gel type batteries vs "regular" deep cycle

[Hoffer]

Hey all-

I am considering taking the plunge and purchasing one of those "6 pack" type of gel battery for my trolling motor. Currently i just use a traditional deep cycle -like an interstate brand or whatever around 80 bucks or so. Is the 6 pack type worth the extra dough...probably around 220.00 or so compared to 80 or so for the traditional. I guess i am thinking I could purchase almost 3 regular deep cycle ones for the cost of the 6 pack type - but will do it if its worth

it :-)

Thanks for the advice

[katoguy]

I used to run regular gel cell. I had good luck with them.

I am anti-orbital (the ones that look like a 6-pack) that are more of an AGM (absorbed glass mat). Their ads are very misleading. Their overall life span may be long (charge/discharge cycles), but their run time per charge for trolling motor usage is very lacking. Your charger may bring them back quickly, because their ampere/hours are low (which equates to short trolling motor run time). You probably won't be able to find the amp/hr rating on one, but they are probably only in the 55 amp/hr range, where a typical lead acid battery (group 27) will be about 105 amp/hr.

They are lighter and better sealed, but they are extremely expensive, too.

Also, some onboard chargers don't charge gel-cell batteries. (Different float voltage on the charge cycle.)

[Whoaru99]

For the performance and life I've had from "regular" trolling motor/deep cycle batteries, there's no way I can justify the cost of those more expensive types. There's just no payback/incentive to do it.

[Hoffer]

well thats why you guys are the best!

Probably saved me a lot of dough. I really actually need 2 new batteries this spring. I have a new starter battery - but I have a troller battery up front and also another battery in the stern that runs all the equipment = lights depth finder etc...

I would rather buy 2 new "regular" deep cycles for 180.00 total than just 1 expensive one - especially if there isnt a huge difference. I do NOT need the benefit of a fast charge - what I want is a LONG life. I usually only get out one day every once in awhile - and I park the boat in the garage and can plug in the in-board charger and be set for my next trip out later. With that said, any comments on particular brands? Last summer I bought an interstate at the G store and I am happy with it. It had a high amp rating and high hour rating for the money if I remember correctly?

Thanks again!

[crothmeier]

I'd had real good luck with the Werker brand sold at batteries plus. Resonably priced and made by the same company as Trojan batteries.

[sparkyaber]

For the performance and life I've had from "regular" trolling motor/deep cycle batteries, there's no way I can justify the cost of those more expensive types. There's just no payback/incentive to do it.

+1

[Caleb S]

I just bought a new deep cycle and did some reading online before buying. There were of course varying views on what brand and price point but the majority of people thought the batteries from Wally's provided the best bang for your buck. Also mentioned were Duralast from Autozone. I ended up going with Wally's. 115 amp hours for $62, this was regular price but was still $11 cheaper than the comparable from FF.

[walleyewild]

I switched from a regular deep cycle to AGM batteries about 4 years ago. Did all kinds of research online and decided that I would save money in the long run by going with the AGM batteries.

Replaced both the starting battery and trolling motor battery with group 27's. Got mine from cabela's and haven't had any issues with them.

They were about 150 per and also installed the onboard charger at the same time.

I get a full day on a 55# thrust minnkota and don't kill my starting battery while running all of the electronics and lights in the boat, which I used to do on a regular basis.

I would only get about 18 months on a deep cycle battery if I was lucky, would forget to fill them with distilled water, forget to charge...

I think that I am money ahead going with the AGM battries IMO.

WW

[Whoaru99]

I would only get about 18 months on a deep cycle battery if I was lucky, would forget to fill them with distilled water, forget to charge...

Yeah, but that's not the battery's fault.

Also, it sounds like you added an on-board charger at the same time you changed batteries. That in and of itself helps a lot for battery life because it's real easy to charge, thus it tends to get done more often/properly. And, the OB chargers generally provide a better charge than a basic battery charger.

[Charley]

Onboard chargers are the only way to go.