leak a lot more gas then closed cell batteries like agm or gel. I hope you have good ventilation or there are health issues too.
- Will (Dragonfly)
Be careful, the Relion batteries I've ordered, which are Chines made, are certified. The Lithion batteries that are marine rated, like Mastervolts and Relion have a safety shutoff module built in to each battery.. Have been considering ordering from a factory in China off AliBaba but you need an order of 5 batteries to get pricing around the same as lead acid.
You get more than 50% with AGM, more like 75% to 80%.not 50% for lead acid, AGM, or gel cells.
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/absorbent_glass_mat_agmThe leading advantages of AGM are a charge that is up to five times faster than the flooded version, and the ability to deep cycle. AGM offers a depth-of-discharge of 80 percent....
https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/darn-agm-batteries.133773/
I can't locate Stu's first link, however.
Regarding your comments on AGM, I would like to see a reference that supports that. What I have read from authoritative sources is in contradiction, specifically, that AGM charge faster, and go to 80% depth of discharge for the same life cycle as flooded taken to 50%.You get more than 50% with AGM, more like 75% to 80%.
In theory you can; however i) It cuts down the life of the battery a lot; ii) you increase the likelihood of sulphation if you don't really charge them up to full frequently; ii) the last 90% of the AGM, especially the last 7% takes forever to "top-out" the used amp hours. The actual acceptance rate of the batteries goes way down as they "top-out".
When we go to beyond 60%, the loads had better be pretty low in total ah/hour. The voltage drops a lot (watts = amps x volts) and you get declining benefits per amp hour. If you are running refrigeration (motor load) or a bunch of electronics (radar, computer, displays, etc.), or pumps (water or bilge) the last amp hours are painful.
With Li Ion, you have pretty constant voltage through the whole usage until the battery "collapses" (is used-up); and they supposedly don't tend to "imprint" (sulphation) their load like a lead or AGM or Gel Cell.
There are really on two downsides: Initial cost is much greater; and, if you don't a decent and disciplined charger -- you run the risk of some very nasty fire. The quality Li Ion marine batteries have protection boards built-in which is supposed to block over charging. They also use a someone different chemistry from the computer and phone batteries which is more restrained and less prone to overheating. (ANYWAY, that's my understanding.)
I agree that lithium ion are denser technology, but at about five times the price per Amp-hour, a necessary change of charging system, and a finite, non-zero probability they will burst into flames, I'll stick with AGM for now.AGM has very low internal resistance, is capable to deliver high currents on demand and offers a relatively long service life, even when deep cycled. AGM is maintenance free, provides good electrical reliability and is lighter than the flooded lead acid type. While regular lead acid batteries need a topping charge every six months to prevent the buildup of sulfation, AGM batteries are less prone to sulfation and can sit in storage for longer before a charge becomes necessary. The battery stands up well to low temperatures and has a low self-discharge.
The leading advantages of AGM are a charge that is up to five times faster than the flooded version, and the ability to deep cycle. AGM offers a depth-of-discharge of 80 percent; the flooded, on the other hand, is specified at 50 percent DoD to attain the same cycle life. The negatives are slightly lower specific energy and higher manufacturing costs than the flooded, but cheaper than the gel battery.