Trolling motor battery died this weekend so I get to buy 2 new batteries. It is difficult to get batteries in and out of my Champion so the lighter weight of the AGM sounds good. Which is best? Flooded or AGM. I am retired and cant afford high dollar batteries. Academy has an AGM that gets good reviews for $99. Has anyone had one of their batteries?

I use to buy the Diehard platinum Plus AGM batteries - they are extremely heavy, cost $280 per battery, and last at least 4 years, you can run for two days without charging on most trips.
But you can't go wrong with the Sears Everstart 29M series, they last two years and only cost $99 per battery you need to charge each night, as you will get about 12 good hours.
If you go to the Gel Cell's like the Optimas, you will more than likely need to change your battery charger, you will ruin the battery and your charger - I know this from experience.

Optima's are AGM not gel.

I am still on the fence AGM versus flooded. AGM seem to last longer but cost more so I am not sure of the real benefit.

I have had good luck with the Exide Orbital they sell at Academy. My boat is 16 years old and I have had only 3 sets of TM batteries.The ones that came with it only lasted about 2 years. The 1st set of Orbitals lasted 8 years. Still using the 2nd set. I always leave my batteries on charge. As soon as I get home I plug them in.

I've got a buddy in the battery business. When I was rigging my boat I gave him a call. He told me Deka lead acid, that gets you the most reserve power.

Lead/acid (flooded) is going give you more bank for the buck in terms of reserve capacity, but are going to be heavier. Discharge curve is different on the AGM than the Lead/acid. A lead/acid tells you as it's discharging. The AGM delivers what is perceived as full power til it dies, then you have nothing (kinda like the lithium drill batteries).
John

The Platinum Plus 31 series is 75 lbs- 3 year warranty cost is $280
The Everstart 29 series is 61 lbs - 2 year warranty cost is $99
Just be careful if you buy a gel cell battery it requires a different charger

Thanks for the info. I ended up buying Optimas but did not know about the charger issue. I hope mine will charge them or mama is not going to be a happy camper. I know my charger senses battery type but I will have to check the manual for charging AGMS.

My charger is a Pro Mariner Pro Sport. I checked the manufacturers FAQs and this charger works with AGM batteries on the lead acid setting. It will not charge AGMs on the gel setting. Relief for me to know that and possibly useful info others might use.

Final note if anyone has a pro mariner sport 20 charger. I called them today and they sent me a plastic screw with a sensor to replace the original sensor. It programs the charger for AGM high perfirmance optima blue top batteries.

Academy 31 series Exide, $110, can't go wrong.

When you have a flooded battery explode, which I have, you will never buy another one for a boat. AGM in my boats from now on.

I had a flooded battery pi$$ acid all in the compartment of my boat...what a mess!!! Im running 4 optima yellow tops now....