Battery Question

Boatin Bill

Just replaced House Batteries with 2 new AGM group 31 Batteries.  Would now like to replace the 2 engine batteries. Should I  replace with the AGM as well or can I get just stick withthe lead acid batteries? My concern is if the charger isolates each battery as it charges or goes thru all at the same time.

Thanks

Michael T

Here's what the Penn Deka batteries tech told me was best. Have all batteries the same. The series 31 AGM's will have 800cca and 1000mca ability - plenty of power to crank any gas engine. I have two as house and two as starting. The two starting AGM batteries (series 31s)spin my 350 mag B3s like a blender. Depending on the year and make of your battery charger it can be set to specifically charge AGMs. The "newer" intellipower chargers (used by Rinker) can be set specifically for AGMs. It would be better to have starter and house batteries the same battery chemistry - AGM. When wiring your house batteries in parallel run the "main" +ve (red) cable to the positive terminal of the FIRST house battery then run a +ve (red) cable from that terminal to the +ve terminal of the second house battery. Run the "main" -ve (black) cable to the -ve terminal of the SECOND house battery then a cable from that terminal to the -ve terminal of the first battery. This will give you a parallel circut AND also more powerful and even discharges AND more even and efficient battery charging. BTW if you can hook the leads from your battery charger to the house batterles in the following fashion the house batteries will charge even better: Run the +ve (red) lead from the battery charger to the +ve terminal of the FIRST house battery and the -ve (black) lead from the battery charger to the -ve terminal of the SECOND battery. P.S. Some contact information - Debbie Hayes in the customer service departmant at East Penn Deka Batteries can send you a PDF file on everything you could possibly want to know about AGM batteries, including installation information  1-610-682-4231 If you have an Intellipower Electronic Battery Charger made by Progressive Dynamics you can call for information at 1-800-961-4931  Best of luck! MT

Dream_Inn

you may have to give more details on the charger.  It may only be capable of charging one type of battery at one time.

Mercury2005

I just installed two new AGM bats in my 2006 270 FV, do I need to be concerned about my battery charger?

Cableguy Greg

If the charger isn't rated for them, then you might want to consider changing the charger to a newer one that can handle the AGM batteries.

Mercury2005

not sure where the battery charger is or how it works, i.e., does it work when genie is running, shore power is connected?
My boat is 2006 so should I upgrade and if so what is recommended?

Cableguy Greg

The charger should be located on the wall between the engine room and the aft cabin. If you upgrade, get a marine charger that can handle AGM's as well as traditional lead acid batteries.

Mercury2005

Will the engine alternator charge my AGM batteries without issues or does the isolator solve the problem?

craigswardmtb

If it charged the old sla batteries it will charge the agm's. They virtually the same charging profile.