Batteries

[chief]

After reading the review of AGM batteries in the March issue of Practical Sailor I am a little confused. My current batteries are three years old and are in need of repacement. I have a Universal M25XP with the standard alternator without external regulation. I do however have the correct battery charger which does have the ability to charge any type of battery (Flooded Cell, AGM or Gel). According to the review, without the proper type of alternator or three stage regulation the use of AGM or Gel are not worth the price. I only motor on average 45 minutes per sail, with the exception of a trip to and from my winter storage. With this amount of motoring with the wrong alternator negate the advantages of these types of batteries. I do plan on eventually upgrading my alternator. If Gel or AGM are not the way to go, can someone suggest a top of the line Flooded Cell battery to purchase.PKWT

 

[John]

Batterys

Hi Chief Ive had gell batterys for 6 years and they are great .But i feel that the AGMs are better.They charge faster ,last longer, and can be used with your alt reg setup .but a three stage reg will charge better without heating up the batterys as much.I think you have a 65 amp alt that would be good for about270 amphrs 25% of house batterys.Then echo charge a small start battery .A 120amp alt is the largest alt rated for our moter at ample power .com .The hi out put alt will only give you full power for a short time ,maybe a1/2 hr or so then the reg will start to slow chargeing and the alt dosent put out full charge.I dont think you need to gear up untill you start useing a refer to cool the beer or if you are at a mooring and have no power. I have 4 large solar pannels two hard and two soft about 220 watt of power and they work great they keep the batterys hot all day.My first set of gells where bought with the refer in 1989 and they where killed by my yard guys wile moveing the boat (long story)in 2001 12 years is very good and the batterys never leave the boat I check them every year . I think in 2006 the AGMs are the way to go I have them in my diesel trucks . John