Batteries

[Old'sCool]

Let's talk batteries....what do you have in your boat? Currently have two 8-9 yr old Optima Blue Top and have been happy but thinking I need to replace for piece of mind. What ye say?

[Vezo, Part II]

Wow! I had no idea the "new" gel batteries could last that long. That justifies the price over the three year Interstate Group 24 or 27 at over a hundred at my buddies cost. Interesting topic.

Part II

[Capt Chuck]

Chances are they both won't go at the same time. Keep an eye on them and watch for side swelling or cracks. If one goes, replace both and put the other on your workbench for testing your 12V stuff.
BTW: Mine were 7yrs when I sold her. Keep the trickle auto shutoff charger on when docked.

[FishStretcher]

AGM batteries typically don't last much longer than that. I'd replace them. And I would charge and discharge them separately from now on.

[kmoose]

I have a pair of Duracel (Deka) AGMs in mine and they seem to do very well and require no maintenance. Last set of Blue tops went 5 years before I replaced them and they still seemed fine then.

As far as separate charging, I have not gone down that road as it is just one more thing to hook up even though it may be the right thing to do. I use one of those expensive battery minders and have never had an issue ever but I understand the pros and cons. Until it bites me I will continue with what works.

The best thing I have found to solve most battery emergencies is the portable jump starters. I did my research at the time and ended up with the Antigravity brand. The one I have will start a diesel pickup and fits nicely in the glove box. I have tested it numerous times and am amazed how well wit works. To satisfy my curiosity I disconnected one of my batteries and hooked up the Antigravity powering up the whole boat. It started my 300 without hesitation no less than 5 time in a row. While idling on it everything appeared normal at the helm. I no longer own any jumper cables and have one for every vehicle we own.

[Islandtrader]

Originally Posted by kmoose

The best thing I have found to solve most battery emergencies is the portable jump starters. I did my research at the time and ended up with the Antigravity brand. I no longer own any jumper cables and have one for every vehicle we own.

Good info...for sure!

[jonbrush]

Originally Posted by Islandtrader

Good info...for sure!

I am interested in the Anti Gravity jump starter. Reviews on Amazon are generally very positive but some people have gotten fake units which have caught fire or otherwise failed. Do you have any advice on where to buy, to get a genuine one?

Thanks,
Jon

[kmoose]

Originally Posted by jonbrush

I am interested in the Anti Gravity jump starter. Reviews on Amazon are generally very positive but some people have gotten fake units which have caught fire or otherwise failed. Do you have any advice on where to buy, to get a genuine one?

Thanks,
Jon

I got mine straight from the source.
http://shop.antigravitybatteries.com/

I got the xp 10 for the boat. They were $50 buck cheaper before Consumer Reports rated them #1.

[jonbrush]

Originally Posted by kmoose

I got mine straight from the source.
http://shop.antigravitybatteries.com/

I got the xp 10 for the boat. They were $50 buck cheaper before Consumer Reports rated them #1.

tyvm.

Jon

[Old'sCool]

""I have a pair of Duracel (Deka) AGMs in mine and they seem to do very well and require no maintenance""

These are what I'm considering. I have an on-board Guest "smart" dual charger that stays plugged-in when not using the boat (at home on trailer).

Thank guys!