What battery to buy?

pstew96

pstew96

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Its that time again to replace batteries, but I am not spending $300 each on a bluetop or redtop thats crazy, anyone recommend a decent choice?
 
Assume you're talking about flooded lead-acid, then? A friend says he's always had good luck with whatever batteries Costco sells. Cheap to buy and he always got at least 3 years out of them.
 
I have used interstate flooded cell batteries and been satisfied
 
I was thinking I could get a deep cycle/AGM, I figure I could get at least 5 years out of them.. Yes, Interstate is a highly rated battery.
 
Pep Boys does have Blue Tops on sale for 25% off...picked one up for $212 at the Baldwin NY store.
 
You didn’t specify which size and type you’re looking for.
Costco sells Interstate but doesn’t have a large selection of Marine Batteries.
Walmart has a larger selection of Marine Batteries and they are made to the same specs as the Interstates.I used to get the Group 27 Dual purpose Batteries from them for my old boat and never had a problem with them.
Unfortunately, Walmart doesn’t stock the group 27 Cranking Batteries I need for my current boat so I went for the extra money and got the Interstate label from MarineMate for a pretty decent price..
The boat has 5 so I did two last year and three this year.
I wanted to switch to Group 31 AGM’s because they are in a tough spot to get to for checking the fluid level but the total price for five is nuts.
 
quote:
Originally posted by pstew96

I was thinking I could get a deep cycle/AGM, I figure I could get at least 5 years out of them.. Yes, Interstate is a highly rated battery.

Click to expand...


AGM's ain't going to be cheap either. Save your money and go flooded and Interstate would be a good brand to buy. They should last you 5 years as well.

Go deep cycle. Don't go with the starting/deep cycle combo battery.
 
If you can find the data the weight of a battery is a clue as to its construction. Heavier batteries have more metal.
 
Thanks! I'll measure what I got and find an Interstate dealer...
 
Interstate is a good battery. After 5 years with those batteries without ever checking the water, they went bad. Actually one battery lasted 6 years. When I needed to replace them, I looked at the $300.00 batteries, warranty was a bit longer but from a cost aspect, they made no sense. Just saying, I did not see the value (longevity) of the $110 interstate compared to the $300.00 AGM.
 
I use Walmart for vehicles and the deep cycle in the RV. They're pretty good batteries, and I can get one nearly anywhere and likely 24 hours a day.

I'd been using Sam's Club batts but got tired of their access limitations. Unsat for the RV and vehicle situation, but the GP24 Marine Start batteries for the boat, have a little more capacity than the WM ones. It'll start on One and re-start on Both even if one is weak. And.. Sam's had $25 instant rebate on their flooded batteries right when I needed one. $39 for a new MS battery was sweet!

Shipmates, I'm glad this discussion is so practical! Sometimes More doesn't bring Better. A friend asked me to help with dead batts in is 26 Sundancer. Turned out they were AGM from WM, dead and WM said they wouldn't take a charge. They pro-rated the AGMs, furnished flooded and a partial refund of the much higher AGM price. My friend was very happy with the deal and his flooded batteries. BZ to WM on this one.
 
Look closely at the label on the Walmart batteries. They’re made by the same company that makes Interstates and have the same specs.
Unfortunately they don’t carry the ones I needed for this boat, but if they have the size and type you’re looking for you may be able to save yourself some money.
 
Choosing which batteries to buy depended on some important issues for me. My 32' twin diesel cruiser came with 3 large/heavy flooded batteries arranged so as to provide adequate cranking and house power as needed. They were a royal PITA requiring gymnastic skill to open up the deck and hanging down to check regularly for water levels especially adding a bit here and there in summer when they needed it most. After three years they began to give off strong acid/gas smells that of course seemed to concentrate in the lower cabin. I kept the boat connected to shore power when at my dock. I switched the three batteries for AGM and problem solved for 5 years and beyond. More than worth the extra bucks.
 
Agree with ccdjoe. While I'm a fan of flooded batteries, there certainly are instances where a sealed battery like AGM or gel, is the best way to go even at a higher price.
 
I've used.....
M29MF ACDELCO VOYAGER BATTERIES FOR THE LAST 15+ YEARS. MAINTENANCE FREE! ~ $160.
 
I decided to buy the Excide batteries at Home Depot, I figured I am going to sell the two boats next season so why fuss over the batteries since it will only be a few months... The new boat will be more important...Thanks!
 
I know that they started carrying some basic car maintenance stuff a couple of years ago, but didn’t know they’re selling batteries too now.
I’m in there a couple of times a week. I’ll have to look for them next time.
 
Car/Boat batteries at Home Depot and 2 x 12's at NAPA! Whatever improves the bottom line I guess!
 
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