Need to replace 12V starter battery. West Marine is offering a Group 24 12 V dual-purpose (deep cycle/starter) flooded battery on sale through Sunday (22 May). Present batteries are agm. Any thoughts/experiences re:flooded vs agm?
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Dual purpose means not optimal for either. If the only function of the battery is to start the engine, then don't get a deep cycle. I like the red top Optima batteries. They are sealed which is fine for a starting battery. The cells are spiral wound which is designed to be better for shock and vibration. Have 2 in series for my 24 volt bow thruster and also use one for the starting battery.Need to replace 12V starter battery. West Marine is offering a Group 24 12 V dual-purpose (deep cycle/starter) flooded battery on sale through Sunday (22 May). Present batteries are agm. Any thoughts/experiences re:flooded vs agm?
Thanks
Dual-purpose batteries
We generally advise that you choose either a deep cycle or starting battery for best performance and battery life, but dual-purpose batteries work well in some applications. With large, thick plates containing more antimony than starting batteries and an active lead paste chemistry, dual-purpose batteries are a good compromise, tolerating deep discharges that would ruin a typical starting battery. Since they have lower storage capacity than comparably-sized deep cycles, we recommend them for the following applications:
Runabouts or other small powerboats using a single battery for both starting and running loads with the engine turned off.
Sailboats with two identical batteries used interchangeably for starting and house electrical loads.
Boats with one battery bank that does double-duty for house applications and engine starting. Dual-purpose batteries will last longer and give more reliable service than a starting battery, for about $20 more per battery.
Need to replace 12V starter battery. West Marine is offering a Group 24 12 V dual-purpose (deep cycle/starter) flooded battery on sale through Sunday (22 May). Present batteries are agm. Any thoughts/experiences re:flooded vs agm?
Thanks
Actually there are both starting type and more deep cycle types in the blue tops. Blue top 34M is a starter, just like the red top 34 except that red top has round automotive-type terminals, and blue top has marine terminals. Other blue-tops like the D34M are more deep-cycle oriented. Confusing, yes.The colors indicate use type. The red top is a starting battery. The blue and the yellow have deep cycle capability. All 3 can be used in boats. If you plan to draw power from the battery (bilge pump, lights, etc.) with the engine off, the blue would be more appropriate. Below is a link to the different types.
Optima Batteries
Ted
From their site:Actually there are both starting type and more deep cycle types in the blue tops. Blue top 34M is a starter, just like the red top 34 except that red top has round automotive-type terminals, and blue top has marine terminals. Other blue-tops like the D34M are more deep-cycle oriented. Confusing, yes.
Look at the specs on their web site and you can see the differences. I had a pair of blue-top 34M's that lasted 7 years starting my Volvo 44 diesel.
I used my local Batteries Plus to order my Trojan L16's and a set of Deka 8v starting batteries. The key is that these are a franchise; some will do orders for a very low margin, some won't. Talk to the owner. Some "get" marine, some don't.
Also, check your local NAPA store, also a franchise. I recall the one there by the water in KW being pretty good, but it's been a few years.
As for the OP, if the Sears Platinums are on sale, and AGM made by Odyssey, they are the best value IMO.
Do you need a special charger for AGM batteries or can a standard flooded cell charger work????
Has anyone used this system? It seems like a better way to go, especially if you already have a house battery bank. It has separate charge connections, and cranks like a regular battery without the weight. The come in 12 & 24 volt sizes and the biggest one weighs 18 lbs...
Maxwell Technologies Engine Starting Module