Costco Interstate Batteries vs. Walmart Maxx Batteries

[CJ7Rob]

Hey guys, going to being some new batteries this weekend since my old Kirkland ones are 10yrs old. Was looking at Costco Interstate Batteries and Walmart's Maxx Batteries. Any experience with these? Both are deep cycle marine batts and around the same price. Let me know which is better or if about the same and what to expect for how long they'll last, Thanks

 

[DennisG01]

Find out who makes the battery for Walmart and contact that company directly - ask if there's anything "different" about the battery (plate size, for example) since it's made for Walmart. Check the same info for the Interstate. Generally speaking, though, Deka and Interstate are the two best battery makers for marine use (as long as it's not a "stripped done" version).

Is Kirkland a battery manufacturer? I don't recognize them. If that another 're-branded' thing like the Walmart stuff, I wouldn't trust that what you got 10 years ago is the same as now - it wouldn't surprise me if Walmart, for example, changes battery suppliers or even their own "specs" over the years for batteries to keep costs down. Which is why you should call to get the most recent info. Or, just buy Interstate or Deka from a local dealer and be done with it.

 

[hotajax]

CJ7: I agree completely with Dennis. Get a Deka and be done with it. It's not worth the few dollars you save to be out on the water and not be able to start your engines. Batteries are not the place to shave bucks. Dekas are readily available in just about any location you can think of. Regarding Interstate, I have been told by knowledgeable people on a truck forum that Interstates NOW are not your father's Interstates, some groups having problems shortly after purchase. My local auto mechanic used to sell them, and he told me he dropped the Interstate line because of problems with quality. As far as longevity of a Deka, when it hits the end of guarantee period, I get new ones. Why? Unless you run your boat a lot, the battery will discharge. And kill battery life.

 

[CJ7Rob]

Good to know guys, I have a Deka in my truck for the last 6 yrs and still going so I'll look into them, Thanks

 

[CJ7Rob]

Ok to use 2 Deka starting batteries or should both be deep cycle? Or 1 starting and 1 deep cycle? For 89 Overnighter, Thanks

 

[DennisG01]

Ok to use 2 Deka starting batteries or should both be deep cycle? Or 1 starting and 1 deep cycle? For 89 Overnighter, Thanks

Depends. How will you be using your batteries? Starting and deep cycle batteries have different/specific purposes. Kinda like asking someone "Should I buy a sports car or a minivan" without giving them more info.

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

The minivan sports car analogy is good but I think in a way falls short. Starting batteries are great if you have no plans on running them down and charging up and doing it over and over. They like to be topped off and kept charged. They don't do well with repeated deep discharges.

So, the deep cycle batteries have thicker plates and they tolerate deep cycle drains and will recover from them. So, if you run your live well say while anchored up and bottom fishing , running that pump off of a deep cycle battery will be better than a starting battery. You can start your motor from a deep cycle battery.

I typically run deep cycle because their construction is a little beefier. They tolerate more abuse both electrical and physical. If you're using flooded batteries deep cycle batteries won't drop a plate as easily as starting batteries.

 

[Doc Stressor]

The Deka Marine Masters are dual purpose batteries, which are generally the best type for most boats. They have extra reserve capacity and can be run down below 50% of capacity multiple times without shortening their life too much. You can draw 25 amps from them for almost 3 hr before they drop below 10,5 V. Baitwell pumps only draw a couple of amps and you can rig up a timer so that they don't run continuously. High end sound systems can draw a lot more. Sound systems and lights for night fishing are the only reasons you might need to go to true deep cycle house batteries.

 

[DennisG01]

Smoky, thanks for the extra explanation... saved me the typing! My only point with the sports car vs minivan is that they are used for different purposes. And without knowing the intended use, it's hard to recommend a battery type.

Personally (and part of this comes to talking to a manager from "inside" the Deka manufacturing plant), I still like to use a starting battery for the engine. A DC battery doesn't tolerate the high/quick amp load over time as well as a starting battery. However, for small, easy to turn engines like most outboards, it's not as big of a deal as if we were turning over a V8 inboard.

The "Marine Master" is not a "dual purpose", per say. It is simply the name given to their wet-cell batteries. Within the MM line, there are starting, deep cycle and dual purpose batteries. As for the dual purpose battery... from working in this industry for nearly 25 years, the DP are a fine choice, but they don't seem to last as long as using a dedicated starting battery or deep cycle. It's kind of like "cleaner wax" - it can't be great at both things.

 

[Rustygaff]

Smoky, thanks for the extra explanation... saved me the typing! My only point with the sports car vs minivan is that they are used for different purposes. And without knowing the intended use, it's hard to recommend a battery type.

Personally (and part of this comes to talking to a manager from "inside" the Deka manufacturing plant), I still like to use a starting battery for the engine. A DC battery doesn't tolerate the high/quick amp load over time as well as a starting battery. However, for small, easy to turn engines like most outboards, it's not as big of a deal as if we were turning over a V8 inboard.

The "Marine Master" is not a "dual purpose", per say. It is simply the name given to their wet-cell batteries. Within the MM line, there are starting, deep cycle and dual purpose batteries. As for the dual purpose battery... from working in this industry for nearly 25 years, the DP are a fine choice, but they don't seem to last as long as using a dedicated starting battery or deep cycle. It's kind of like "cleaner wax" - it can't be great at both things.

What would be the best type of battery for our purpose? My boat like many here are equipped with 2 batteries. I do not alternate "starting" and "house" modes during an outing. If it is an odd calendar day, I simply use battery #1 on the switch and leave it there for the day and vice-versa for even numbered days. So far, I have yet to run into any problems with this method. Right now, my boat has Interstate 27's. The Costco Kirkland brand are Interstates and whether or not they are as good as the old Interstates, I have no clue. This will be the 4th summer with our boat and the previous owner indicated the batteries were a year old when he sold it to me. So far, so good.

 

[DennisG01]

What would be the best type of battery for our purpose? My boat like many here are equipped with 2 batteries. I do not alternate "starting" and "house" modes during an outing. If it is an odd calendar day, I simply use battery #1 on the switch and leave it there for the day and vice-versa for even numbered days. So far, I have yet to run into any problems with this method. Right now, my boat has Interstate 27's. The Costco Kirkland brand are Interstates and whether or not they are as good as the old Interstates, I have no clue. This will be the 4th summer with our boat and the previous owner indicated the batteries were a year old when he sold it to me. So far, so good.

A lot of it depends on what your intended purpose is for your batteries. How do you use your batteries - for what "purposes" do you use them? You mentioned how you rotate the use, which is good, but you didn't mention what you use them for. Do you currently have starting batteries or DC or DP batteries? The group number has nothing to do with being a starting battery, DC or DP.

 

[SkunkBoat]

your Kirkland batteries lasted 10 years, buy them again and keep doing what you are doing.

5 years is the normal life of a lead acid battery under normal and proper use. Yes, sometimes they go longer, but anytime after 5 years it could be dead tomorrow...

 

[Doc Stressor]

The "Marine Master" is not a "dual purpose", per say. It is simply the name given to their wet-cell batteries. Within the MM line, there are starting, deep cycle and dual purpose batteries.

Sorry, I was referring to the Deka 27m6 that comes stock with most Gradys. That's a dual purpose.

 

[DennisG01]

I was referring to the Deka 27m6 that comes stock with most Gradys. That's a dual purpose.

I'm only mentioning this in case you had been misinformed by somebody... The "M" line, like you mentioned, is a starting battery. The Dual Purpose batteries will have a "DP" in front of the 27 and no "M".

Side question... at the Sea Ray dealership (we all also have pontoons) where I work, no boat comes from Sea Ray with the battery. These are always installed by us. I was under the impression that ALL manufacturer's sent their boats sans batteries (as was the case with other boat lines we had in the past). Do Gradys come with batteries from the factory? I'm just curious.

 

[Doc Stressor]

The Deka 27m6 is indeed a dual purpose battery that was developed to meet the Yamaha requirement for a starting battery with a reserve capacity of 182 minutes yet also provide >800 cold cranking amps.

http://www.eastpennmanufacturing.co...ine-master-27m6-startingdual-purpose-battery/

It actually has more reserve capacity than their DP27 that only provides 650 CCA and a 150 min reserve capacity (minutes @ 25 amp).

http://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com/wp-content/uploads/Marine-Master-Spec-Sheet-0194.pdf

The point is that the 27m6 is the one you want in most cases.

I don't know if Gradys come from the factory with batteries, but all the new ones I've seen had 27m6s in them.

 

[DennisG01]

Interesting. I stand corrected... well, actually, I'm sitting right now

I can honestly say that I was not aware of this particular DP battery. I was only aware of the ones that were specifically labelled with "DP" and that the "M" always meant "starting battery". Labelling this one 27M6 but calling it a DP is a little confusing! If you look through the chart that you linked, you'll see what I mean - heck, they even have it listed in the starting battery section. Personally, I'm still a fan of a true starting battery and a true DC battery - but that is based on experiences with the traditional DP battery. I have zero experience with that particular 27M6 so I won't comment on that.

When Mercruiser first came out with DTS (Digital Throttle and Shift) on their stern drives, we were having issues with electrical faults. Turns out they required a larger res cap - which it sounds like the newer/larger OB's need, as well.

I wonder how long this battery would last (lifespan) if it was used on a regular basis as a true deep cycle (long draw time with the engine off)?

 

[Fishtales]

I'm probably in the minority here, but a battery is a battery when it works. I check and charge 2X a year - at layup and prior to launch. I replace what is needed and move on.

 

[CJ7Rob]

Thanks guys for all the good info. I ended up going with two DP24s. Its a Grady..will be used for fishing :lol:

 

[DennisG01]

Thanks guys for all the good info. I ended up going with two DP24s. Its a Grady..will be used for fishing :lol:

What I meant was how the BATTERIES where going to be used. But I guess we're past the point of helping. Along the lines of what was discussed, amount of time with the engine off and the amount of draw on it during that time. If you're running the engines most of the time, though, it's not as big of a deal and a DP will be fine.