

When faced with a flooded bilge situation, VRLA batteries will continue to operate submerged up to a 30-foot depth. If you plan to mount a gel battery on its side, expect to lose 10 percent of its amp-hour (Ah) capacity. Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries, because of their sealed spill-proof design, can be mounted in any position, except inverted. As boat manufacturers build larger house battery banks to keep up the load demands, they are faced with two choices: Build a battery bank out of traditional flooded cells, or embrace new technology and opt for a battery bank that is as progressive as their boat design.ĭeka SeaMate/Deka Dominator | Energy 1 Marine Battery | Lifeline AGM | Mastervolt AGM/Gel | Optima Spiral Cell | Trojan AGM | SeaVolt SeaGel The Pros and Cons of Valve-regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) Batteries What all of these accessories have in common is an incredible appetite for DC power. Bow thrusters once reserved for only the largest mega-yachts are now routinely found on vessels under 40 feet, and DC power inverters are almost as common as windlasses. However, boat technology and boating habits are changing. Even though most flooded cell batteries require electrolyte maintenance, contain spillable corrosive acid, and vent explosive gasses when severely overcharged, they still provide an energy reserve that is tolerant of a wide range of recharging voltages and is universally available. This is primarily because of its low initial cost when compared to similarly sized AGM and gel batteries. The most widely installed battery on new, entry-level, production boats is still the flooded cell battery. We’ll focus here on deep-cycle AGM and gel batteries to find the best deep cycle marine battery. Lead acid batteries are further sub-grouped into three application-based categories: starting, deep-cycle, and dual-purpose. There are three basic types of storage batteries used in the marine industry that is constructed of lead and acid: flooded or wet-cell batteries, AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries, and gel (gelled electrolyte) batteries. Key benefits of OPTIMA BLUETOP® batteries include OPTIMA starting power (boot applications and dual use), up to three times more recharges than any other marine battery,15 times more resistant to vibrations, leak proof, and can be mounted in virtually any position without maintenance.The term lead acid battery usually conjures up the image of a standard flooded cell battery commonly found in cars and 80 percent of all production boats. This flexible boat and RV battery is ideal for those who need a power source that requires no maintenance, but provides a safe start with plenty of power. This means more hours of fun, time after time. In addition to its outstanding resistance to vibration, with the efficient power generation of the BLUETOP ® and faster recharge times, you will spend less time worrying about your car battery. The OPTIMA BLUETOP® Battery is a high performance AGM battery with exceptional runtime and more recharges than you would get from a traditional battery. Optima 34M Blue Top Marine Battery 800CCA - Dual purpose for both deep cycle and starting applicationsġx Optima 34M Blue Top Marine Battery 800CCA
