Is it worth spending the extra bucks for an AGM battery vs a standard battery? Any and all opinions welcome. Thanks.
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I think it is
A quality AGM will outlast a flooded battery. No watering, no corrosion, no spills, they accept a charge faster, etc. http://www.concordebattery.com/
A quality AGM will outlast a flooded battery. No watering, no corrosion, no spills, they accept a charge faster, etc. http://www.concordebattery.com/
Love those AGMs
We have had Lifeline AGMs on our 37.5 since 1999. They stay on the boat all winter and still have a voltage reading in the 12.7 to 12.8 range. They hold a charge almost forever. They charge way faster than a gel cell, and we don't worry about gasing, fumes or explosions, etc. I don't know how long they will last, but they are still going strong. Jack
We have had Lifeline AGMs on our 37.5 since 1999. They stay on the boat all winter and still have a voltage reading in the 12.7 to 12.8 range. They hold a charge almost forever. They charge way faster than a gel cell, and we don't worry about gasing, fumes or explosions, etc. I don't know how long they will last, but they are still going strong. Jack
Batteries
There is little doubt that AGM's are "better" batteries than typical wet cell batteries. At lot depends, however, on the demands you put on your batteries, cost, and other factors. In my case, for example, I like Group 24 "maintenance free" batteries. My reasons for this are: (1) they are cheap and available everywhere; (2) they are light and easy to install and move; (3)they are easy to maintain and charge; and (4)I only ask that they start my diesel when I hit start. I also don't have high demands for house power as I use a lot of protable devices and oil lamps. As such I typically get 5-7 yrs out of these inexpensive batteries. So....if the battery fits, use it.
There is little doubt that AGM's are "better" batteries than typical wet cell batteries. At lot depends, however, on the demands you put on your batteries, cost, and other factors. In my case, for example, I like Group 24 "maintenance free" batteries. My reasons for this are: (1) they are cheap and available everywhere; (2) they are light and easy to install and move; (3)they are easy to maintain and charge; and (4)I only ask that they start my diesel when I hit start. I also don't have high demands for house power as I use a lot of protable devices and oil lamps. As such I typically get 5-7 yrs out of these inexpensive batteries. So....if the battery fits, use it.
I think there is a consensus that Lifelines are -
of premium quality. At the risk of highjacking this thread, has anyone tried the East Penn/DEKA AGM's? They are priced about 20% less than Lifelines and have a pretty decent "name" and warranty.
of premium quality. At the risk of highjacking this thread, has anyone tried the East Penn/DEKA AGM's? They are priced about 20% less than Lifelines and have a pretty decent "name" and warranty.
Tom, I think it comes down to . . .
how much effort do you wish to spend in maintaining a battery bank. Would your batteries be easily accessed for monitoring the SG and water levels? If so, a flooded battery would be a good solution. My H280 batteries are in a forward settee compartment on a shelf that requires the batteries be unlatched and pulled forward just to see what the levels are. Needless to say, it is a pain so I'm opting to go AGM since they are totally sealed.
how much effort do you wish to spend in maintaining a battery bank. Would your batteries be easily accessed for monitoring the SG and water levels? If so, a flooded battery would be a good solution. My H280 batteries are in a forward settee compartment on a shelf that requires the batteries be unlatched and pulled forward just to see what the levels are. Needless to say, it is a pain so I'm opting to go AGM since they are totally sealed.
Yes they are worth it but be sure
to protect your investment by pairing them with a quality charger.
to protect your investment by pairing them with a quality charger.
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