Where can one buy a reasonably priced ("cheap') marine battery

Anthony A

Anthony A

Well-known member
I need a new marine battery for my electric trolling motor. I bought my first when I was first planning the Kara, Memorial Day weekend 2009, but the boat took a heck of a lot longer to finish that I had anticipated (went and got married, then moved, then helped my wife move...). The battery was never used in all that time (about 2yrs) and sat on the floor of my garage. I charged it for 4 days, then took it out for a test try on my Kara, but it died pretty quickly on me... hence the reason for this post!

Next question, should I keep the battery continually plugged in to a trickle charger? Year round?

Anthony
 
Next question, should I keep the battery continually plugged in to a trickle charger? Year round?
Click to expand...


Short answer, NO

You are best served keeping it hooked up (year around 24/7) to a maintenance charger such as the ones sold under the brand name "Battery Tender". Using one of those, or a similar product, will keep you battery ready to go and give you the best battery life.
 
Interstate has a good line of wet cell marine batteries. Check at a gas station that sells the brand and see if the truck will drop one off.

West marine has a decent battery as well.
Sears Die Hard is good too.
No such thing as a good cheap one.

AGM = double the cost.

Charge a battery once a month. Then unplug it and set it in a cool place to sit. Keep the lead posts clean of oxidation.

This is a good charger for that use.


http://www.dualpro.com/
 
I used Walmart Marine Deep Cycle Starting Batteries in my offshore boat, had them in there for 5 years and they were still strong when I sold it.
 
Sam's Club or Walmart. I echo the comments made by Carl. I've tried cheaper as that ismy nature and it ended up costing me more.

I have heard both sides of the arguement on how to store. Some say never ever store a battery directly on concrete, and others say it doesn't make a difference. I put a piece of wood between the battery and the concrete cause I have one handy and I've never heard anyone say putting a battery on top of a piece of wood is a bad thing.


Mark W
 
I have had the same walmart battery for 7 years on my boat. I just keep a trickle charger on it at all times.
 
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