Lets Talk Boat Batteries

[live bait]

Two batteries in my boat, long overdue for replacement. DEKA starting battery & deep cycle, both getting tired in the middle of their 7th season. Both batteries group 24, don't think group 27s' will fit in the boats battery box. Considering how they lasted I would like to replace with DEKA batteries but difficult to find on Long Island. Actually discovered that the group 24 DEKA starting battery can be ordered from Lowes, but not the deep cycle. Most deep cycle batteries I see offered now are dual purpose, which don't last as long as the dedicated deep cycle. Ideas & battery outlets anyone?
John

 

[OVERBORED]

SRM-24 battery | Interstate Batteries

www.interstatebatteries.com

Marine Equipment Starting battery results | Interstate Batteries

www.interstatebatteries.com

There's an interstate store in Queens where you can pickup directly.

 

[Avenger]

• EAST PENN
• 790 Railroad Avenue
• 
  
• West Babylon, NY 11704
• Phone: 631-321-7161
• Fax: 631-321-6611
• [email protected]

Factory direct.

 

[Double Trouble]

Yep EastPenn used to go there all the time until I found truck parts in Brooklyn that orders them for me actually I use their truck Batteries.

 

[live bait]

Thanks for the response guys, I'll give East Penn a call.
John

 

[OVERBORED]

FWIW, I was always fanatical about my batteries when I owned my boats. I changed them every 2 years. Never waited for them to get tired.......m

 

[WhatKnot]

Ditto on that, gets pricey but well worth it.

 

[Leprechaun]

I use the regular Sea Hawk marine lead acid batteries available at Freeport Marine and Fred Chall. Group 24 for starting, Group 31 deep cycle for house/electronics. Change them out every 5 years. Never a problem. Other than that I can’t believe how expensive they’re getting.

 

[captmike28]

Deka Batteries are manufactured by East Penn so if you have had good service and long lifetime from them in the past I would stick with it. Seven years in a marine application is very good.

I also agree with the advice offered by others. in making sure you get a standard version as your starter but definitely going for the deep cycle model for running your electronics., not the dual version If you have trouble finding the deep cycle version of Deka/East Penn then I also recommend Interstate. My house/Electonics battery is an Interstate 4D (too large for your boat) and I have gotten an incredible 8 seasons out of it! Interstate in Bohemia definitely has smaller deep cycle batteries in stock which you can pick up there. Bring your old core for the small trade in value. Plus, they will put the new one on a meter for you so you can see you are leaving with a nice fresh cell.

 

[BoatGuy]

Other than that I can’t believe how expensive they’re getting.

I have to agree. I used to buy inexpensive batteries. They didn't last too long. Then I tried the Odyssey 34M-PC1500ST TROLLING Thunder Marine Dual Purpose Battery. I use my electronics all day and it has never left me stranded. But that said, I check the price. It is up over $100 from when I purchased it 2020.

Lead gone up that much?

 

[Chinacat]

Deka Batteries are manufactured by East Penn so if you have had good service and long lifetime from them in the past I would stick with it. Seven years in a marine application is very good.

I also agree with the advice offered by others. in making sure you get a standard version as your starter but definitely going for the deep cycle model for running your electronics., not the dual version If you have trouble finding the deep cycle version of Deka/East Penn then I also recommend Interstate. My house/Electonics battery is an Interstate 4D (too large for your boat) and I have gotten an incredible 8 seasons out of it! Interstate in Bohemia definitely has smaller deep cycle batteries in stock which you can pick up there. Bring your old core for the small trade in value. Plus, they will put the new one on a meter for you so you can see you are leaving with a nice fresh cell.

I agree with Capt Mike!!
I've been using Interstate in the fashion he spells out and also get mine at their warehouse/distribution center in Bohemia
I have good success and get 5+ years out of them. I have 24's I believe.
I remove them from my boat at the end of the season and store them in the basement for the winter on blocks of wood so they are not directly on the concrete. I was always told to do it that way. I give them a good charge right away and them once midway thru and then again before installing them for the season.

 

[live bait]

• EAST PENN
• 790 Railroad Avenue
• 
  
• West Babylon, NY 11704
• Phone: 631-321-7161
• Fax: 631-321-6611
• [email protected]

Factory direct.

Prices have gone UP, went to East Penn & got two new group 27 Deka batteries, a starter & deep cycle. I did get $15 discount for bringing in the old batteries, which lowered the bill to $400. Can't really complain considering the service we got out of the old batteries.
John

 

[Avenger]

Prices have gone UP, went to East Penn & got two new group 27 Deka batteries, a starter & deep cycle. I did get $15 discount for bringing in the old batteries, which lowered the bill to $400. Can't really complain considering the service we got out of the old batteries.
John

Nothing is cheap anymore. At least East Penn is the manufacturer. Most batteries are rebrands from one of three manufacturers.

One thing I've learned at a very high tuition is that even the cr@p Harbor Fright battery maintainers really make a huge difference in battery life. Six bucks can save a couple hundred.