Lead/Acid, Gel or AGM?

[Chadster]

OK I have read all the hype, but I haven't talked to anyone about the advertised benefits of gel or AGM batteries. I am looking for some "field experience". Are they worth the added cost over lead acid?

I am looking for equal/better performance, but there is one other thing. My boat dealer told me lead/acid batteries emit gasses that make storing anything in the same compartment with the batteries impossible. The gasses are said to eat up everything. Given I only have one larger compartment in the bow, this is not very appealing. I really want to be able to use this space. I am thinking because the gel and AGM are sealed I will not have the gas problem.

Is this a valid concern? Help would be appreciated!

[Fred_G]

I would agree with you dealer concerning the lead/acid batteries emitting gases. Depending on the size of the compartment you may be able to store a few things in the same area, but probably not much.

There was an excellent comparison of lead/acid, gel and agm batteries in one of the past issues of Bass & Walleye Boat magazine. I'm not sure of the exact date, but it was the late last summer or early fall issue. Try to get a copy to read. Based on this comparison and my friend John's experience with the Trolling Thunder agm batteries over the last 3 years, I decided to go with the agm batteries for my new boat. Good luck! Fred

[Bob G2]

From my experience, I was disappointed in the performance of Exide Gel Cell in the group 31 series. First one lasted one season. I was able to exchange it as I purchased it from E&B Marine (now part of West Marine). The new one lasted 2 seasons.
For the premium I paid for the battery, this was very poor performance.

This was my experience, maybe someone had better.

[Prchjerker]

Id take a look at the new evercell batteries,has a charger built right into the battery, no gases. Theyre a nickel zinc battery. Three complete replacement, with a estimated 10 year life expectancey.The pros that were using them on the bass circuit last year were able to get 2 to 3 days of 12 hours fishing on a single charge.The only draw back is theyre very pricey.

[Tom (Mich)]

If I recall, that same article pretty much stated that a well maintained wet cell battery would out-perform the dry cells available. The key word was "well maintained." That said, that's the biggest advantage of the dry cells.

[herm]

I have a similar problem/question about buying a new battery. They don't last very long in Arizona with the heat, and they don't re-charge as well either.
I have seen these gel- type batteries, but the price is what i wonder about.. Are they worth it ?
Herm

[Chadster]

I talked with the people at Power-Troll about their AGM battery. I have read good things about their batteries on other boards. The seem to be competitively priced compared to other AGM's. It's a lot of money, but I think it will be worth it.

[Fred_G]

I almost went with the Power Troll, but found comparable batteries from Bass Pro for less money. The ratings were almost identical and the Bass Pro's had more reserve cranking minutes. Fred

[Gunga Din]

I've got a Trolling Thunder 2128 (2 12-volt gel batts in the same case), brand new, that I can't decide whether to sell or keep.

Should I sell it or keep it? If the former, email me at Dennis@Climbing-Guides.com

[Boatnut]

Chadster,
I've owned various boats for over 20 yrs and have NEVER had a problem with things corroding due to "gassing" of lead/acid batteries. Mainly, i'm talking about batteries located in the engine compartment of an I/O equipped boat. It's my understanding that lead/acid batteries only gas when being charged. I would think leaving a hatch open while charging would relieve your concerns.
I highly reccomend visiting west marines website at www.westmarine.com and clicking on their "advisor" section then looking at their reccomendations on BOTH batteries AND charging systems.
There are a lot of pro's and cons to both lead/acid, gel and agm batteries. Obviously lead acid batteries are the lowest initial cost BUT, IF well cared for AND properly maintained, the gel and agm are the best value in the long run. Proper maintenance is the key as well as the proper charger. According to them, gels and agm as well as lead acid last longest if charged in distinct phases using one of the new "smart chargers".
Gels and AGM's are particularly sensitive to the method used to charge them. Overcharging can damage gels and agm's.
If you have a westmarine catalog, look at the beginning of the battery section and charger section for additional excellent advice.
sorry to be so windy! :)
Mike(boatnut)

[Glen Bunnell]

If you guys are truly interested in getting all your battery questions answered, sign on to the chat site wednesday night. There is a discussion about THERMOIL and the benefits of this product. It is an oil additive that goes in your battery to help extend the life of your battery. For Herm in Arizono, this would be especially good for you because a test was conducted in Arizona solidifying the effectiveness of THERMOIL. In case you are wondering, I am a rep for Thermoil and I also use the product. I will also be the one who will be chatting on Wednesday night.


Glen Bunnell

[GOIN4IT]

I almost decided to get one of the new Gel or AGM batteries but after learning that each of them have different charging requirements and that the normal on board charger that normally puts out about 10 amps and 15 volts won't do a proper job of charging the AGM -- as some require a charger that puts out 15-30 amps and 17 volts, I decided to stay with the wet cell Trojan battery. There are cautions in some of the on board chargers manuals that state they are only designed to be used with wet cell type batteries and to check with the battery company as to what their recommendations are. The Bass & Walleye magazine October 2000 had the best article I have ever read on batteries. The Evertroll sounded great and have their own charger built right on top of the battery but retail around $600 each. Granted they last a lot longer, but.....

[Chadster]

Thanks for all the input guys. I did end up buying the Power Troll. After looikng at the West Marine Advisor as well as several discussion board converstations, I gave Power Troll a call.

I spoke with Paul T.(who I took to be one of the owners). Paul was very helpful in explaining the technology and where it came from. Even though AGM is new to trolling motor batteries, the technology has been around for a lot of years. Their primary business is selling AGM type batteries to hospitals and businesses for computer and medical equipment backup. It has only been in the last 3-4 years that they have been able to package the technology in standard 8A24 and BA27 size for an affordable price.

According to Paul, an average recreational fisherman who is dilligent about properly charging the AGM's can expect many years (3-5 no problem, and likely more) of service. He did recommend a quality "smart" on board charger and not a bulk charger for these batteries. Paul has a fair bit of credibility in that he has been using the batteries for many years fishing up to 120 days per year.

If you interested in these batteries, they run specials occasionally. Check the Bass Fishing Home Page at Anglerworld.com Power Troll sponsors that board and announces specials to board users. I picked up (2) of the 8A27's for $304.

I also plan to use with a Guest Charger 2-bank w/ 10 amps/bank. I'll let you know how they work out.

Thanks again for your input.

[yeah right!!!]

Prchjerker, Evertroll batteries are for those who are sponsored by them! at $600.00 a pice!!!!!

[Boatnut]

Chad,
Is the Guest charger you are planning to use to charge your new AGM's , a "smart charger"??? Will it charge in phases???
just curious
Mike(boatnut)

[Chadster]

Yes, the Guest is a smart charger. Paul at Power Troll uses the Guest chargers as well.