West Marine Seavolt AGMs

[SV Demeter]

Does anyone have any experience with these batteries? I am comparing them against somewhat more expensive Mastervolt AGMs, looking at the group 31s specifically. The WM battery is significantly cheaper and I am trying to get an inidication of the quality. I would guess the mastervolt is a better built battery with more robust plates etc but I'm wondering if the WM battery is nearly as good or not worth the savings in price.

Thanks,

I am also open to reccomendations for other group 31 AGM's.

[sded]

I have 4 years in on my bank of 5 group 27 West Marine AGMs with no noticeable deterioration. Included 6 months in Mexico, lots of 2 week trips off the grid at Catalina, Channel Islands. Sometimes even available on sale; seem like a good value-especially if you can get ahold of a Port Supply card.

[SV Demeter]

Thanks, I do have a pretty hefty Port Supply discount which is why I am looking at them in the first place. Glad to hear you have had good results. I dont plan on ever taking them below 50% so they should hopefully last a while I just dont want to regret buying cheap batteries.

[NewMoon]

I have nine years and 600+ days cruising and anchoring most of the time on my house bank of two g31 SeaVolt AGM's. They're excellent! I use a Balmar alternator and Balmar Maxcharge 612 regulator. Presently beginning another summer in SE Alaska with the same batteries.

[Chief Engineer]

I don't know about you....but the Port Supply Discount isn't what it used to be.

[capt_douglas]

Heard that! Now they give a Professional Captains Service card out. Lower discounts, no more redeemable coupons.

Good to hear that the WM AGM batteries are OK. I don't think WM makes the batteries but as long as they stand behind the warranty, I'm OK with that. The problem I'm having is wanting to replace my 27s with 31s without cutting or heeling the boat.

[NewMoon]

WM Seavolt (and most of WM's batteries) are made by East Penn Mfg. Their Deka batteries are very high quality (I've used their flooded, gel and AGM's, all excellent). Deka's can also be found at industrial battery suppliers, typically for much less than at WM, under various labels. Go to East Penn's web site, find the model numbers you're interested in, and chances are the Deka batteries under a different label will have the same model numbers.

[SV Demeter]

Thanks for the tip on WM vs Deka. Problem I have with ordering batteries from a industrial supplier is that any savings are quickly erased by having to ship these beasts. I need 6 group 31s. As for the PS discount Im pretty happy with it for most stuff. These group 31s are $280 ea without the discount, $204 my cost...

[jkleins]

I think I bought a couple of the East Penn batteries about two years ago for about $150 ea from the local battery shop. They ordered them from their supplier so there was no shipping. May not have been the same battery but they were their best AGM according to the guy there. They are working great in our motorhome.

Jim

[SV Demeter]

Im pretty sure you are right on these being East Penn Deka batteries based on the matching model numbers but I am not seeing a price lower than $204 for the group 31s. I guess I could call the local Battery Wharehouse guys though.