Given proper care, all three types will perform to the same
standard. AGM and gel batteries offer less maintenance and
are spill-proof and leak-proof, but they cost more. AGM bat-
teries typically run about twice as much in price as compara-
ble flooded lead-acid models, with gels coming in even high-
er. However, properly maintained, AGM and gel batteries can
be expected to last a little longer than traditional flooded
models, giving bass boat owners an extra year or two per set.
Sulfation
“Sulfation” refers to the process of the sulfur state of the
electrolyte bonding with the lead in the plates, which forms a
crystalline material called lead sulfate. Sulfation occurs when
the battery is discharged and is the primary foe being fought
each time we drain and recharge our deep-cycle batteries.
The more that sulfation occurs, and the longer the period of
time that the battery plates are in this state, the shorter the
life of the battery. Recharging the battery restores the elec-
trolyte and stops the sulfation process. For that reason, it’s
imperative to charge batteries immediately after use. Don’t
wait until you get home the following day after a tournament;
plug the charger in as soon as possible.
Sulfation is of special concern for AGM and gel batteries.
If left discharged for too long, desulfation might not occur
properly, and the battery might not recharge as it should.
Sulfation also occurs in batteries without proper fluid lev-
els. If internal plates are exposed to air, they can become
damaged. For this reason, it’s vitally important to maintain
fluid within flooded lead-acid batteries. This isn’t an issue
with AGM and gel batteries, which are sealed. Flooded lead-
acid batteries should be filled with distilled water (impurities
within tap water can also lead to a small amount of sulfation)
to a level that fully covers the plate, but doesn’t entirely cover
the split-wall vent at the top of each cell.
Proper Charging
In the old days, chargers simply brought batteries back up
to full charge and then were turned off. Today’s chargers use
multiple sequences to ensure batteries are brought to their
optimum levels and maintained.
CRANKING BATTERIES
Nearly all of our focus centers on performance and
maintenance of deep-cycle trolling motor batteries, yet
cranking batteries are just as vital. They power key com-
ponents such as depth finders and livewells, and they
prevent us from getting stranded out on the water.
Rather than long-term power, cranking batteries
specialize in short bursts of high amounts of energy.
The important aspect of a cranking battery is the num-
ber of cranking amps (measured as MCA or CCA). Not
long ago, outboard manufacturers recommended use
of moderate-sized batteries with around 800 MCA.
Today’s monster 250-hp outboards, complete with
internal computer systems, require a minimum of
1,000 MCA. For this purpose, boat manufacturers uti-
lize low-maintenance AGM batteries far more often
than any other type. However, it’s important to main-
tain proper charge on cranking batteries using the
same steps outlined for deep-cycles.
Technologically advanced chargers such as the Minn
Kota Precision series or NOCO’s Genius do this in several
stages. First, they allow users to choose the type of battery
being charged (flooded, AGM or gel). Flooded lead-acid bat-
teries require an equalization stage to transfer the elec-
trolyte back to liquid state fully and desulfate the battery.
Gel and AGM batteries require a lower voltage when charg-
ing to “top off” the battery completely. For this reason, only
chargers featuring a battery selection component can
charge and maintain all of today’s battery choices.
Safeguards must also be in place to keep batteries at opti-
mum charge levels when not in use, as discharge occurs at
up to 10 percent of charge per month when a battery sits
idle. Such discharge is fastest in warm environments, which
is typically the case with a battery stored in a compartment
of a bass boat under cover.
Modern “smart chargers” can handle this task through
“maintenance charging” for all battery types. Once voltage
drops below a certain point, the
charger kicks in and restores it to
full. This helps for long-term storage
or in the off-season. Smart chargers
also protect against power surges,
voltage drops or temperature fluctu-
ations. So choose a high-quality
charger, plug in your charger and
leave it plugged in.
Lithium Exceptions
Flooded lead-acid batteries should be topped off with distilled water per the manufacturer’s instructions.
AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2017 I FLWFISHING.COM
Lithium ion batteries are vastly dif-
ferent from the previously discussed
models. They operate through a com-
pletely different process of transferring
power using a non-liquid electrolyte.
Because they don’t require heavy
lead plates and water, lithiums are up
to 65 percent lighter than the others.
The general consensus is that light-
ening a load will increase top-end
speed of a bass boat. However, even
with a 36-volt system, the overall
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