What type of battery should I buy?

[BSDenning]

Hello,

I'm in the market for a new battery for my boat. I have a 14 foot alluminum boat. I mostly use the battery for trolling and electronics, but occasionally use it for starting a small 20 hp motor. I have been using a traditional flooded battery and have had good luck with it. I have had the battery for about 7 years. It won't hold a charge anymore, so I am looking for a new battery. A friend told me that I should look into Gel batteries because they will last longer and provide more amp hours. I just thought it would be a good idea to hear from the community here before I went out and bought one. Should I stick with the traditional flooded battery or is it worth the money to upgrade to a gel?

Thanks!

 

[foodfisher]

7 yrs. is a good life span. Go with what you know.

 

[Gyrene]

7 yrs. is a good life span. Go with what you know.

Agree.
I doubt you can match that life with a gel battery.

 

[BSDenning]

Ok, so it sounds like even if I make the switch to gel cell, I'm still going to get about the same life out of the battery for my application. I may however, get more amp hours out of each charge. right?

Thanks for the input. If anyone else wants to disagree, I'd love to hear your opionion.

-Bret

 

[bruceb58]

Are you confusing AGM with Gel?

 

[glenn property of pam]

gel is used when you want to mount a battery other than upright. if you have a modern trolling motor then maybe agm would be worth the extra money but if you have a old style with the clicking speed selector then save money on the battery and get a newer trolling motor later that uses less power for the same amount of thrust.

 

[bruceb58]

You can mount AGM any way you want as well.