Dude; Go with 6 Volt golf cart batteries. Include a cell fill system. You will enjoy more hours of autopilot energy with this system than with AGM, or any other battery system. Personally, I have 6-Golf cart batteries as my house band and two gel cells as my auxiliary bank. By the way, I am a cruiser and have WAY too many electrical devices on my vessel. David Hoyt Catalina 27 #65 Sovereignty ahsovereignty.com In a message dated 6/28/2010 9:58:16 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
Well folks, it's time to replace the West Marine lead acid batteries unfortunately (low voltage and autopilots do not mix apparently). I think I might splurge and get the Deep Cycle AGMs. I know that these charge differently from regular lead acid batteries and therefore need to double check the AC Charger and alternator. The AC charger is by Charles Marine, a 5000 series. According to the site, it charges all three kinds of batteries with no settings needed so I think I'm good on that front. Regarding the alternator, does anyone know how to check if it provides the correct voltage for AGMs? The engine is a Yanmar 20GM20F, but I'm not even sure where to start looking for info on that one. Many thanks, Mike
