Questions for battery mavens

[PeterK]

So I have a cooked 8D and have decided to replace all 4 (start & house banks) with new wet cells. I can't justify the extra dollars for AGMs (maybe a good topic for debate elsewhere...).

The question I have is if anyone has pros and cons for setting my charger (Victron Centaur 24/60) on AGM setting. My electrician said he frequently does this and on occassion will even set for gels. His reason is wet cell rarely, if ever, cook at the lower voltages and life is greatly extended.

BTW the batteries I'm replacing are just over 3 years old (1 bank 39 months, the 2nd 38 months).

 

[Miss Lisa]

How much do 8D AGMs go for these days?

 

[Boatsb]

$500 or so depending on quality and capacity.

 

[Rebar]

I recently replaced all my 8ds, installed a Tripp light converter put four blue top optima AGM 31 on this system.$200 per battery on this system.Installed two Duracell AGM 31 per engine, $180 per battery, these starts my 892s. However, I do parallel my engines when I start them. I looked at the northstar and oddesys, and most top rated agms 31s I could find,the cost was amazing, northstar great battery, $350?After all my research, talking with reps from all these company's I think AGM 31s are the way to go.

 

[Boatsb]

And 31's are a lot lighter.

I think the Victron 8d is 150 lbs.

 

[34Hatt]

I am thinking you may not put a full charge into them doing that which means you will pull them down to a lower voltage which isn't good also. What are the #s for full charge and float charge?

I have my house bank in for 9 years now trojan 6 volt golf carts still good bank has 6 of them. Charger is 80 amps set for wet cells
Starting replaced one after 7 years have to replace the other now just trying to get through the season because then the rug comes out make life easier.

 

[fissioneng]

I think you should ask the battery manufacturer what charge settings they recommend and set the charger accordingly. The Victron Phoenix on my boat could be adjusted to just about charge any battery.

I also recommend some sort of pulse desulfator like a Battery Minder. I attached one in the winter months. Before I lost my boat, I had 8 years on my flooded 8Ds. Desulfation is the key to long battery life.

I think the only advantage of AGMs is lower maintenance, i.e. no fussing with water level. However, I don't think that is worth the extra $$ they command. They don't seem to last any longer.

 

[bobk]

Here is the recommendation from Exide who makes Napa batteries. If you open a cash account with them, they will deliver free.

http://www.exide.com/Media/files/Do...ery Charging & Storage Guidelines 5_9_13.pdf


Bobk