"Winner" AGM Batteries

[Ithaka]

Does anyone have any experience of Winner batteries? They are a part of VIOSY organisation.
I have limited choice currently in Tahiti. Am being offered 3xWinner Solar SMF W170S model which would appear to meet my service battery needs according to Winner literature.

[sailinglegend]

Sorry you haven't had any replies - maybe nobody is using them!!!

The battery you are talking about appears to be for Solar, they also make one for Marine use which you could look at.

I could add some general comments about AGMs that might help.

Some brands have thin plates and can only be used as starter batteries whereas others have very thick plates, like traction batteries, for deep cycle use. True Deep Cycle AGMs are not so easy to source but they are now becoming more popular, but there are only a few designed for marine use. The problem is that not all AGMs are designed to be discharged 50% or more and then not recharged to 100% almost immediately. Many cheaper ones are designed for Telecoms or Solar standby use, not for mounting in a boat which often falls off 3 metre waves, so check very carefully with the manufacturer that they are rugged enough. AGMs main advantage is they can charge much faster and accept higher charging currents, but not all brands make these claims, so potential new buyers are often confused. Some people on these forums have had bad experiences with AGMs - but maybe they have bought the wrong type. My Lifeline AGMs are in their 10th year!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Ithaka.

[Wannabe-007]

Two years later, I'm in Tahiti, asking the same question...

I can't find a supplier with AGMs that are the right size for me... the Winner Solar W220s (220ah/180ah depending on how you count).

If I have no other choice, i'll have to take these... or 130ah AGMs which doesn't really appeal (my current 'norm' is roughly 3x180).