What Battery?

[FYN409]

Ok, I am looking to replace the house battery on my Sorrento 25. The previous owner had 2 marine staring batteries installed, so I want to put a correct deep cycle in for the house. So, what are some good brand of batteries to look at?

I looked at the new AGM Die hard marine batteries over the weekend, but would rather not have to swap out my converter to allow for charging the AGM's. So it looks like I will have to stick with the old standy lead acid.

Let me know your thoughts and reccomendations.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[Pirate]

I have had good luck with the Trojan AGM's. There is no need to change any charging components for use with AGM type batteries. In my experience, the AGM batteries are well worth their premium because they last longer and they are much cleaner in the process.

 

[FYN409]

Interesting, so your charger works fine with the AGM batteries? I like the idea, I was just bummed when the battery saleman said that the AGM batteries require a micropocessor controled charger, and unless it was failrly new (last 2-3 years) it would need to be replaced.

I know that sears does not sell converters for boats so I did not think he said that to make an extra sale.

Thanks,
Ryan

 

[fwebster]

Wait.............! The converters Sea Ray used in the late 80's were different than the smart chargers used today. They did not turn off but only trickled down to 4-6 amps and kept cooking, so he'll probably will need to replace his charging equipment.

But, for the record, I agree with Matt. I changed to AGM's about 7 years ago and would not even consider going back to wet cells. I didn't have to change anything on my boat, but in retrospect, I probably would have if it were called for had I known how far superior the AGM's are to conventional batteries.

 

[MLauman]

If you don't want to spring for the AGM, take a look at the Interstate SRM-29. Fits in a Group 27 battery box and has a little more juice. I am in my 4th season with 2 of these and they are still going strong.

 

[Four Suns]

Well... I had a "let's be cheap" moment last year and replaced my 8D's with lead acid and not AGM's. My logic was that the batteries are always on a converter or being charged by the engines and so they were never deep cycled. Bzzzzzt...

Things I learned this year:

1. Even when running the converter when plugged into shore power, you can drain your batteries to dead if your 12v usage exceeds your converter capacity (done that).

2. Even when plugged into shore power, if a circuit breaker on the dock blows and no one is smart enough to catch it in time, you can drain your batteries to dead.

3. Once you have drained the batteries, they never fully recover and issue #1 above becomes even more apparent.

4. Replacing and working on big lead acid batteries will ruin the clothes you are wearing with big holes burned in them from the acid that leaks out.

Other than those issues, I'm happy with the lead acid batteries.

 

[Pirate]

I didn't pick up on the age of the charger. You will likely need a new charger/converter, but that would be a good investment anyway considering the advances in charging technology. It's still worth it.

 

[Hampton]

AGM are lead-acid batteries. The ideal charging level for them is slightly less than standard lead-acid batteries, but I haven't found any evidence that good battery chargers won't work. Some data I read lead me to believe you do need a 3-stage charger.

Our local SR dealer replaces std batteries with AGM's without modifying the chargers.

http://www.pacificpowerbatteries.com/marinebatts.html

http://www.clubsearay.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4741&start=15

 

[FYN409]

Interesting, I was reading my owners manual last night and this is what it states about the factory installed batteries:

"The battery is totally sealed using an absorbent electrolyte principle"

I would not think this is a flooded lead acid battery like standard deep cycle's then would you? My charger should work with the AGM type batteries then?

-Ryan