Pepop, if my memory serves me correctly, Excide is in chapter 11. I was looking at those batteries but finally bit the bullet and bought 2 Optima 34M Could not afford to buy them locally because they wanted $200 and up ea plus disposal fee and sales tax so I bought mine from guy on ebay that had a business. Got them in 3 days in perfect shape for $175. Sounds like a lot but every Optima that I have owned has gone at least 5-6 years so just figure that if you buy a cheaper battery, you will replace it in 2-3 years and figure the double their price and you have a Optima that lasts twice as long. Just my opinion. PS: on ebay, no disposal or exchange fee and no sales tax and the batteries had 9/15 dates on them. Very fresh batteries.

10-12 amp automatic chargers are great. but they will cause the water in the battery to evaporate over time.

If you can remember to add distilled water to them every 6 months, the life of marine batteries is greatly improved.

Those dual purpose Exide batteries at Academy are junk. Used mine for cranking. 2nd trip out and bad cell. Wouldn't charge at all. Made em give me my money back and went and bought a Duracell Marine battery from Batteries Plus. It's been good so far. Look at the reviews on the academy site. Mine is the last review on their...and I don't typically do reviews. Junk!!

Hey Vern, I'm back finally. Ready for some line stretching. As far as batteries go, I use interstate 29 series black top batteries. A little more expensive but they do a great job for me.

Welcome back Jason! Your days off are all booked for a while aren't they? I'm ready when you are! Again, Thanks to everyone for the input! I'm thinking I'll give the Wal Mart batteries a try and put a reminder in my phone to check the water in 6 mo.

Buy anything but Exide batteries. I bought one from Tractor Supply did not last 8 months before it would not hold a charge. Did not get any money back, wrote the company never heard from them and I promised them I would do everything I could to keep anyone from buying them in the future. I use a nice Interstate for cranking and an Optima for trolling that I have had for 7 years still going strong. The Interstate is 3 years old and going strong. I will probably buy Walmart next time.

There are but a few battery manufactures and many brand names. Who makes those interstate branded batteries, continental, walmart, optima, etc? Johnson Controls, Exide, East Penn... Each manufacturer has brands and specs across a broad spectrum and price point.

FYI: Exide is no longer in Ch 11. Would you feel better buying a Continental branded battery knowing it was made by Exide? Interstate knowing it was made by Johnson Controls? Optima bought out by Johnson Controls and production moved to Mexico? Walmart that was produced by Exide or Johnson Controls?

Buy the spec battery you need. And by all means, read the date codes on the batteries. It amazes me how often I find 1+ year old product sitting on retail shelves.

You can't compare an entry level battery made to hit a price point to a high end AGM battery and label one brand better than another. All of the major battery manufacturers offer complete range of products. Exide makes fine batteries here in the USA.

Pepop, dual purpose batteries will likely leave you wanting more and cursing the manufacturer. Dual purpose is akin to jack of all trades - master of none. A conventional deep cycle is hard to beat for the money. If longevity is worth the premium to you then the AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries should fit the bill. Exide and Johnson Controls (Optima) both offer solid choices.

Pepop, that is what I have been running on all 3 of mine, starting and trolling. i haven't had a problem. Bought them early 2012. I have ran them dry a couple of times, leaving my onboard charger plugged in 24/7. Added 3 gallons of distilled water, winter of 2013, and still going good. I am sure I will need to replace soon, going on 4 years with them, but will probably replace with the same.

I haven't tried this yet, but you might want to think about buying a battery from a Toyota dealership. ~~$130.00 + sales tax, guaranteed for 7 years.

Vern, I have used Walmart batteries for years. Using the marine for TM and car style for starting. Check all frequently and charge especially the TM. Have had some to last 4 years with care. Though I do not fish as much as I used to, but I depend on the boat to perform correctly when I do get on the lake. Good luck.

Thanks, I may check on that.

I buy the exide for my starting battery. Check the water regular. Use Minn kota charger. Always hooked up when not on the water. Expect about 2 years. Due to all the electronics running constantly. But battery is less than $100. Good service.
Walmart 29's for trolling motor. Have always got at least 3 years on both batteries. Always check water regular. Keep on charger when not on water. Minn Kota charger does NOT heat up batteries. Will not boil water. Batteries stay cool. Your charger is the key to long lasting batteries. Always put them on the charger asap after fishing. ALWAYS check the date before buying. I have pi$$ed off wallyworld a couple of times having them dig me out one of those big batteries on the back of the bottom shelf. They aint light weight.

Remember to use distilled water only in your batteries. Tap or well water will kill a battery fast.


Gman

Don't get the yellow top .... JUNK!!!!

Bought 2 and they didn't even last one year .... Paid $227 each and they only gave $15 toward new batteries!!!