Batteries

[Islandtrader]

Looking to put in 2 batteries into the 21. I can't go any bigger than group 24.

Question(s)

Is putting in 2 agm combo(start and deep cycle) batteries from Cabelas overkill. Approx 175. ea.

Shipping is reasonable and we all know Cabelas is a class company to deal with.

Or should I go with one regular battery and one deep cycle combo. $75 and 175

I have a smart switch charger that will handle house and starting batteries.

What are you running out there

[McGillicuddy]

Hi Terry, Where are your batteries situated? I have 2 group 27 AGM in a hatch port-side of motor of the 21.

I think the AGMs are the better choice They can sit with out losing a charge for a good long while (ask me how I know)

You might check with a local battery source. Call a golf course and find the source of their golf cart batteries -they'll carry a variety of rec vehicle stuff.

I bought some Deka/East Penn group 27 for the Seafari for $158. I think the 24s were $125 or so. Been real pleased. The agms Cabelas was selling were Chinese (Universal power group). They are fine, too and Cabela's customer servive will always make things right if they product is problematic.

The I/O will recharge better than my 9 amp Merc 115 so the 24s will probably be fine for the Stroker but you know you'll want the extra CCA of a starting battery to turn over the Stroker.

I am using the Blue Sea Systems add-a-battery switch with the acr/battery isolator which works great. I have some time this week so I'm back on the 21 project...

[Capt Chuck]

Terry
I use these batteries in both my boats. I get them at Advance Auto around $150. 12" x 9" x 6" Here is a link for some coupons. You can order online and then pick it up at the local store. You can get an additional 15% off by signing up for their eMail! Check it out

Coupon Link

Advance Auto Link

The OPTIMA BlueTop is ideal for those who need a sure-starting, strong cranking, maintenance-free power source.
Optima BlueTop D31M group 31 batteries are the most powerful and have the largest energy storage capacity. Ultra high-Performance Spiralcell AGM (absorbed glass mat) dual-purpose battery for marine and RV. Blue Top has 3x the cycling capability (rechargeability) with ultimate cranking power for your boat or RV in a maintenance-free package. Perfect for multiple high-demand accessories and trolling
motors with 15x the vibration resistance and lighter weight. Lower internal resistance provides more efficient power output and faster recharges.
Cold Cranking amps 900
Cranking Amps 1125
Reserve Capacity 155
Capacity (c/20 rate) 75
Post Type Dual SAE & 5/16 Stainless Stud
Weight 59.8lbs.
Length 12.19inches
Height 9.38inches
Width 6.56inches

[Old'sCool]

I have two Optima blue top also (second boat) and have been satidfied. I have also read lots of horror stories about the same. The Sears AGM are supposed to be very good too.

[Daltonmarineinc]

I have 3 DP24 deka batterys in my 23.i have not replaced them in 3 years. very pleased!

[Fr. Frank]

I guess I'm the oddball in this. I use two very large lead-acid Group 31M batteries. 1150 CA, 970 CCA, 180 minute reserve capacity. 13"L x6.8"W x9.5"H, 57 lbs. I buy blemished Interstate batteries from the distributor for about $50 each (retail $147), and I average about 4 years battery life using a computerized variable amperage battery maintainer. Truthfully, I expect 2-3 years of life, but I think the battery maintainer really keeps them fairly sulfate-free.

I've had one premature battery "failure" in the last 12 years, and during the initial charging, it literally exploded about 10 minutes after the charger was plugged in. It sounded like a hand-grenade going off next to the house. (The battery was not in the boat or in the garage, but outside next to my trash cans just in case that precise event were to occur). As it threw acid all over the charger, too, I'm still unsure as to whether it was a battery failure or charger failure.

The downside is that blemished battteries come with no warranty.

I also use a blermished Group 31 for my 15 kW diesel generator, which 27 hp single cylinder 2-stroke diesel motor requires 650 CA just to spin.

[Islandtrader]

Thanks guys as usual the site comes through with great information so a guy can make a intelligent choice.

Chuck:

I use these batteries in both my boats. I get them at Advance Auto around $150. 12" x 9" x 6" Here is a link for some coupons. You can order online and

If you got those for a $150.00 you got one heck of a price. The best I can find now for those is $250.00

[Capt Chuck]

If you got those for a $150.00 you got one heck of a price. The best I can find now for those is $250.00

Terry
I'm not bragging here just letting you know how I worked it.

I dug up my receipt from Advance Auto to refresh my memory. I bought it online 8/2010 with a full replacement 2 year warrenty (not pro-rated). Printed out the receipt which inclued the coupons and along with my old battery returned (saves the $12 core charge) my bill was $204.99 - $50 coupon + Sales Tax, total out the door was $168.32.

FYI: The Mgr at the store didn't like it as he said it was cheaper than he could get for. He called the Optima Battery rep that I placed the order with and they gave him the Authorization Code for sale to me.
Keep trying with the people live online to work a deal with you

[McGillicuddy]

Terry, Costco carries the Optima blue tops for $159 750 mca 120 min res, 55ah @20 min, I always felt that was small ah rating but may swear by them.

Industrial battery houses usually carry the Deka AGM or the Universal Power Group group 24s for about 130 and the Group 27 for 160. They go by numerous brand names... Tempest, TransContinental, etc,... The SeaVolts are from West Marine are Dekas - darn near 50% more @ WM

I believe the extreme angler series is by UPG. Cabelas and Bass Pro spring sales are just a couple of weeks away and usually discount batteries by 20 or 30 bucks...

Good luck.

[eggsuckindog]

Not nearly as sexy but I have the wal mart Marine Maxx hybrids - good numbers and decent price. I'm kinda hard on batts with running the CD alot and baitwell all night, the last one I replaced this year was a wal mart marine starter 24 I brought from my old boat - must have been 6+ years old. I run a grp 24 and a grp 27 regular switch.