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Author Topic:   My Battery Experiment

Dick E posted 08-23-2009 07:10 PM ET (US)
I always noticed that marine batteries have less warranty then auto batteries for the same price.
Marine batteries are supposed be more vibration resistant. I was somewhat skeptical of that.
I bought a Wal-Mart Maxx 3 year free replacement over 100 month pro-rated warranty. This battery was an automobile battery not designed for marine use. Well, it lasted 4 months and could not get any juice out of it. I had good success with Wal-Mart batteries. I returned the dead auto battery for a marine dual-purpose battery and Wal-Mart refunded me about 10 additional dollars. I know one trial does not prove anything, but it was interesting how short the battery lasted.The boat was run on large lake with significant wakes from large boats,but not as rough as an inlet or ocean.

Dick E posted 08-23-2009 07:12 PM ET (US)
Addtional note:
This battery was used as a starting battery for 90 hp outboard.
pglein posted 08-25-2009 03:04 PM ET (US)
Was the auto battery a maintenance-free version? Did you top off the water from time to time? Do you have any additional loads aside from starting the motor? Downriggers, stereo, trolling motor, etc...
Dick E posted 09-01-2009 10:48 PM ET (US)
Battery was not maintenance free. Was used for starting engine, also depth finder& VHF, both hardly draw any juice. Nothing else.
Checked water, added very little distilled water. Water level was fine when it went dead and would not recharge.

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Author	Topic: My Battery Experiment
Dick E	posted 08-23-2009 07:10 PM ET (US) I always noticed that marine batteries have less warranty then auto batteries for the same price. Marine batteries are supposed be more vibration resistant. I was somewhat skeptical of that. I bought a Wal-Mart Maxx 3 year free replacement over 100 month pro-rated warranty. This battery was an automobile battery not designed for marine use. Well, it lasted 4 months and could not get any juice out of it. I had good success with Wal-Mart batteries. I returned the dead auto battery for a marine dual-purpose battery and Wal-Mart refunded me about 10 additional dollars. I know one trial does not prove anything, but it was interesting how short the battery lasted.The boat was run on large lake with significant wakes from large boats,but not as rough as an inlet or ocean.
Dick E	posted 08-23-2009 07:12 PM ET (US) Addtional note: This battery was used as a starting battery for 90 hp outboard.
pglein	posted 08-25-2009 03:04 PM ET (US) Was the auto battery a maintenance-free version? Did you top off the water from time to time? Do you have any additional loads aside from starting the motor? Downriggers, stereo, trolling motor, etc...
Dick E	posted 09-01-2009 10:48 PM ET (US) Battery was not maintenance free. Was used for starting engine, also depth finder& VHF, both hardly draw any juice. Nothing else. Checked water, added very little distilled water. Water level was fine when it went dead and would not recharge.