I have a 2 year old Prevailer gell cell battery, group 27, manufactured by Exide. It wasn't holding a charge, so I went back to Boaters World, assuming that I would at least get a pro-rated exchange. How wrong I was! And yes, I do keep the boat plugged in when not in use. I have an onboard Guest 3-stage charger.
The manager at the store looked it up and told me that if it was less than 2 years old, they would exchange it for a new one. I bought it in March of 2004, so its now 2 years and 3 months old. I seem to remember that most batteries I've bought, be it marine or automotive, have a free replacement period (1-2 years), followed by a pro-rated replacement period for another year or two, or even three. However, he told me there was no pro-rated period at all.
I just got off the phone with the Exide Customer NoService rep, and she told me that the warranty is actually only ONE year and that indeed they do not have any pro-rated period after that. That really ticked me off, but no use in getting mad at her - she's just reading the company line. I'm firing off an letter to the CEO/President of Exide and letting him know that I'll never do business with them again, and will let everyone know their policy. If this were just a $80-$90 battery, it wouldn't be so bad, but those gel cells are damn expensive and I expected a lot longer use than 2 years. It is pretty cool though, that Boaters World will give you an extra year on the warranty!
This evening, I'm heading back to Sears and getting another flooded marine Die Hard. I've always used Die Hard batteries in my cars and boats, and know that I'll get at least 4-5 years of very dependable service from them.
Has anyone had good luck with the gel cells? I know they are still relatively new, but I'm curious as to how long they should last, especially when properly taken-care-of.
Also, any other reccomendations for flooded batteries? I've always had such good luck with Die Hard's, its going to be tough to try something else, especially after getting burned like I just was.
Thanks!
John
The manager at the store looked it up and told me that if it was less than 2 years old, they would exchange it for a new one. I bought it in March of 2004, so its now 2 years and 3 months old. I seem to remember that most batteries I've bought, be it marine or automotive, have a free replacement period (1-2 years), followed by a pro-rated replacement period for another year or two, or even three. However, he told me there was no pro-rated period at all.
I just got off the phone with the Exide Customer NoService rep, and she told me that the warranty is actually only ONE year and that indeed they do not have any pro-rated period after that. That really ticked me off, but no use in getting mad at her - she's just reading the company line. I'm firing off an letter to the CEO/President of Exide and letting him know that I'll never do business with them again, and will let everyone know their policy. If this were just a $80-$90 battery, it wouldn't be so bad, but those gel cells are damn expensive and I expected a lot longer use than 2 years. It is pretty cool though, that Boaters World will give you an extra year on the warranty!
This evening, I'm heading back to Sears and getting another flooded marine Die Hard. I've always used Die Hard batteries in my cars and boats, and know that I'll get at least 4-5 years of very dependable service from them.
Has anyone had good luck with the gel cells? I know they are still relatively new, but I'm curious as to how long they should last, especially when properly taken-care-of.
Also, any other reccomendations for flooded batteries? I've always had such good luck with Die Hard's, its going to be tough to try something else, especially after getting burned like I just was.
Thanks!
John