Gotta question, guys.

Anybody in here hate interstate like I do? Bought BRAND NEW batteries in Sept. 2004, they weren't right from day one. Now they have stopped accepting a charge and interstate will not replace them. I am "officially" 3 weeks out of warranty. What sucks is I haven't had the boat out in a month. They have even assured me that the batteries were faulty, and shouldn't have even been sold to me as they were on the shelf for 5 months prior to me purchasing them. I'm going Optima's. Any feedback on the Optima batteries????

The interstate batteries that came with my boat when I bought it in June of 2004 lasted only about a year and a half. I was really disappointed in them. Mine did the exact same thing, they stopped acceptting a charge. I will never own an Interstate battery again.

I couldn't justify the price for 2 Optimas. Bought 2 Trojans with higher reserve capacity and saved over a hundred bucks. Check out the MK31DC at Academy, around 90.00ea.

OPtimas are made by Interstate. I went through 2 sets of Interstates in a year but wouldn't even consider Optimas since it is the same manufactuer. I also went with Trojans and have them for about 2 months and they are great. So much better than the interstates that there is no comparrison.

Optimas are made in Colorado in their own plant wholly owned by Johnson Controls. I could be wrong, but I am not sure if Interstate manufactures anything. They look to be a large distributor that markets batteries under their trade name. They are listed as a distributor for Optima batteries.

I have had three Optimas in my boat for over a year and have been very satisfied. They take a charge quickly, hold the charge well, and are maintenance free. That being said, they can be expensive. I believe Trojans are also a good choice. A little less expensive and seem to last a long time. They really get a lot of good press on the forum.

I don't think you would go wrong with either. Optimas are getting easier to find. I have seen them at Sam's and Sears, as well as most of the auto parts stores.

Ditto on the Interstate negative comments. Bought Everstarts at Wallyworld year ago. Happy so far. 18 month full replacement is a plus.

Ditto what getnjiggy said!!

Well, I wound up back with interstate again, but only b/c I got 'em replaced for free. If these keep it up and go down before warranty, I'll keep swappin' em out until they tell me no can do, then I'll explore my options. All batteries kick butt when they're new.....

Funny, I got 4 years service out of my last set of Interstates and I'M in my second year with the current set ... no problems.

Ditto to TX Champ.

I run 3 Interstate On my boat w/o any problems. My brother converted to Interstate and is very happy. No battery will recharge very well if you let it completely drain out before charging.

BassFan

charge your batteries..all of them ..even the big motor starting battery as soon as you get back from fishing ..every time ..even if its a short trip..
You will be surprised how long they last ...

I replaced my Interstates last fall after six years ,yep six ... one is still good and I am using it in my 5th wheel.

You also have to keep the water level maintained with distilled water. That plus proper charging habits like heybaylor says, and most all batteries will give you good service.

Trojan batteries are the best batteries for the price. I've been running mine for 2 years now no complaints

I've had an Interstate starting battery for about 4 years now. Never a lick of trouble. (better go find some wood to knock on now. )

Trust me, that's why I'm so suprised they haven't lasted all that long. I'm the biggest freak when it comes to my batteries being maintained, mainly b/c the thought of not having trolling motor power pisses me off!! I baby my batt's, and charge/check levels weekly.... Everything's been great until this last set.