Why AGM over normal wet cell batteries?

[walnutshoe]

With the life you get from the LA battery, if maintainence isn’t an issue - stay with what you have. Agree with others on cost variable AGM vs Lithium on would go Lithium route between those options.

[rid 05 198]

Don't have to get AGM to get a sealed battery. A lot of wet cell come sealed.

[CJ1]

My 6 year old Trojan flooded batteries have never had a drop of water added to them. With the right charging Algorithm there should be no water use unless they are damaged. The only reason I switched to Lithiums was to test the cheaper ones. AGM's are not worth the price difference to me as lithiums are in that range. The only time I consider AGM's is in a out of place mounting or extreme cold [snowmobile or bike use]. Do not overcharge a AGM. CJ

[CJ1]

Understand the weight issue, but that has also cost some guys speed.[/QUOTE]

If Lithiums cost speed the boat just needs to be rebalanced. Laws of physics. CJ

[Swerve-n-Protect]

chatgpt.....

Lithium batteries and AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) batteries have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some reasons why lithium batteries might be considered better than AGM batteries for certain applications, such as bass boats:

1. **Lightweight**: Lithium batteries are significantly lighter than AGM batteries with similar capacity. This weight reduction can be crucial in a bass boat where weight affects performance, speed, and handling.

2. **Higher Energy Density**: Lithium batteries have a higher energy density, which means they can store more energy in a smaller and lighter package. This can lead to longer runtimes and greater power reserves for trolling motors and other onboard electrical equipment.

3. **Fast Charging**: Lithium batteries can be charged much faster than AGM batteries. This can be beneficial if you need to recharge your batteries quickly between fishing sessions or during a day on the water.


4. **Depth of Discharge**: Lithium batteries can be safely discharged to a lower percentage of their capacity compared to AGM batteries. This means you can use more of the available capacity without damaging the battery, providing longer usable runtimes.

5. **Longer Lifespan**: Lithium batteries typically have a longer lifespan than AGM batteries, which means they may last longer before needing replacement. This can make them more cost-effective over the long term.

6. **Maintenance-Free**: Lithium batteries are maintenance-free and do not require the regular topping up of electrolyte fluid, as AGM batteries do. This simplifies battery management.

7. **Consistent Voltage**: Lithium batteries provide a consistent voltage output throughout their discharge cycle, which can be important for powering sensitive electronic equipment.

However, it's important to note that lithium batteries also have some drawbacks compared to AGM batteries:

1. **Higher Initial Cost**: Lithium batteries are more expensive upfront than AGM batteries, which can be a significant consideration for some boaters.

2. **Compatibility**: You may need to make modifications to your boat's electrical system to use lithium batteries, as they have different voltage characteristics and charging requirements compared to AGM batteries.

3. **Temperature Sensitivity**: Lithium batteries can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Special precautions may be required to operate them in such conditions.

4. **Safety Considerations**: Lithium batteries can pose safety risks if not handled properly, especially if they are damaged or overcharged.

In conclusion, lithium batteries are often favored in bass boats for their weight savings, longer lifespan, faster charging, and other performance advantages. However, their higher initial cost and specific requirements should be carefully considered before making the switch from AGM batteries. It's essential to assess your individual needs, budget, and how you plan to use your bass boat's electrical system when making the battery choice.

[BigFishSteve]

Thanks all. I see 2 more regular deep cycle batteries in my future.

[Fireball]

I like a wet cell dual purpose battery for my started but couldn’t find one about 3 weeks ago. So I added another AGM battery to my boat because they are dual purpose batteries too. Been running AGM batteries for my bow mount TM for the last 5 years and I love them because they are mounted under the center rod locker and now no need to remove all 9 of my rods plus te access panel to check on the battery water levels anymore. After 5 years no signs that they need to be replaced.

[DaveBrabec]

Thanks all. I see 2 more regular deep cycle batteries in my future.

I’m not going Lithium yet either. My 4 Interstate lead acid are 5 years old and still going strong

[joebw]

I have lithium for everything but my cranking battery.

Had the high end agm, never happy with them.

They didn’t seem to last long, and were expensive.

My charger was set for agm, but maybe was working properly.

I went with napa commercial battery…inexpensive and it seems to work extremely well.

It will probably die tomorrow since I bragged about it.😂

[WStorey]

I've had wet cell, AGM's and Lithiums and never had any problems with any of them. Lithium is definitely the way to go though if you can afford it.

[catdude28]

Thanks all. I see 2 more regular deep cycle batteries in my future.

Your old DP charger may not even be AGM compatible anyhow if it doesn’t have Delta Volt. I’m another not needing lithium or AGM for my troller . I just picked up two wet cells for my new rig.

[Bjxds]

I'm still running regular wet cell trolling motor batteries. Two AC Delco 27 deep cycle. Not sure how old, but at least 6-7. They are tired. Time for new. Unless there is something I'm missing, I will be getting 2 more normal, old school batteries. I was at Sam's yesterday and see Duracell 27 at $99. Duracell AGM at $199 with very, very similar specs. Why? Why are the 2x (or 3x) the price? What would I gain from them. Assuming my 15+ year old, trusty Dual-Pro charger would work.
Thanks

If you are able to reliably get 6-7 years out of LA, there is NO Reason to get anything else, But I have NEVER been that fortunate

[JTN]

I'm still running regular wet cell trolling motor batteries. Two AC Delco 27 deep cycle. Not sure how old, but at least 6-7. They are tired. Time for new. Unless there is something I'm missing, I will be getting 2 more normal, old school batteries. I was at Sam's yesterday and see Duracell 27 at $99. Duracell AGM at $199 with very, very similar specs. Why? Why are the 2x (or 3x) the price? What would I gain from them. Assuming my 15+ year old, trusty Dual-Pro charger would work.

Thanks

Why? Because if they cost a lot more money they have to be a lot more better;) If you owns a boat you knows more money=more better...lol

[CatFan]

My 6 year old Trojan flooded batteries have never had a drop of water added to them. With the right charging Algorithm there should be no water use unless they are damaged. The only reason I switched to Lithiums was to test the cheaper ones. AGM's are not worth the price difference to me as lithiums are in that range. The only time I consider AGM's is in a out of place mounting or extreme cold [snowmobile or bike use]. Do not overcharge a AGM. CJ

ANY flooded cell lead-acid battery will 100% use water during normal use when discharged significantly. It’s required to charge above gassing voltage to allow adequate mixing during the charge.

[Crankinh20]

I’m not going Lithium yet either. My 4 Interstate lead acid are 5 years old and still going strong

Have two interstate batteries I bought in 2017 still running

[Kb444fishing]

I get around 5 years out of my wally world wet cells

[CJ1]

ANY flooded cell lead-acid battery will 100% use water during normal use when discharged significantly. It’s required to charge above gassing voltage to allow adequate mixing during the charge.

Yes but the battery has enough in it do cover its lifespan if used CORRECTLY. As you said extreme discharge and charging is the exception. I just pulled a set of AC Delco batteries off of a off grid set up that never had water added, 10 years of use, roughly and they were used hard. The Trojans I spoke about were about 1" above the plates and I topped them off while charging and they load tested fine so they went on my backup system. So yes a old, weak or improperly used battery will use fluid but very little if used correctly. Now my offgrid stuff because of being equalized often to keep capacity up and severity of dod uses fluid. Cj

[rboren]

Little to no corrosion! No checking electrolyte! Will work in any position. The list goes on!

[BigFishSteve]

UPDATE:​​

Last night I found a way to save myself some money on new trolling motor batteries. I don't fish every weekend. Some times I go a month and don't get out. When I do fish it's rarely over 4-5 hours. Well I've been fishing 3 times recently and each time I come home and tell myself, I need to get new batteries soon. So I get home Sunday afternoon, put boat back in the drive. Unhook and plug in batteries. Last night I was looking for something and went out, climbed in boat, looked under splashwell to see charger status..........nothing. AFter a second of panic, I hop out and go around to back corner of house to find my extension cord is not plugged in. A month or so ago, we had a guy power wash the house. I guess he unplugged it and closed the weather covers.

Yee Haw!!! Charger lights are back on. I'll see how the batteries feel later this week. Still living on borrowed time, but not buying yet.

Thanks all.