Trolling Batteries

[breck866]

What is everyone’s brand preference for which 12v lead acid batteries that are most reliable to deliver  performance and get a solid 3 years from?

[MN Fisher]

I'm going into year 3 on my Might Max AGMs -  not a problem yet

 

(Yes, AGMs are Lead-Acid, as are Gel-Cells...just a different method of holding the electrolyte instead of letting it 'slosh' around in the case)

[Big Hands]

Most of the lead acid battery market is dominated by just two manufacturers:

• Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls)
• East Penn

Everyone else is small potatoes in comparison. Both of those major manufacturers make batteries for retailers and slap whatever label is wanted on it for the retailer. Prices and warrantees vary from retailer to retailer. Some retailers sell batteries from one manufacturer in one area of the country, and then sell batteries from the other producer in another part of the country.

 

There are some smaller domestic manufacturers that make some excellent batteries, but they tend to be noticeably pricier.

 

The first questions I would ask you are:

Do you have a budget figure in mind?

Would you be willing to commit to maintaining the water level in flooded style lead acid batteries?

Do you have size or weight constraints?

What amp hour requirements do you have?

What are the specs of the trolling motor?

What other devices are on your boat that will need to be accounted for besides just the trolling motor?

[Smokinal]

People either love em or hate em but I've ran Interstates for years and years and have had great luck with them.

As mentioned above, most batteries are just a label.

Personally, I think a large % of a battery's "success" is how it's cared for. Mine are all on the onboard charger, a specific deep cycle conditioner/charger, and always plugged in immediately after usage. I used to use a generic charger and had battery life issues way back then; until I read and learned more about actual deep cycle chargers. Now my batteries last years before needing replacement.

[Jig Man]

I’ve been able to get at least 3 years, sometimes 4 or 5 from AGMs no matter what brand.  I prefer Pro Guide.  I started using them in 2002.

[gim]

Specifically in reference to a lead acid battery, I always had good longevity out of Interstates too.  The first set lasted me 4 seasons and the second set last me 3.5 seasons.  I used size 27.  For about 100 bucks per battery, I was satisfied with what I got.

 

I upgraded to Duracell AGMs last November.  Haven't really used them yet though.  They have a 30 month replacement warranty and I hope they get me a whole 5 seasons.

[GPtimes2]

Just an fyi. Most any AGM that you don't discharge more than 50% and recharge as soon as you get home should last 7 to 12 (based on 3 die-hard AGM) years. Also keep it on trickle charge when not in constant use.

[gim]

1 minute ago, GPtimes2 said:

should last 7 to 12 (based on 3 die-hard AGM) years.

 

12 years?!  That seems slightly absurd but hey if that's what I get, I'll take it.

[slowworm]

I'm going into season 5 with the cranking & 2 trolling motor batteries that came with my tracker 175  in 2019.

 

I charge them when I get home and keep them on trickle charge.

[gim]

46 minutes ago, slowworm said:

I'm going into season 5 with the cranking & 2 trolling motor batteries that came with my tracker 175  in 2019.

 

The original cranking battery that came with my Ranger in 2016 lasted me almost 6 years.  Ridiculous longevity for a lead acid battery.

[GRiver]

I’ve got two group 24 size, one for starting, the other is deep cycle for trolling. They are ever-start (I think), Walmart brand, had them three years now.
Maintenance is important with any battery, don’t run them down too far, keep fluid levels up, keep the terminals clean. 

[Bird]

In my experience you should easily expect 3 years from just about any deep cycle battery, twice that.

Repetitive deep discharge is what you want to avoid.

[Born 2 fish]

My last boat had interstate smrr-29 batteries they we’re still good after 6 years. My new boat has Dekas’s group 31 I’m hoping to get at least 5 years out of them.

[LonnieP]

Everstart Maxx usually last me 4 to 5 years

[Bankc]

On 4/16/2024 at 1:17 AM, Big Hands said:

Most of the lead acid battery market is dominated by just two manufacturers:

• Clarios (formerly Johnson Controls)
• East Penn

That's what I've noticed as well.  So I typically just get whatever's cheapest and not too old.  The market has consolidated to the point where if you're buying a more expensive battery, all you're paying extra for is the sticker on the front.  Even the "warranty" isn't worth anything to me.  Most are "prorated", meaning they're about equivalent to a "$5 off your next purchase" coupon.  

 

Really, the biggest "difference" between various brands of lead acid type batteries is how long they've been sitting on the shelf before you bought them.  Most retailers don't keep their batteries charged while they're in the shop, and that can damage them if they self-discharge for too long.  

 

So the only stickers on the battery that you should pay attention to are the "made on" date and price tag.  

[Functional]

I had interstates in my Tracker from 2013 I just replaced about 2 years ago so 9 years on my cranking/house battery and FF battery. 

 

I added 2 batteries for my 24v TM 3 years ago and have since converted all of my batteries to Orileys house battery. 3 years in and not a single issue. 

[Log Catcher]

I have been using Interstate batteries for a long time. I have one group 24 for cranking the outboard motor and the electronics. One group 27 for the trolling motor. I got seven years out of the last ones. I am starting on the third year with the ones I have now.

[BigAngus752]

I used to swear by Interstate and then I got several lemons in a row.  I was in a bind after my last Interstate failed so I ran to Advance Auto and had them get me the two newest DieHard 27s they had.  That was over three years ago.  And my closest lake is electric only so I run my batteries down to 20% or lower at least once a week.  When these finally go I'll be getting more DieHards.  Cheap and sturdy.