Thread: Who make the best deep cycle battery?

Originally Posted by fished-out

Recently did quite a bit of research on this. Because my trolling motor batteries (3 of them-36 volt system) sit under a rod locker and I don't want to worry about maintenance (ever), I decided on AGM batteries. I also wanted the biggest I could get in the boat, which meant group 31's. Of the AGM batteries, I like 4 of them--Lifeline (GPL 31T), Discover (EV31A-A), Trojan (31-AGM), and Deka (8A31DT). Here's where it gets interesting. The Discover seems to have the largest reserve capacity (235 minutes, 114 amp hours), followed by the Deka (200 minutes, 105 amp hours), Lifeline (195 minutes, 105 amp hours), and Trojan (177 minutes, 100 amp hours). It's also the most expensive, running about $385 a battery. I eliminated the Trojans--just not enough battery for the money. The Lifeline and Deka's run about the same amount--280-300, with the Deka's slightly more expensive. In the end, I decided on the Dekas--good combination of price and reserve capacity, and the Deka's seem to have a great reputation--manufactured in the US too. However, the Lifeline was recommended to me by a guy who sells chargers for a living--pretty strong case. You can get both batteries delivered to your house from on-line suppliers for about 330-340. Given that they both weigh about 69 pounds, gives you some idea of shipping costs if you can't find them locally and can't live without them!

Group 29 batteries are the same size as 31s, so you left out several large capacity batteries. The Discover lists a 225 minute RC. The 235 is under "minutes of discharge", which is apparently their own test.

You can get pretty close to that spec in other brands for $100 less. The Diehard PM-1 has 205 minutes RC for $280.

I get series 29's here from Exide for $55 a pop. Yea thery're junk, but I get about 3yrs out of them. Never have run out of juice yet, love that variable speed MK. I fished 3 days straight and recharged when I got home, still had 65% power, avg run was 35%-8hrs/day. However, I bought a new cranking batt series27 and that thing doesn't ever want to full charge, maybe somethings open on the boat but I don't know what. The Wal-Mart batts are now Johnson Controls made in Mexico, new contract--means better batts: end of contract= junk. My boat had Trojans when I got it, 6yrs old and still ran 6hrs 50% power. Interstates are now made by Exide-BOOOOO!!!

Originally Posted by CatFan

Group 29 batteries are the same size as 31s, so you left out several large capacity batteries. The Discover lists a 225 minute RC. The 235 is under "minutes of discharge", which is apparently their own test.

You can get pretty close to that spec in other brands for $100 less. The Diehard PM-1 has 205 minutes RC for $280.

You're right, the PM-1 looks like a pretty good battery. I considered it, but left it off my final list of four for a couple reasons. First, Sears tends to change suppliers periodically and I didn't feel comfortable putting it in a sticky. Second, the price is about the same as the Lifeline and Deka (280-300), but has fewer amp hours even though the RC is about the same. Lots of batteries out there, and I just listed my final competitors. That said, Sears runs good promotions and sales periodically, so if you can get the PM-1 on sale and confirm they haven't changed suppliers, I'd jump on it.

You're right on the Discover, my mistake.

Try the Delco Voyger DC29. Been using them for 12 years and wouldn't swap for nothing.

Johnson Controls makes Interstate and Optima. I have two optima blue tops in my RV and two in my boat. Going on 4 yrs w/ them all. Expensive tho unless, like me you work for JCI.

always remember like it or not theres a walmart within minutes of every lake open 24 -7

Originally Posted by yankee doodler

Johnson Controls makes Interstate and Optima. I have two optima blue tops in my RV and two in my boat. Going on 4 yrs w/ them all. Expensive tho unless, like me you work for JCI.

Johnson Controls now make Wal Mart batteries too. Bought 3 back in the summer.

Ever start Maxx Marine. I've got two running very strong for over 5 years now, including having been submerged in water for two days, a few years ago when I sunk my boat halfway. They were still running strong right after we got the boat afloat and I was able to run the trolling motor. They haven't shown any sign of weakness.