Since we have been talking about batteries so much, how long does each type last?

[Dave S]

What's the typical life of a battery(s) on a Cruiser that has a newer on-board electronic multi stage battery charger? Will the AGM batteries last longer than the typical wet cell batteries that are maintained properly? What about the life of starting batteries versus deep cylce batteries?

Can some of you folks relate your own experiences on this?

 

[sbw1]

I'm into my 3rd year with AGMs. They are "accessible" but hardly convenient to get to for service. Friends have the same set up at year 5 and they are still going strong. I believe the answer is somewhat climate dependent. Our ER stays pretty cool running on Lake Michigan and the nights tend to be cool here. In Florida with high daytime temps and 90+ degree seawater, they might have a shorter life. I do plan on replacing them with identical batteries because they are difficult to reach and so far have been free of trouble.

 

[aquadancer]

I had a set of Dekka wet cell batteries in my 370DA for 4 seasons and they were still going strong when I traded the boat in May. I stored them at home in the off-season and gave them a top-off charge every other week.

My current boat has a set of wet cell Interstate batteries installed in spring of 06 and they are showing weakness. These batteries will be replaced with Dekka AGMs in the spring. Battery location on the 410 makes it a total pain to maintain them properly (and I have a few scars to prove it).

 

[boatdoc100]

Dave S,
It is my experience that there is little difference in life of wet cells and others that are well maintained. About 4-5 years seems to be average. Deep cycle batteries will always last longer. Especially on the stbd side as that is usually the House battery.
Brad
Pflieger Marine Services

 

[LtCdr. Augs]

FYI.

For anyone who owns a golf cart, you probably know you can get an easy to install attachment hose and hand bulb pump for refilliing the batteries without popping the corks on each and everyone of them. For those of you with maintenance batteries in hard to reach places you may want to consider this solution. I'll try and find a link and post it.

Edit: Okay, there are a pile of them, you can google on 'Battery Watering System' and come up with any number of sources.

Augs