Thread — Noreaster

Learned Colleagues:

My Exide Dual Purpose AGM battery is going through death throes and I'm debating on what to replace it with. My power demands are minimal, as I'm starting a 115 HP 4 cycle Yammie (Even have an emergency pull cord, LOL), and running minor electronics, Garman GPS/Sounder/Radar & a VHF. Radar is on a separate switch so I have it OFF 99.9% of the time and I'm always underway when it's being used. And yes, as it's a single battery I do carry a fully-charged jumpstart pack aboard so I don't have to actually try using the pull cord.

I've had good success with the Exides; this is my second battery and the boat is over 13 seasons old, so replacing it doesn't bother me, but should I start considering alternatives?

Questions:

Should I continue with Dual Purpose or go to Deep Cycle? I'm thinking Cranking isn't a big factor since the engine isn't a monster or am I being stupid?
Should I continue to go with AGMs or not worry about that? Having a tough time finding AGM DPs in stock at size 24...

Your excellent advice on this matter is most welcome...

Just as an FYI….MY 125 Mercury would not start as the gear in the starter would not engage the flywheel. I saw the cord and felt I had nothing to lose. It started on the first pull. Mind you the engine was already warm. I doubt I could have started the cold engine that way.

Back to batteries…..My first two batteries were standard marine dual purpose batteries. I never had a brand name, and they were “OK”. I can’t say they left me stranded. All I leave on when drifting is my Garmin and the ICON.

Last replacement I went with an Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery. I have heard good things about AGM batteries. It seems to have more guts and never seems to run low. The only reason I would hesitate to replace with the same is price. They have gone up in price, at one time over $400. But I'll add, when I went to Captain Jeff for some electrical work, he commented I had a "top of the line battery". He knows his stuff.

I might consider a top on the line NAPA battery as they seem to work good in the cars. I would avoid the OPTIMA batteries. Never had good luck with them. If they drain, they do not recover well.

My 2 cents for the day.

The Endless Enigma: AGM vs Std and Deep Cycle vs. Cranking vs. Dual Purpose in a single battery environment...