Switching from AGM to Lead Acid batteries in 32+2, danger?

[Bob_Lee]

When I hauled last fall, the 8G4D, the 8G8D and the C31XH-2 batteries were all fully charged, so they sat all winter in the boat, a 2001 32+2.
Now I discover that all are TU and will not take a charge.
I about fell over with the $1,500 quote from Jamestown for 3 AGM replacements.
The 4D and the 8D are below the cabin floor forward of the tranny.
If I change to Lead Acid is there a danger from outgassing hydrogen?
It seems maintenance and adding water would be an issue as well, since all the caps are not accessable. But the savings of close to $800 is pretty compelling.
Any 32+2 owners switch from AGM batteries?

[Merry Kate]

Bob -

If you can't service the flooded lead acid batteries, they will die fast and make the $800 difference irrelevant. If I understand that your boat came with all AGM batteries in 2001, 7 years service life is not bad and probably worth the worry-free investment. If your batteries ARE accessible to water them (without so much trouble that will discourage regular maintenance), flooded cells are still a way better value in cost and performance over AGM.

[JackK]

I had the same sticker shock last year. I was going to change from lead acid to AGM but at double the cost I decided to stay with lead acid.

Just remember to check your battery charger if you return to lead acid. Most have a switch to change battery types.

I had the thought of changing just my house battery to AGM. It is very difficult to get at for service. However, you cannot mix different battery types on the same charger. So that theory went out the window too.

Jack

[Veebyes2]

The batterys on a 32+2 are in a really nasty spot. I have gel cells in mine. They have lasted 9 years but I think they are finally on their way out. I will bite the bullet & get the no maintenance AGMs.