AGM Batteries

[Jim Ferretti]

I plan to replace batteries next spring and am interested in using AGM's. I have been told that AGM's can be stored in the boat even in sub zero weather. I'm on Lake Erie where is can get to -20 F or so. Appreciate any help? Thanks!

 

[Jay Eaton]

The Battery Guys

Check http://www.dcbattery.com/

 

[Mike Alge]

AGM batteries were designed for the military for use in all kinds of conditions, such as the blistering hot deserts to the sub freezing tempatures of the polar regions. They are also used in aircraft that can go from The balmy temps. on the ground in Ohio to the 30,40, even 50 below temps that exist at high altitude. If tha batteries are fully charged in the fall at haul-out time they will survive the winter quite nicely. The biggest drawback to AGMs is there high cost. I can purchase from a local battery dealer 6 volt golf cart batteries for about $55. apiece Two batteries in series will give me 200 Ah. A 4D AGM is listed at 210Ah prices out at over $250 making that last 10Ah down right expencive. Other than that they are the best battery for boaters as they suffer none of the ills that plague wet cells

 

[Steve Dion]

initial cost is not the real story

As you know the initial cost of a item is not necessarily the bottom line. As an example we purchased 2 gells from WM in June of 1990 and they still work just fine. I would think that I would probably be starting on my 3 set of batteries if I went with flooded type batteries. In this time I have not needed to worry about checking the batteries for water, cleaning the posts etc. These batteries have just existed and done their job. I have not done the math to do the actual cost comparison but the gells work for us. We leave the boat in the water during the winter and do not get down during the off season for 3-6 weeks at a time.

 

[Mike Alge]

Steve: For the rest of us common work-a- day stiffs , cost is the very real issue. We can ill afford to have our expensive batteries damaged by freezing. If you live in an area where you can leave your boat in the water over winter then freezing the electrolite is not a problem but here on the Great Lakes it is a very real problem

 

[Jay Hill]

Cheapest Solution

Cheapest Solution: Cheap Battery and a 40W light bulb in the battery compartment (provided you have shore power) keeps the thing from freezing down to about 50 below outside provided the light bulb does not burn out.Remember though:Cheapest Solution = Highest Maintenance(Not recommended)