Lead Acid vs AGM

[gim]

My current set of lead acid group 27 deep cycle bow mount batteries will need replacing before next season.  I've had good durability from standard batteries, my original set in this boat went 4+ seasons and the current ones are in year 3 without issue.  My charger is standard and AGM compatible so I'm thinking of upgrading to an AGM set.  They appear to be about double the cost of standard batteries in group 27.  I'd like to buy them locally at Batteries Plus if there is a warranty issue, returning them won't be a major hassle.

 

Those of you that went from lead acid to AGM, would you do it again?  Can I reasonably expect to get double the life span out of a set of AGMs when compared to lead acid?  That would put me at at least 6 full seasons or more, with AGM.

 

Note: I am not interested in lithium...yet, because I'm not going to upgrade my chargers at this point.

 

[MN Fisher]

I had a flooded battery in the canoe, AGMs in Bass Trek.

 

Note: AGMs are also lead-acid, just with a glass-mat absorption system so it doesn't 'slosh').

 

Definitely feel it was a worthwhile upgrade - they seem to hold a charge longer, don't discharge as fast under load, and I like that I can mount them in any orientation other than upside-down.

 

What charger you got anyway? My NOCO Genius 5x2 will handle Lithiums...reason I bought it so that when I do upgrade I don't have to get a new charger.

[gim]

11 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

What charger you got anyway?

I have a Cabela's Advanced Angler (2 bank) on board charger for my deep cycles and a Dual Pro Recreation (1 bank) for my cranking battery.  They came with the boat when I bought it in 2015.

 

They both say right on the front to be used for lead acid/AGM batteries.

[Tennessee Boy]

In terms of total cost of ownership I don’t think they are worth it.   I use them because they are maintenance free and are less likely to leak.

[gim]

2 minutes ago, Tennessee Boy said:

In terms of total cost of ownership I don’t think they are worth it.   I use them because they are maintenance free and are less likely to leak.

What brand are you using @Tennessee Boy and @MN Fisher?  The ones I'm considering are the Duracell Ultra from Batteries Plus.

[casts_by_fly]

with the same usage and treatment (i.e. charging them when run down, not running them to zero, etc) you won't get double the life from an AGM set.  You're getting 4 years from a set now.  You won't get 8 from AGMs under the same conditions.  

[MN Fisher]

Mighty Max - which you can order from and have drop-shipped to Home Depot or Lowes...and return there as well if needed.

[gim]

So far:

2 against and 1 for.

 

Anyone else care to comment?

[A-Jay]

In terms of total cost of ownership I think they are totally worth it.   I use them because they are maintenance free and are less likely to leak.

A-Jay

[Tennessee Boy]

I’ve used Duracell in the past and was pleased with them.  My current TM batteries are the Interstate lead acid batteries that came from the factory.  My cranking/house battery is a X2 Power AGM from batteries plus.   It’s been fine but cost a fortune and performs no better than the much cheaper battery I replaced.   

[Susky River Rat]

Instead of going to AGM would it be possible to upsize your batteries? I know it’s not the question at hand but, may be worth venturing into if you can.

[MN Fisher]

This is what I got for a cranking battery - Fleet Farm home brand

Just now, Darnold335 said:

Instead of going to AGM would it be possible to upsize your batteries?

If you're thinking of just adding another battery or two - you'd still want to replace the originals. You want the exact same make, capacity and date when you link two batteries together either in series or parallel. The paired batteries will only be as good as the least capable one in the link...and if it's older and not holding a full charge....the new battery will be just as handicapped.

[gim]

8 minutes ago, Darnold335 said:

Instead of going to AGM would it be possible to upsize your batteries?

No, two size 31 batteries won't fit.  I've measured the area several times to confirm.

 

Honestly, I've never had a power issue with my 27's either.  I don't fish in heavy current and rarely do I fish more than 4-5 hours per outing.

[Susky River Rat]

@gimruis ahh gotcha.

 

@MN Fisher no I was thinking if he could fit 31s instead of going to AGM 27s

[MN Fisher]

5 minutes ago, gimruis said:

Honestly, I've never had a power issue with my 27's either.  I don't fish in heavy current and rarely do I fish more than 4-5 hours per outing.

Well - just an FYI: My last outing was almost 7 hours, most of that time spent on the TM either moving spots or holding position (lots of fun with no Spot-Lock on my Edge)...and my NOCO reported that I still had over 50% charge left on the single Mighty Max 100ah...which is Group 27 size.

[Bankc]

I'd go with lead acid in your situation.  It seems to me like you'd be paying double just to not have to check the battery water levels two or three times a year.  I don't think any of the other advantages of AGM would really do you much good.  But that's up to you.  

 

Honestly, if you're willing to spend more on an AGM, I really think stretching that a bit more to get lithium batteries would make more sense.  Besides, we've kind of hit the point where they could actually be cheaper in the long run.  Plus lower weight, no maintenance, more charge, longer lifespan, deeper discharges, and even higher voltages for more power for your trolling motor (slightly).  

[J Francho]

I'll never go back once I switched to AGM. No maintenance and no leaking. 

[WRB]

Tradition wet cell lead acid battery requires a lot of maintenance and can’t imagine adding water in a bow mounted location. 

When I ran Trojan SC225’s wet cells used a watering system to maintain the batteries in a stern open location. Wet cells creat fumes and corrosion to everything nearby including wire connection. 

AGM’s are maintenance free, no fumes or need to check for water level. The last set I had were VMax Tank Marine AGM* and still working good after 15 years when I sold the boat.

I also suggest replacing the onboard charger to Norco Genius  if your current charger came with the boat.

Tom

* MR127-100 is gr 27

[Jig Man]

As soon as AGMs became available I switched and will never go back to lead acid.  AGMs don’t have to be placed like lead acid as they don’t leak.  You can get creative in the arrangement.

[gim]

I just also realized that Sam’s Club sells batteries, and I am a member there. They have a size 27 Duracell Platinum AGM battery for $200 that’s comes with an 18 month warranty.

 

Is the Duracell Platinum a higher grade battery than the Duracell Ultra version that Batteries Plus sells? They both seem to have pretty good reviews online.

[NYBasser]

I know you said you don’t want to go lithium, but if you’re going to spend the money for an AGM, you’re better off going lithium for the weight savings, run time, and overall battery life (a lot of lithium batteries have 10-12 year warranties/replacement plans). Otherwise I’d just stick with lead acids if you’re trying to save money.

[Bird]

I've had Vmax and Duracell in the past and lifespan was on par with lead acid......RV application.

 

Maintenance free with AGM may be appealing but I've only added water once per year with all my lead acid batteries in various equipment, boats included.

 

 

[gim]

1 hour ago, NYBasser said:

I know you said you don’t want to go lithium, but if you’re going to spend the money for an AGM, you’re better off going lithium for the weight savings, run time, and overall battery life (a lot of lithium batteries have 10-12 year warranties/replacement plans)

The primary issue is that both my chargers are rated for lead acid or AGM only. They are not lithium rated, so I’d have to scrap and replace those too. Now we’re talking 1000 bucks with chargers and lithium batteries.

[MN Fisher]

18 minutes ago, gimruis said:

The primary issue is that both my chargers are rated for lead acid or AGM only. They are not lithium rated, so I’d have to scrap and replace those too. Now we’re talking 1000 bucks with chargers and lithium batteries.

Pretty close - Home Depot prices

Mighty Max 100ah LiFePo4 - $350 each ($700)

NOCO Genius 5x2 - $140

So $840+tax (free ship to store)

[airshot]

4 hours ago, J Francho said:

I'll never go back once I switched to AGM. No maintenance and no leaking. 

AGM are going up un price as everyone switches over to Lifepo4 batteries.  The fewer being made....the more expensive they will become !!  When my AGM's wear out in the next year or so, I will move to the Lifepo4, one battery will replace two gp 31 agm's in my boat.  The added cost will only be a few bucks as the lipo is comming down and the AGM is going up !