Recommendations for deep cycle marine batteries?

[Slick]

Right now I have Optima deep cycle batteries (D900M) for my trolling motor, which is Minn Kota Maxxum with 65lbs. of thrust(24v). I just lost one the other day, after about 3years of use.
Is there a better batterie a decent cost?

[Response]

After three years of hard core use, charging, and bouncing in the boat, I would say the Optima treated you pretty well. Yeah, there are probably less expensive batteries, but for the life span, charging capabilities, and transport ease, stick with the Optima.

[vetspet(ind)]

i may be wrong but i think i heard that most batteries are made at only a few plants...they just use different names for their distributors....whether that is right or wrong i believe the main reason one battery outlasts others is how you treat that battery...i have an old autozone deep cycle which is probably five yrs old and has had much use...have five deep cycles total...use my trolling motor much of the time...what i do is always recharge my battery as soon as i get back off the lake...i always keep the fluid up...bought a portable generator for the many times i go camping where there is no electricity and i charge the batteries right at the ramp parking lot so as to not disturb campers....my batteries seem to last a long time...i have a newer minkota 125amp/hr bought last yr and it seems to last a long time....steve

[Jiggereye]

Got my first few Diehard marine batteries as prizes and have been pleased with those and the ones added on since. I left two in the boat this winter(BEGINING OF THEIR THIRD SEASON)and never charged them in the spring to start or run trolling. I rotate six in and out and fully discharge and charge them and am suprised at how long they run. They are no longer a sponsor of the series I fish in , but I am still very pleased with their performance. I believe I payed about $89 for the last large one. I don't change out the starter and it still hasn't failed me. The trolling one's last me through three days of serious work, with a little to spare. Lawrence

[Chadster]

Go for the Tournement Series 175RC 8A27 from Power-Troll. I am running (2) for a 24V system with a MinnKota AP 65. I am not exagerating one bit when I tell you these batteries last like no other. I have fished in strong current and wind for 8+ hours and still had 50% charge left. They are pricy at $180, but they have proven to be worth every penny! Check them out at www.powertroll.com. Make sure you have a quality on-board charger in your system. I promise you I am not associated or sponsored by this company in any way, I am just a happy customer.

[Suzuki]

I am on my 4th season with original Exide marine batteries. (24v)
Still working fine. I too keep them charged at all times by recharging after each outing(onboard charger makes this easy), and by removing them from the boat during the off season and maintaining their charge all winter. I keep the water topped off as well. If I continue to see this kind of performance from the cheaper lead batteries given the way I take care of them, then I will probably never spend the extra coin for sealed or gel or anything else that cost considerably more.

[whw]

My vote goes for Trojans. Run a search through the archives. Much has been discussed.

whw

[Jim Carroll]

I'm not sure why your Optima went down (how many charge/discharge cycles?) but if you are planning on replacing only one battery I think you should replace it with another Optima. You will only cause problems for your other battery if you replace it with another brand. Optima's charge and discharge so differently than conventional batteries that you will either harm your new battery or your old one or both. A better way would be to replace both batteries and the best of all would be to buy two new Optima's. They are a great battery!

[Paperboy]

Can I throw in my 2 cents? I have been EXTREMELY happy with Wal-Marts Ever Start marine battery. GREAT price, good warranty, and has lasted 2 seasons with awesome results in holding a charge and longevity of that charge. Check 'em out. About $60.00 a piece.

[tideye]

I second that. I've had one starting and two 115 amp/hour trolling Everstarts. I have a 24volt 48lb bowmount minkota and a 24v 74lb transom mount. I'm on my third year with them. I only get about 7 hours out of them in the heavy winds at high thrust but they wont die. I haven't checked the fluid once. I use them in the boat in the summer and in the fish house in the winter leaving them out all night only rotating to charge. I fish about 2 to 3 days a week(full days big and small waters) in the boat and charge them every night with the onboard guest 30 amp. I just leave it plugged in when I'm not using the boat. I just cant see spending $200+ a battery when I can get this kind of performance from a $60 battery. I am thinking about adding two more for longer running before discharge. Lets see thats will be $240 for what should last about 12 to 14 hours and about 3+ years. I think they(Everstart/Wallmart)will be getiing my money.
Just my 2cents.

Jim