Is a "battery balancer" worth it when installing a new pair of AGM in series?

[jtdums]

New 24v bow thruster getting installed along with a pair of new AGM batteries...is a fairly inexpensive "battery balancer" like this one from Victron:
Victron battery balancer
cheap insurance to protect the pair of batteries for long term reliability?

Plan is to use a 24v ac to dc victron smart charger to charge the batteries (generator on board and limited time spent on the hook realistically). Anyone want to offer a suggestion on charger choice?

Jim D
1990 Sabreline Fast Trawler

 

[twistedtree]

I wouldn't bother. And especially so given your use pattern which will regularly get the batteries back to full charge and hold them at float using shore power.

 

[DDW]

I've run 8 AGMs in series on an industrial lift for decades. They don't seem to go out of balance. Might if operated in a partial state of charge for a long time, but that will kill the AGMs regardless. A 12V is after all 6 cells in series, and you can get to those nodes to balance them.

The Victron smart chargers are great, I've got about 5 of them. While powered with AC, you can BLE into them with your phone and see the state, charge history, etc.

 

[jtdums]

Thanks for the reply from both of you. I like the look of those Victron chargers and have heard good things. Came across the balancer while looking at charger options so this helps to clear it up. Much appreciated.