Battery Sources

[enjaku]

Guys,

I need to replace my house batteries and I'm looking for a source for the batteries. I tried West Marine, but they don't have what I'm looking for.

Specifically:

12v, Deep Cycle, AGM, Group 31, 115-120 Amp hrs. I currently have 6x 115 Amp Hr wet cells that have gone bad, so I'm looking to install 690 Amp Hrs. Does anyone have any sources for batteries that they like?

The boat is in Virginia, so I'll have to ship the batteries.

Thanks,
-eric

[Stu Jackson]

American and US Batteries usually have warehouses where you can buy batteries. I have done so for the past 30 years. Do NOT ever buy batteries from WM, they are simply overpriced rebranded batteries.

[donradcliffe]

Google is your friend. Type in 'deep cycle agm group 31' and the zip code where you want the batteries.

[hellosailor]

Or, Google Maps. Enter the name of the area, and then enter again "battery distributors". May not be any in the boonies but around civilization, there's always someone who supplies warranty replacements for all the car dealers and truckstops and auto parts chains. Often one or two big brands, stocked with dozens of OEM labels they throw on the same batteries when they send 'em around. Might be supplying the local golf courses as well.


If they don't have what you want in stock, it can usually be brought in at no extra charge for freight, on their next delivery from the manufacturer. Much cheaper than shipping it yourself, even if you have a motor freight account.

[Stu Jackson]

Also, don't forget the core charges if you don't return the old batteries, so you should find a place near your boat, right?

[a64pilot]

Why 12V and why AGM?
Have you considered 6V FLA golf cart batteries? But as has been said, WM is not the place to buy batteries, maybe one for a ski boat to keep from ruining a weekend, but never for a whole bank, you'll pay a lot more if you do

[enjaku]

Finding 115+ Amp hr battery in those specifications within the time frame that I need is not easy. There are lots of 105-110 Amp hrs, but 115 and above is tricky. I found the batteries in a warehouse in Indianapolis, so I'm going to swing by and pick them up on the way to Virginia. I appreciate everyones' input.

[sailinglegend]

Originally Posted by enjaku

....I found the batteries in a warehouse in Indianapolis, .....

BEWARE not all AGMs are the same! There are only a few brands that are robust enough for marine use.

Don't buy brands that are described as Telecom or Solar standby as they are not designed for an every day deep cycle of 50%, or to regularly fall off 2-3 metre waves!

Too many people are critical of AGMs after they bought the wrong brand or they didn't charge them properly, and then they failed prematurely. My Lifelines have lasted 11 years of almost continuous living aboard.

[ranger58sb]

At least one battery manufacturer's rep told me that a 115 Ah rating on a Group 31 was a bit "adventurous" (or some such wording, although I've cleaned it up a bit). I've also been told one maker once derated the specs on their own G31 from 105 to 100; Ah didn't change, just the way they tested. (Consequently, I calculate all G31s as 100 Ah, no matter whose advertising hype is out there.)

Anyway... depending on where in VA, the Stephens Battery Warehouse guys in Annapolis might be helpful.

Odyssey Southeast ships batteries. (PC-2150 would be G31)

Sears Platinum Plus is the same as Odyssey's PC-2150... so local purchase saves shipping, and sometimes they have sales.

Lifeline (and maybe others) makes an AGM 6V deep cycle battery; actually three configurations, if memory serves. Six (~660 Ah in smallest size, true deep cycle) will fit in a smaller space that six G31s, if you have a bit of extra height available. Eight (~880 Ah) might fit in almost the same amount of space as your six G31s. Larger size, even more Ah.

-Chris

[DawnTreader]

How many amps for the 115ah rating? Electrics is not my strongest suit, but I know some manufacturers advertise ah at varying amperage. A battery may be rated for 110ah @ 100 amps and 105 ah @ 20 amps. We got our group 31 batteries from Sam's Club at nearly half the price as elsewhere. They are Duracell, but manufactured by East Penn aka deka.

Brian
www.sailingdawntreader.com

[Scott Berg]

Lifeline makes a 125 ah G31 and there is also the new Firefly. The firefly is available from Coastal Climate Control in Bowie, MD
Steven's Battery Warehouse in Annapolis has great prices on Lifeline. We've bought from both over the years and always had good service. Depending on where you are in VA it might makes sense to check with one of them.

[sailinglegend]

Originally Posted by enjaku

...There are lots of 105-110 Amp hrs, but 115 and above is tricky.....

Just another thought - WHY is 115Ah so important?

If its to fit in existing battery boxes then 115 Ah AGMs could well be smaller. You should consider removing all the boxes because AGMs don't leak so boxes may not be necessary.

[VERTIGO]

UPG 45965 Ub-4d Agm Sealed Lead Acid Battery on Amazon with free shipping for 200AH AGM $359. I have bought 5 of these for my house batteries and think for the money it is the best deal I could find. I have only had them a couple months but no issues.

[sailinglegend]

Originally Posted by VERTIGO

UPG 45965 Ub-4d Agm Sealed Lead Acid Battery on Amazon with free shipping for 200AH AGM $359......

These are exactly the wrong kind of AGMs for repeated deep cycle use.

See their description online:
"Used In Security, Medical Mobility, Oem, Solar, Emergency Lighting, Uninterruptible Power Systems, Electric Gates, Portable Medical Devices."

[phantomracer]

I just installed 2 group 31 firefly batteries. They are not considered hazardous shipping. still not cheap shipping, nor are the batteries cheap. Hoping the quality and useful life offsets the cost in the long run.