AGM vs lead acid marine batteries

[dubob]

Okay boys and girls, todays lesson is 2-fold.   

Part one is why you should not use an automotive battery to supply electrical power to your boat.  Your homework assignment is to read this article: Marine Battery vs. Car Battery: What Are the Differences?.  Pay special attention to this quote from that lesson: “Keep the above differences in mind, and avoid the temptation to choose an automotive battery instead of a marine battery for your boat. Using the right one means you’ll be safe and sound out on the lake, all season long.”

Part two is about how AGMs differ from Lead Acid.  Your second homework assignment is to read this article: Marine Battery Selection: Lead Acid vs AGM, Deep Cycle vs Cranking.  Section #4 is very good advice.

And for what it is worth, I have about 18 years experience with running marine batteries to start my outboards and run the boat accessories and a separate set of marine batteries to run my electric trolling motors (both 12V & 24V motors).  I have always used standard marine lead acid batteries to crank with and marine AGM batteries to run the trolling motors.  AGMs are better suited to the deep discharges associated with running electric trolling motors.  My marine lead acid batteries used to start my outboards and run the rest of the boat have lasted anywhere from 5 years to 7 years.  I wouldn’t consider using automotive batteries for marine applications for the reasons pointed out in the two articles listed above.  My recommendation is to use the marine products, but in the end, its your money and your choice.  Good luck and tight lines to all y’all.