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Posts: 19
| i require 2 batteries this spring
a combo deep cycle/cranking batery to start the boat and run electronics
the other a deep cycle to run a 55 lb electric motor
any recomendations and why
bob |
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Posts: 114
Location: New London, Wisconsin | Bob-Looks like we have the same set up requirements. In the past I've spent my money on what was supposed to be the best, middle of the road and cheap batteries. After going through each set I've now settled on Wal Mart batteries for my boat and so far it has been just fine. The thought process being (I forget where I read it) that if I have a problem during the 36 month warranty period, I am always pretty close to a WalMart. After 36 months, it's much easier to just replace the batteries, if necessary, when they are not costing an arm and a leg. This has worked for me and is just one man's opinion. Good luck with your decision...Labs |
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Posts: 572
| When buying Wal Mart batteries (or any battery), be sure to have the batteries tested. The clerk may object, but it is worth the time and trouble before installing a dead battery. The last time I bought a new battery, the clerk was surprised at finding 2 bad (not fully charged) batteries before coming up with one that was fully charged.
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Posts: 968
Location: N.FIB | I need to buy a new battery this year and I`m going with an optima,I`ve been using those wal mart batterys for 3-4 yrs now and even though they are good batterys for the price,optimas last longer.I fish some trolling motor only lakes and even though I always have a extra battery,I want something that last longer for the first battery and I`ve found out that`s an optima. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | I have had VERY good luck with Trojan AGM batteries...I have 6 of them in 2 different boats and they are awesome...I'm on the water 500-600+ hrs per season and the 3 in my Ranger are 3 + seasons old and still have the juice they did when new..they are pricey but I like the fact they are NO maintenance, I never have to check fluid levels, they can sit over the winter on zero charge and still be charged up .... For a less pricey option check out the Cabelas AGM batteries...personally I have used the cheap batteries and used the expensive ones like the Trojans and the last thing I want when I go on trips etc is battery problems... peace of mind is big to me...I think the Trojan AGM's are worth the money... they are bulletproof and I can't believe how much charge they still have at the end of a long day in big wind...the cheap ones work fine but whenever I hear about guys having battery issues, guess what, it's with the cheap ones...no thanks.
Edited by MSKY HNR 3/17/2009 10:03 AM
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Posts: 360
Location: Tinley Park. Fish Cen IL. Bass & Vilas Cty.Muskie | I get new Interstate batterys from the Warehouse. Ask any driver or check the name section of the yellow pages. I get top of line Interstate brand new batteries for $65- 27 size and $75 for 29 size. I have gotten returns awhile ago for $20 with warranty, but this is usually in the summer. |
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Posts: 19
| thanks
i'll be scouting out the batteries inn 2 wks
have to build a dock this wkend
bob |
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Posts: 676
Location: Wisconsin | If you can spend the extra money, I highly suggest the Cabelas AGM or really any AGM battery. They are sealed for no maintenance, Don't freeze, offer high outputs and cranking, and you don't have to worry about them getting pounded. |
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Posts: 138
| I would highly recommend Delco Voyager Gel batteries!
I have a set of Delco Voyagers M31's in my boat for going on 8 years. I use my boat once or twice a week and I'm a big time caster. on and off the trolling motor all day. I'm replacing them for the first time since I bought the boat new in April of 01'
I think I got my monies worth out of them.
The biggest thing I do with them to maintain them is; as soon as I back the boat into the driveway I plug in my on board charging system and they are plugged in always. |
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Posts: 10
Location: Cincinnati | I just got off the phone and was quoted $229+$12 core charge+tax for an Optima D-31M. According to the Optima web site, this is their largest capacity, marine battery, designed for deep cycle application. What am I missing here? Surely there's more value with someone else's product. Wasn't 6-8 years ago, I stopped in Grand Rapids Minnesota and purchased an AGM for less than $80. Darn thing finally quit, due to neglect and I don't remember the manufacturer. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. |
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Posts: 253
Location: On the water | I also have Delco Voyager batteries! Not the gel batteries but just the plain Voyagers. Have a small boat with a 50 trolling motor and fish once a week. Bought my last battery in 2003 and its working fine, and like jyoung said, as soon as I put the boat into the garage I plug in my charger and charge it up, I don't leave it pulled in all the time. |
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