Best AGM Batteries?

[Tugbuyer]

I'm preparing to replace the batteries in my R-29. Currently, it has 6 Interstate 31-AGM7 units (4-House, 1-Engine, 1-Thrusters). I'd like to stick with AGMs, but am choking at the thought of dropping $2,500 on 6 good replacement AGMs. I know I can get less expensive - AGM and wet cell - batteries, but at present I'm considering Lifeline GPL-31XT. I know I'm not the first one faced with this dilemma - what are the thoughts of those who've gone through this process?

 

[marc g]

How old is your boat? Just wondering how long your previous batteries lasted. My last boat had gel cells and lasted 17years.
Marc

 

[Tugbuyer]

2011 Model.

 

[baz]

How old is your boat? Just wondering how long your previous batteries lasted. My last boat had gel cells and lasted 17years.
Marc

My my.... that is/was awesome. 😱

 

[baz]

My factory stock lead-acid batteries (a total of 4) in my 2010 R-25 Classic have lasted 5.5 years and maybe they will go longer. I have noticed the engine battery seems to consume more liquid than the others and the other day the liquid level was found to be down to the top of the plates and the engine would not crank. I topped up the liquid in all 4 batteries and after some 15 mins tried starting the engine again, and it did without any issues.

I intend to now replace all 4 batteries with lead-acid types from my local Walmart store.

I will likely choose the EverStart 27DC Marine Battery (Cold Cranking Amps: 750) for $81.67. So all 4 will cost me $327 + sales tax. This is a far cry from your $2,500. I just need to check the battery dimensions to be sure they fit in the R-25's battery hold.

Product in Inches (L x W x H): 12.88 x 6.75 x 9.13

I should add, that the type of use of the batteries is important such as climate you keep your boat in, use of thrusters and use of house batteries when on the hook.

For me, I'm in the PNW and climate is moderate. I keep boat in the water all year round. I start the engine once before casting off for a trip. I do not use house batteries to any large extent as I'm either running the engine while underway or on shore power. I use the thrusters sparingly.

 

[knotflying]

I am a flooded proponent. At about $90.00 each you are talking $540.00. As I have said before in other threads, I replace mine every 3 years regardless of state. That means it will be 12 years at a break even point. Do you think you will get 12 years from the AGM? I find my flooded to be very little maintenance. I clean the terminals and top off with distilled water every six months. AGM is a great application if you need to place the batteries in a position other than flat with cells up, but other than that it is a luxury. Batteries, anchors, dinghies and truck choices are like religion, we all have our beliefs and it is individual choice that matters.

 

[Tugbuyer]

It's impossible to argue the cost equation of flooded vs. AGM. So Knotflying - what is your flooded battery of choice? I suspect one could opt for the top-of-the-line flooded model for a fraction of AGM cost.

 

[elan]

I would recommend Deka made by East Pen which is probabily the largest battery manifacturer in the US.
They are about 25% cheeper than Lifeline.
If you anchor out & use your house batteries allot I would suggest that you put your thrusters on your engine start battery & wire your thruster battery to your house bank, after all you never use your thrusters unless your engine is running.
Good luck,
Mike
M/V Elan
Cutwater 26

 

[marc g]

How old is your boat? Just wondering how long your previous batteries lasted. My last boat had gel cells and lasted 17years.
Marc

I should clarify this was on my recently sold sailboat. I had 4 -6v deep cycle gels, purchased new in 1997 for about $800.They were used for starting & house. They still seemed strong when the boat was sold last Dec., but the new owners changed them. I don't know if being a sailboat had anything to do with the longevity, but I was happy about it.
Marc

 

[knotflying]

It's impossible to argue the cost equation of flooded vs. AGM. So Knotflying - what is your flooded battery of choice? I suspect one could opt for the top-of-the-line flooded model for a fraction of AGM cost.

Walmart, after doing a lot of research I discovered that their batteries are made by Johnston Controls, one of the biggest battery manufacturers who make most batteries under different labels. Walmart also has a one year unconditional warranty.
As mentioned in an earlier post I also joined my thruster to the house.

 

[PhilR]

I bought 4 new Lifeline AGM Group 31 batteries last year from Marc at Wefings Marine in Florida...he had them shipped to me. You might check with him on price.

Phil