Battery replacement

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turkeyhunter64

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Time for a new cranking battery. Want to know opinions on the Optima gel or standard lead batteries. Leads run about 100 the Optima is about 199. Never used a gel battery. I am cranking a 175GT and running all my dashboard, electronics and headlights off of it. Tell me what you think.
 
I prefer the gel batteries to the lead acid batteries. They just last longer. They can take more discharges and recharges. I replaced my batteries with gel batteries last year.
 
I just bought a triple bank onboard charger for my boat, and I got one that will charge both type batteries. I have heard good and bad on the gels myself, on the fence as to which type to buy when i add/replace myself.
 
THe Optima batteries are actually AGM (absorbed glass mat) technology which is much more forgiving that gel technology. The advantages of both is storage. Both designs can be stored discharged unlike lead acid batteries that sulfate or corrode internally when left discharged. The biggest issue with sealed batteries is proper recharging. A manual charger will cause the batteries to overcharge forceng the batteries to gas and escape the check valves. Both AGM and Gel batteries must be charged with automatic battery chargers. Most newer chargers have AGM/Gel charge settings and are not as expensive as they once were. Gel batteries are the truest Deep Cycle batteries but for longetivity must be disharged almost completely before recharging to prevent memory. AGM's are much more forgiving.
 
I just replaced my Everstart ''Lead''the other day.It was an 04 model and still holding charge but figured it was time.Got me another one just like it for 89 bucks tax and all at Wally World.Cant complain for 8 years of use.
 
Optima batteries are AGM. I prefer gel batteries for trolling. My opinion on Optima batteries is that they are junk.
 
Buy the cheaper battery and get a Minnkota onboard smart charger.

Best $200 I have ever spent on a boat related product.

2 winters and no low or dead batteries.
Come back from fishing, plug up to extension cord and the boat is ready to rock at a moments notice. Batteries are always topped off.
 

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