Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | I am by no means a battery expert but we have all gone through a time when we have had to purchase TM batteries. As I look back at the xx number of set that I have had to be honest no one set sticks out in my mind as being better than another. My batteries have always lasted 4-5 years. (Keep them charged, keep the fluid level correct, don't freeze them but keep them in a cold place in the off season) So I would agree brand may not mean that much. I just had a buddy have his interstates fail in less than a year. I think interstates are good batteries and he did get them replaced for free. I also did a search on the Northern Battery web page and learned they make batteries (big names) for many other people. Trust me companies don't have one manufacturing process for one brand and another process for someone else, they are all the same, just a label/packaging change. So again I would agree brand may not mean that much. Northern has a great technical service phone line, check it out.
I would also agree that size is important. 31 series if they fit will have more duty cycle so they will last longer before they need a charge.
I always wondered what an AGM battery was so I did a search and the link is below. Maybe I am reading it wrong but the two advantages of an AGM battery is they are sealed so you don't have to add distilled water if that is a big deal to you and you can mount them in any orientation you want if you need to. But I am not seeing anything related to battery life or actual performance. I would assume AGM batteries are more expensive so a person needs to evaluate what you personally need.
Have a good day.
http://www.techbatterysolutions.com/What-is-an-AGM-Battery-s/4669.h... |
