There has been a lot of past discussion on which battery to
use and how cost effective each choice is.
The LOW end is to simply go down to your local auto parts
store and by a "marine battery" starting at $60.
The next step up seems to be the Trojan "traction" type
lead acid battery designed for golf carts at $145 each. They
come in either 6 or 12 volt. Increased life span and more
power available.
Next up is the AGM batteries at about $245 each. Longer
life, no spillage, good power output.
This seems to be the most popular choice.
Gel batteries are about the same as AGM but cost a bit
more.
A couple of new types based on Lithium-ion are available,
but so far there seems to still be overheating issues with
heavy amp draw. The cost for these types is considerably
higher, ranging from $475 to $1200 each for an equivalent
size. The cycle life is reported as much improved over all the
lead acid types, and the weight is about 2/3 of comparable
lead acid.
Each type has merit, depending on "how you use them "
I've often considered going the cheapest route for my first
set just to get all the bugs worked out. It's likely the boat
will spend considerable time in the shop fixing/modifying
stuff after it's first series of wet tests.
An inexpensive set would give me the opportunity to learn
how the boat works, how it handles, and what it's limits are.
Worst case, and the boat gets flooded during testing.......not
that much money lost.
I plan on conducting some pretty rugged tests, some manned
and some on remote. There's a good chance something's going to
break.
Once all the systems are tested and working properly, and
I've got some hours and experience behind the wheel, the first
set will be just about wearing out. The charging system will
be dialed in, and good test data collected during operations
can be analyzed, making the final choice for batteries more
informed.
A first set of 14 batteries at 12 volt comes to $840 plus
tax. If they lasted long enough to accomplish testing and
learning, it seems like a possible way to go.
Frank D.