AGMs with Suzuki

[AntonRx]

Good afternoon all! 

I am looking to replace my starting batteries and man am I glad I waited. I am being told that Suzuki recommends ONLY using Lead Acid Batteries and not AGMs for their starting batteries. Something to do with the wave sign that is generated from the charging system of the motor, is incompatible with the AGM battery. With that, I'm fine getting 2 flooded lead acid batteries again (mine lasted over 5 years anyway) but I was wondering what the best set up is. I currently have 2-group 24 starting batteries on a 2 bank battery switch. I usually alternate them on fishing days. These serve as my house/electronics batteries when the motors off and we're fishing. I have a Garmin, VHF and Fusion radio. Usually, when we're fishing and the motors off, I only have the VHF and Garmin on. Is it ok to use these starting batteries like this? Would it be better going to 1-starter and 1-AGM and switching to the AGM when the motors off to power the electronics? If the starter battery died, would I still be able to crank the motor with the switch on "both" setting? What's everyone's thoughts on setting it up? I have a 4-bank NOCO onboard charger that gets plugged in every night too. 

[Bamaskeet]

I’ve had good luck using group 31 AGM batteries, but I’m running a Yamaha.  Your current two battery system seems to work for you.  My only suggestion would be to go to group 27 or 31 batteries to give you extra capacity. 

[Wanaflatsfish]

On 5/9/2024 at 1:53 PM, AntonRx said:

I am being told that Suzuki recommends ONLY using Lead Acid Batteries and not AGMs for their starting batteries.

the same with Yamaha...but, many boaters do not....the lead acid refers to the amount of Reserve Capacity requirement that is related the output of the alternator.   Many of the AGM's do not have the amount of RC to meet the specs.  They have the CCA / MCA.  

For my SHO 250, I use a Interstate group 31 which meet the RC requirements and CCA's.

I @ OP I would go with a 31....I would also direct wire your Garmin to one of the batteries with a in line fuse...this way when you crank it will not shut off the Garmin.  For trolling  motor, I use 3 AGM 31's.

DC

 

[jh141]

I have been running a single Group 27 Optima Blue AGM as my cranking battery for years. I have three Group 24 Deka AGM for the trolling motor bank and one of those is wired as number 2 on my battery selector switch. I have never needed to use it.  

An AGM that is close in CCA to what your engine requires is going to be good.

I get away with Group 24's on my trolling motor bank because of my Stealth AC/DC  charger.

I run a Yamaha 4.2L SHO

[Wanaflatsfish]

6 hours ago, jh141 said:

I get away with Group 24's on my trolling motor bank because of my Stealth AC/DC  charger.

good move....i've been lax in not installing this...

Dc

 

[Wanaflatsfish]

On 5/9/2024 at 1:53 PM, AntonRx said:

I have a Garmin, VHF and Fusion radio

BTW, the Fusion AMP draws alot of power...I put a seperate breaker on mine, so when I'm not using the stereo, I just hit the breaker inside the console...easy peasy

 

dc