I actually just switched to lithium batteries, for the reasons everyone mentioned below... better life, deeper cycling, WEIGHT. I got 200AH worth of "12v" batteries on ebay for $1200, not name brand but as far as I'm concerned it's all the same cells on the inside just like buying AGM's from samsclub vs westmarine.
A couple of things to note: 1) You need a dc-dc converter if you plan to charge from the alternator. These things charge at 14.5V which is higher than your alternator. Similarly they charge at HUGE currents so your alternator will just spin up and kill itself. A DC-DC charger (mine is renogy) prevents this issue. 2) There is a difference between Lithium Ion and Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries (LiFePo4). Lithium Ion are the ones that only charge to like 13V and blow up if mistreated. LiPo4's on the other hand don't have this issue and are super stable, they charger and discharge at higher voltage too which is good. DONT get lithium, get lithium iron phosphate, it's only a few $$ more. Happy sailing and I hope this helps! ~Luke Wolbrink 1985 C&C 35-3 Zella #84044
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