What to use AGM or wet cell batteries on a Yamaha 225 ox66

[DennisG01]

There's no question that AGM's are superior to regular LA in terms of vibration resistance, being better at supplying consistent voltage and longevity. That's well documented and proven. Those are facts. As we talked about a couple times, though, whether that's worth it to an end user when comparing prices - that is completely opinion-based. And probably largely based on someone's experience with regular LA and how they use their boat.

I will add... some engines REQUIRE AGM's for the reasons said above. These engines need clean. consistent power - otherwise their various computers may do funny things. This is also fact - certain Mercruiser sterndrives and many of their larger OB's require this. I can personally vouch for this as being true - not just from what Merc states but from seeing problems when regular LA are used. I can't speak for other brands as I don't have the in-depth experience with them.

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Playing devil's advocate here and then I'll bow out so as to not potentially derail yet another thread... if the AGM batteries do have better vibration resistance, have better consistent voltage and longevity compared to a non-AGM battery, why are companies still selling non-AGM batteries? At a difference of $100 per battery, if an AGM battery lasted even 4-5 years longer or even more, I'd definitely consider them. That being said, when their average lifespan is only 5-7 years, as indicated in the article that I linked, that's not really any better than a non-AGM battery.

 

[Hookup1]

Yamaha OX66's are probably not compatible with AGM charging profile.

I use all AGM batteries on my 1997 Islander with 2006 Yamaha F150's. ProMariner 3-bank HD charger and one Noco single bank for the bow thruster.
All these batteries are Duracell AGM Marines - 3x34M AGM and 1x27M AGM. All bought thru Sam's Club.

The batteries are made by one of the largest battery manufactures (Eastern Penn).

Life is around 5-years which is all you should expect from ANY battery type.

If you are going with AGM's you need to be sure you can match the charging profile.

Duracell AGM Marine Battery, Group Size 27M - Sam's Club

Buy Duracell AGM Marine Battery, Group Size 27M : Marine Batteries at SamsClub.com

www.samsclub.com

$199.28

Duracell Marine Deep Cycle Battery, Group size 27 - Sam's Club

Buy Duracell Marine Deep Cycle Battery, Group size 27 : Marine Batteries at SamsClub.com

www.samsclub.com

$99.32

Duracell AGM Deep Cycle Marine and RV Battery, Group Size 34M - Sam's Club

Buy Duracell AGM Deep Cycle Marine and RV Battery, Group Size 34M : Marine Batteries at SamsClub.com

www.samsclub.com

$134.86

 

[PukeNreel]

If it’s helpful for anyone I believe the company (batteries plus bulbs) sells their X2 battery which is a rebranded Northstar agm. I have not confirmed but, I heard West Marine premium AGM’s are actually made by Odyssey.

I think Odyssey offers 5 year Full replacement if it fails…

Both brands are proud of they’re stuff but, I have run them down below 1 volt with a slow draw, (2 times on one set) before correcting the problem. Capacity was still above rating 5 years later.. I’m a believer..

 

[Sardinia306Canyon]

I use all AGM batteries on my 1997 Islander with 2006 Yamaha F150's.

Are you sure that your F150 are compatible with AGM charging profile?
Yamaha suggested for a long time only flooded lead-acid, you may check your user manual regarding that.

I remember that i had flooded lead acid for my twin 2006 F150 as AGM where not available and/or too expensive back then.
Battery charging systems must have a internal circuit to read what battery type is connected to use the correct charging profile. My NOCO chargers do that, but i guess that not a lot/none outboard has this and will use a good for all charging profile.

As i wrote before, i use many AGM's on many outboards and cars between 1980 and 2022 and had never a problem using AGM's with on some of my vehicle with certainly not AGM charge profiles.

Chris

 

[SkunkBoat]

hehehehe....have we solved it yet? Where's my donut?

 

[Doc Stressor]

AGM batteries are not approved for older Yamaha engines because of the alternator/rectifier. The unit is only certified for intermittent use at maximum output. Sustained output at the maximum amperage rating can result in overheating and premature failure. AGM (and lithium) batteries have lower internal resistance than traditional flooded cell batteries. So when they are well discharged, they will accept full alternator output for a longer period of time.

If you keep your batteries close to full charge (i.e. no major sound system and turn the instruments off when fishing), AGMs should be OK.

 

[Hookup1]

Are you sure that your F150 are compatible with AGM charging profile?
Yamaha suggested for a long time only flooded lead-acid, you may check your user manual regarding that.

I remember that i had flooded lead acid for my twin 2006 F150 as AGM where not available and/or too expensive back then.
Battery charging systems must have a internal circuit to read what battery type is connected to use the correct charging profile. My NOCO chargers do that, but i guess that not a lot/none outboard has this and will use a good for all charging profile.

As i wrote before, i use many AGM's on many outboards and cars between 1980 and 2022 and had never a problem using AGM's with on some of my vehicle with certainly not AGM charge profiles.

Chris

Not sure but they have been fine since 2018!

 

[seasick]

Not sure but they have been fine since 2018!

How long do your agms last?

 

[JJF]

How long do your agms last?

I realize you were asking Hookup1, but I would like to provide a response.

My boat is a 2018 with three AGMs(Group 31s, I believe). They are going to be replaced this spring with another set of AGMs. Therefore, my fingers are saying that's seven years/summers. I am inconsistenet with leaving them on the charger when the boat is in the water.

My boat is on the hard from mid-Oct to mid-May. I honestly don't know if the yard removes them for the winter.

 

[seasick]

I realize you were asking Hookup1, but I would like to provide a response.

My boat is a 2018 with three AGMs(Group 31s, I believe). They are going to be replaced this spring with another set of AGMs. Therefore, my fingers are saying that's seven years/summers. I am inconsistenet with leaving them on the charger when the boat is in the water.

My boat is on the hard from mid-Oct to mid-May. I honestly don't know if the yard removes them for the winter.

That's useful info. Seven seasons is a good life span. On my sold 208. my lead acids would also get 7 seasons and after the first few years, stopped removing the batteries for the winter. I would make sure they were fully charger before layup and then disconnect the negatives.
If the batteries are well charged, there isn't a need in most cases to remove. It's heat that shortens their life, not the cold. That said, the real goal is to make sure that the electrolyte wont freeze. That will kill a lead acid battery. The frizzing temp goes up as the battery is discharged So if a boat was stored in a very cold climate, removing the batteries and storing them in a warmer spot would be advised.