Thanks for the great info so far guys. I always plug mine up as soon as I get home and leave it plugged up until I use it again.

Thats all Ive ever used. Im terrible with batteries but I usually get two yrs out of em. I did have a problem with my last set but academy replaced em for free. Only problem was the news I got were a yr old on the shelf so now I need new ones again. Thought about the blue tops as well but on one site 50 out of 175 reviews were bad so its just not worth the money or risk to me.

I am currently still running Everstarts dated 1/12 from Walmart. I charge them after most every use. I can tell the power is a little less but still last through the entire day. I am running 29DCseries for my Trolling and starting with no issues to date. With all the electronics and lights now days I think a deep cycle battery is a necessity for a cranking battery.

Properly cared for and depending on how many drain/charge cycles they should last awhile. I have used Exides and Everstarts for years. With typical weekend usage they both have lasted me 2-3 years on average for deep cycles and I usually get another year or so out of my starting battery. I will say that I have an interstate starter in there now that came with the boat and it's going on 6 yrs old. It is just now getting weak. I've read a lot of good things about the Sears AGM batteries but you better have some coin the shell out.

Unfortunately the Sears Platinum AGM batteries have been discontinued for several months now

Great batteries for the price, been using them for years. Purchased last 3 Deep Cycle 31 for trolling motor on sale for $99.00 each, and always check the dates.