Pro-Guide AGM Batteries

TonyG13

Anyone have any experience or opinions on Pro-Guide AGM batteries? Their brand seems to be popular on the bass circuit.

Looks like they meet or exceed the minimum power requirements for the Mercruiser 350MAG MPI DTS on a Rinker 310 EC (I believe it's 700 MCA/550 CCA/120 Ah):

Group 31 for deep cycle:
https://proguidebatteries.com/shop/pgm-31agm/
1000 MCA / 800 CCA / RC 205 Min @ 25 Amps
$450.95/each

Group 24 for starting:
https://proguidebatteries.com/shop/pgm-24mx935/
935 MCA / 750 CCA / RC 140 Min @ 25 Amps 
$327.95/each

The reason I'm going with AGM is my Inteli-Power PD2100 Series charger only supports Lead, AGM, and Gel, but not lithium. - and don't feel like doing a deep dive to swap out chargers.

Thoughts - or just stick with LA?

Dream_Inn

I’ve had my share of different batteries over my 27 years of boating.  I used to be very particular with brands (die hard, interstate).  I’ve also done the types, LA, AGM, even TPPL).  My favorite for many years is from Sam’s Club, AGM Duracell.  I go with AGM for maintenance free and quicker charging.  And the price is very reasonable.  We’ve had many discussions here about brands.  IMO, it doesn’t matter too much.  Types do matter depending on what you’re after.  I also believe in a high CCA if for starting.

LaRea

Ditto on AGM vs LA ... I love not needing to monitor water levels.  I got rid of every LA on the boat.  

Cableguy Greg

I changed my house batteries to AGM’s when I had my 280EC. Like Dream, I got the Duracell ones from Sam’s. They are made by EastPenn, the manufacturer of Deka batteries. I stayed with a LA battery for the starting one since Merc calls for 1000MCA. 

TonyG13

Thanks guys! Not a Sam's member, but they are having a membership special until the 30th. Got the "Plus" membership for $60. So will be picking up some new Duracell AGMs for half the price of the Pro-Guide.

Dream_Inn

That is great Tony!  We are a plus member and the 5% back actually pays for the membership.  You’ll be very happy with the batteries!

grouch0jr

I just bought Duracell batteries (flooded lead acid) from Batteries Plus. I think it's a national chain, it's worth looking into if you don't have a Sam's membership. 

https://www.batteriesplus.com/

TonyG13

grouch0jr said:

I just bought Duracell batteries (flooded lead acid) from Batteries Plus. I think it's a national chain, it's worth looking into if you don't have a Sam's membership. 

https://www.batteriesplus.com/

That is where I have been buying my lead acid's. Unfortunately they don't have the right capacity AGMs that I'm looking for.

Ian

I bought AGM’s for starters a few years ago and they lasted 2 seasons. Replaced with sealed LA

TonyG13

Went to Sam's today to pick up some new AGM batteries and I hope I didn't get the wrong thing.

The Group 31 was easy. Picked up a 31DTMAGM for $215.

Now for whether or not I got the correct starting batteries:

Sam's does not carry Group 24 marine AGMs, but they did have Group 34 marine AGMs. I'd have to get the 24M at Batteries Plus.

I did a quick comparison and it seems like the Group 34 should work fine?

Group 34M (Sam's - $135)
CCA is 750
MCA is 860
RA is 120

Group 24M (Batteries Plus - $200)
CCA is 550
MCA is 730
RA is 150

Will I be OK with the 34M as my starting batteries?

Ian

From what I understand outside the electrical spec is the group number relates to size so be sure it fits.

TonyG13

I actually got a new 24 battery tray a while back so I brought it with me to Sam's. The 34 has bit a smaller form factor, length and height-wise, but width is about the same as the 24, and fits fine in the 24 battery tray.