What battery to buy?

[san dimas]

My boat has 2 batteries. One to start the engine, and one to run the trolling motor and everything else. The deep cycle trolling motor battery is dying so I need to replace it. What do you guys recommend?

 

[robert graham]

I always just get Auto-Zone batteries, and maintained/ kept charged they're usually good for several years or so....after about 4 or 5 years I'll just replace it with a new one anyway.....sorta depends on how far down the river I'll be going....don't want a dead battery 10 or 15 miles away from the nearest ramp or marina!

 

[alldodge]

If your getting a lead acid battery get it where ever, and do as Robert mentioned. I like AGM's (not Optima) but they cost a bit more and require a AGM changer.

Oh and as big a one (capacity) as you can fit in the box or location

 

[airshot]

I have used a variety of different batteries over the years and so far the best bang for the buck has been walley world, I use the larger model deep cycle and get a bout 4 yrs life with proper maintaince. Cheaper than the others in my area. I have that same setup in my boat...one marine start battery for main engine only and a large deep cycle for ALL other accessories and electrical needs. Also have a switch to allow changing between batteries, never had to use it....yet ...!

 

[san dimas]

Thanks guys. I'll go to Wallyworld or Autozone and pick up a battery. My Merc. dealer sells Interstate but they are a little pricey.

 

[fishin98]

. I use the batteries from Wallyworld. They stand behind them, they also last a long time. My brother still uses the grp 29 Maxx I purchased for him 8 years ago.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Wally World? Never again. I've used 2 batteries for a vehicle and 1 for a snowmobile. Not impressed with any of them. Longevity? Not mine. 3 strikes and I'm out. Even tried their Maxx. Just replaced the snowmobile one that was froze. Bought it a couple years ago. Replaced it with an Exide.

Interstate? A little pricey? IMO, you get what you pay for......

 

[bruceb58]

Interstate? A little pricey? IMO, you get what you pay for......

At Costco, the Kirkland batteries were made by Interstate. Now the batteries they carry are just branded Interstate. The warranty on the marine batteries aren't as good as the auto ones but I would still buy them if all you need is a marine combo battery.

If I was going to buy a true deep discharge trolling battery, I would buy a Trojan battery for that purpose.

 

[reellittlephish]

About a month ago I got Trojan Group 31 SC225 for Trolling motor batteries. My Trojans (set of 3) lasted about 8 years and they had a year of pro use on them when I bought the boat.. $175 in Las Vegas, NV. I've had Wally World, Interstate, Exide; they didn't last more than 3 or 4 years

 

[airshot]

In my area the wally world batteries are about 78.00 for the group 27 and typically last 4 or mabey 5 years. Now the really good batteries that last about 6-8 years cost 150-225.00 and up in some cases. So....you do the math.. The battery with the shortest life I have ever owned and I had two of them was Interstates, I know some people swear by them but they have turned out to be my least successful battery experience. Actually my longest was a Sears DieHard battery...lasted for more than 7 years....but I don't think they make them like they used to...that was quite a few years back.