Posts: 2752
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Hi Joel - I've said this before here on MF, but thought I'd give it another shot. Marine AGM technology batteries typically come in three flavor's depending on how you're going to use the battery.
Deep Cycle- These are best for trolling motor applications, or if you just want to run electronics. Low to medium current applications.
Starting/Cranking - These are best for engine starting - high current applications.
Dual Purpose - These are a compromise between deep cycle and starting. These are best where you need both cranking and running electronics or lights.
These three flavors may look alike from the outside, but inside they are very different in the design and construction.
Based on your application I would recommend the largest dual purpose you can afford or fit in the space. Simply upsizing a starting battery to handle electronics or lighting loads may find you stranded at the end of a long night.
K- There are guy's here who are obviously biased toward a specific brand because of their personal experiences. Just like different brands of boats, reels, or any other products, there are differences in battery brand construction. The most obvious is the Optima spiral wound versus the flat plate design. There are also price delta's. I don't own any Optima's, but if I were fishing every day or running/pounding my boat on big water/rough water or a guide, I would use Optima's. As is; given the price delta's - the everyday "Walmart" AGM marine battery works fine for me. I have deep cycles for my TM and a dual purpose for the starting/electronics-lights.
So, in the end you get what you pay for, don't expect miracles from cheap batteries, they are cheap for a reason.
I recharge mine every 30 days during winter. But it also depends on the storage temperature - most manufacturers recommend 90 days as a maximum duration between refresh charges. If the boat is inside in a heated garage you might want to refresh them more often as they self discharge more as a function of the ambient temp. Here in WI- my boat is outside, so 90 days is probably OK , but I personally opt for 30 days just because I have little better understanding of what can and will kill my batteries. Leaving any lead-acid battery either wet-cell or AGM in a partial discharge condition for any significant length of time is a killer.
Have fun!
Al
Edited by ESOX Maniac 2/1/2011 12:40 PM
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