[C320-list] 4D Battery Replacement Advice AGMs

[JimC320 at aol.com]

Joe,
 
I just replaced my original 4D Exide wet cells that came with the boat last  
year, At the time that they were replaced they were in there Eleventh year and 
 still working. They were never charged over the winter and remained on the  
boat (Nov. thru March, I am in the NE too). I went with the AGM as the  
replacement for better usable cappacity and not having to add water. According  to 
the MFG they can be charged just like the wet cell (ie wet cell settings.) I  
replaced the stock charger with a TRucharge multi stage charger wich I belive  
helped extended the life of the original batteries.
 
Jim
ellusive 2, 209
 
In a message dated 1/9/2006 3:58:09 PM Eastern Standard Time,  
jtamucci at adelphia.net writes:

Thanks  everyone for the responses.  From what I've read so far I think
there  is confusion between AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and Gel cells  I'm
considering.  According to the literature I've read on batteries,  the AGMs
are technically wet cells like the standard 4D lead acid but have  the
electrolyte absorbed in a mesh of boron-silicate glass fibers. As such  they
are true no maintenance batteries. They can be charged with  conventional
chargers without fear of damage from overcharging. They are  advertised as
having the same charge characteristics as the lead acids but  are more
rugged, discharge at a much lower rate, and will not suffer from  freeze
damage.  The only downside I have read is that they cost twice  as much as
the standard lead acid.  Since I leave the batteries on the  boat all winter
in NE that's the big selling point to me.  At 140+ lbs  each I'll pay the
extra $300 to leave the batteries on the boat for the 6  mths winter storage
(don't you southern boys laugh now) without being able  to recharge during
that time.  I'm also expecting they will last  longer although I'm not sure
that has been proven. I also won't have to  remove the seat cushions to
periodically check the water level.  


Joe Tamucci #619