AGM Batteries

[Hitch]

In the next few months, I plan on replacing the house battery bank. Currently, I have 4 group 27 gel cell batteries. These won't hold much of a charge anymore, and after talking around, AGM batteries were recommended. Long life, maintenance free, no off gassing, etc.

I was thinking of getting 4 group 27 AGM's to start, to replace the gels, because everything is in place and wired in, and should be an easy install. I can always add more later.

My question is, any recommendation on a specific AGM battery that is the best bang for the buck? Also, what price range is a fair price.

[Dogman]

Hitch, there are things about gel cells that worry me from past experience. Yes they are basically zero maintenance but in my experience they are very touchy on how used and treated.

I would never trust gells, like I would flooded types, but as you know with flooded battery's you do need to eyeball water levels and such on a regular basis and also deal with out hydrogen out gassing when charging.

But they usually will take over charging and such and forgive you, gel cell types will not.

For me flooded cell top gel cell ones because I do believe flooded cell battery's are more forgiving when it comes to abuse plus other factors.

Gel cells are not very forgiving at all to my knowledge.

The down side of flooded cell types is they are open cell types and do need regular maintenance, which is not a bad thing over all because you are forced to eyeball them and that is always a great thing, as long as you are awake and really looking. Because their upkeep forces you to pay attention to the battery's and their surroundings.

Out of sight , out of mind, is not necessarily a good thing.

But that is my dos centavos thoughts.

[monty]

AGM (absorbed glass matt often confused with gel cell) batteries are not as sensitive to overcharge voltage as the gel cell.

[Dogman]

AGM (absorbed glass matt often confused with gel cell) batteries are not as sensitive to overcharge voltage as the gel cell.

Noted !

Thanks Monty

But I still hold to my suspension in general.

Primarily because I have never have dealt with the type/class.

[Hitch]

AGM (absorbed glass matt often confused with gel cell) batteries are not as sensitive to overcharge voltage as the gel cell.

Thanks Monty. Also, AGM batteries seem to get more charge cycles then gel cells. Good AGM batteries, that is.

Dogman you are correct about gel cell, which is why I'm looking at AGM batteries. Flooded cell batteries are just not ideal on a sailboat, unfortunately, because of the roll of the boat, and the hydrogen off gassing that occurs.