Generator/Thruster Battery

[Sadey]

Batteries seem to be a hot topic right now so I’ll throw in. It’s about time to replace my 8KW generator starting battery and my two bow thruster batteries. Currently have Lifeline Starting batteries (group 31 and 27) onboard. When I searched for a duplicate replacement I was kind of surprised at the cost. Not complaining if that’s the way to go, but wondering what others are using? I see that they are mil spec and Coast Guard rated so obviously they’re good batteries.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

If AGM is what you want to stick with, then that is probably one of your better choices. I'm not a fan of AGM as I never thought the price difference over a lead acid battery could be justified. Will they last twice as long? Not in my experience. So I'm running group 31 Interstate lead acid from Costco.

 

[Sadey]

I like the idea of not having to service the batteries, but for a fraction of the cost I might have to consider it.

 

[jim rosenthal]

Look at Renogy batteries. I have one of their 4D AGMs as my house battery.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I like the idea of not having to service the batteries, but for a fraction of the cost I might have to consider it.

Those Interstates are maintenance free. And that's okay for just a starting battery. Think about how long they last in your car.

For a thruster, you'll want deep cycle.

 

[Boatsb]

Thrusters need a heavy start battery. Just a lot of power in a short burst or 6.

As for renogy. They make cheap inverter stuff. I'd not think any better of their batteries. Their lithium is crap by the way. The local renogy people use a lot of victron lately.

I'm also very disappointed with interstate. I used to be a big fan but now sell mostly odyssey performance and extreme line batteries.

Not many wet lead acid batteries either. I picked up a few and nobody wanted them. They're sitting in my shop and on my boat at the moment.