Minnkota trolling batteries

[Matt]

Does anyone out there have any experience(good or bad) with Minnkota trolling motor batteries by Exide?

I bought one at Kmart two years ago and it suddenly died. The statement right on the battery says that it has a 12 month full replacement, 13-36 month pro-rated replacement warranty. I lost my receipt and Kmart wouldn't help me out at all! Wouldn't even call Exide for me! As a matter of fact they were quite rude. The ship date sticker was still on the battery. No one else in town dealt that battery. So I went to Scheels in Fargo/Moorhead (I remembered they carried that line). They said they would take care of me. Two weeks later they said Exide wouldn't warranty it but Scheels would give me $20 off a new battery. An Interstate. Scheels said that they won't carry the Minnkota battery any more because they've had too many come back. So I got an Interstate.

Is this an Exide problem? Is it just the Minnkota line? How are Interstate batteries? I also have a GNB and I've heard Exide bought them. Whats that mean? Any battery advice would be appreciated.

Boooooooooooooooooo to Kmart. Booo to Exide. Bravo to Scheels!!

[Dave in Mpls]

The MinnKota batteries manufactured by Exide are the Exide Nautilus Gold series, with a differt lable on them. The MK20 is a NG27, and the MK18 is a NG24.

You stated that you had no receipt, and Kmart wouldn't help you out?? Quite frankly, I'd have been surprised if they helped you even WITH a receipt. I think Tanya Harding shops there....'nough said!

Did you ever call the 800 # on the battery (1-800 GO EXIDE)? They certainly should have been able to direct you to somebody who could remedy the Prob for you.

I purchased a used boat last fall with two MK20s for the 24V system. One of the batteries was over a year old, the other over two years old. The older battery would not take a charge, so I gave exide a call to see if they would warranty it at all. The gal took my name and number and said she'd have someone get in touch with me. "SURE", I thought!! Two hours later the Twin Cities Rep called me and I explained the problem. He then asked for my address and when I would be at home. Four hours later (the same day I originally placed my call to the 800 #) the rep was at my house with not one, but TWO new NG 27s. He said that as long as the batteries were going to be used for a 24V system, they should really be replaced as a set. Total cost for the two new batteries and service call - $0.00!!!

I was not even the original purchaser!!

Am I saying that Exide makes the best batteries?? Absolutely not. What I am saying is that, at least the people I had the pleasure of dealing with, are willing to stand behind their product.

Regards