Who makes te best Marine Deep Cycle Battery

[hammersley]

I need a good 12v deep cycle for my trolling motor? Who makes the best one when you consider price vs performance and life? In other words I could spend say $300 for a commercial battery that may last an extra year or two but at 3 times the price - that's a poor economic choice.

 

[CKruse]

It depends a lot on your intended use. I would highly recommend checking into the Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) technology batteries. Yes they do cost more, but have gotten more competitive.



Back in 99 we installed a set of 4 Hawker Energy Trolling Thunder batteries in our then new 21' Triton bass boat. They are still going strong. It has seen a great deal of use, but has had the benefit of the onboard chargers and last year we added Solargizers. There are several AGM batteries out now, and the warranty is usually better with these. In the tight installation in the bilge area of a bass boat the no maintenance feature is a strong point. If it's out in the open it's not a big deal to add water, but still a pain. Check out the AGM batteries.

 

[swampfox]

I've had good luck with the Stowaway deep cycle batteries. They seem to last longer than other brands. In fact I'm off to buy 2 of them this morning... . one for the boat and another for the TT. Currently in the Minneapolis area they're priced at $65 at Sam's Club.

 

[illflem]

I use quite a few deep cycle batteries on solar charged remote irrigation valves. Believe it or not the ones that have lasted the longest are the cheapest on sale Napa brand, think I paid around $39 for the oldest ones 12 years ago. They are all still in service with just a yearly water fill up. Some of the more expensive ones only lasted five years.

 

[TowPro]

I don't work for Walmart, but I sure push there batteries. There made by the same company that owns Optma (Johnson Controls), have a great price, a great warranty, are always fresh (in my store at least) and there is thousands of places to return them to if they go bad.



And I think they sell a 29 series which just fits in most battery boxes, which is a true deep cycle made just for trolling motors (and campers )

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Optima Blue Top, $145 at Costco