Battery

[gary]

Why is a "deep cycle" marine battery from the boat store $120.00 and the same type battery from WalMart $70.00? Not taking into account the mass marketing from WalMart and their buying power is there any real difference in performance? After all -- lead acid is lead acid.
Thanx
gary

 

[Siamese]

The answer is, the boat store can get away with it.

And no, there isn't much difference between them. I can't speak to whether they are truly using the same brands at this time, but I can definitely tell you that the Duracell Batteries (by Eastern Penn) that are sold at Walmart are excellent batteries. I'm very pleased with the three that are currently storing power on my vessel.

MUCH has been written on this forum about batteries, and I would suggest you use the search function to address your needs. There are some excellent contributors here, such as Maine Sail.

 

[Benny17441]

Well, the large discount retailer's buying power may dictate to the manufacturer the specs for a particular product model. The item although carrying the manufacturers name may bear a model number exclusive to the retailer and it could be cheaper because the manufacturing specs are likely lesser. The boat store retailer may go on the other direction they may contact the same manufacturer and request they manufacture an upgraded model for their own private brand. An indication of quality in a lead/acid battery is the weight of the unit. The heavier battery will usually have thicker plates. Another thing to consider is the warranties. Some large retailers have discontinued providing warranties on their marine batteries but boat chandleries usually continue to offer replacement and pro-rated warranties. I'm not arguing who provides the best bang for the buck but they are likely different products and you should do your homework. Some manufacturers may only offer one product with different packaging to both buyers and then the warranties and pure marketing may take over. One thing in favor of the retailer is that they move their inventory faster and batteries purchased there are likely fresher. There are other considerations also like sailing area. If you sail close to home you do not obviously need "top shelve" but if you are cruising around the world you may decide to go with the best.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Batteries also come in different amperage and battery shelf life. What you get at Walmart is the lowest grade of batteries.

 

[sesmith]

Batteries also come in different amperage and battery shelf life. What you get at Walmart is the lowest grade of batteries.

I used to think so too (I was an auto tech in a previous life) until I realized that Johnson Controls makes Walmart batteries.

"Major OEMs and aftermarket retailers include Daimler, General Motors, BMW, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, SAIC, Bosch, Walmart, Halfords, Interstate Battery System of America, Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone and Sears."

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publ...a_kit/about_power_solutions/backgrounder.html

I doubt it makes much difference what brand of battery you buy from these guys...all are pretty good. Just check the warranty, though since they are pro-rated, I'm not sure how much difference that makes either. Just make sure you're comparing apples to apples when it comes to amp hour size ratings. Quality wise, you'd have to ask them if they have different standards for the different branded batteries they market. When it comes to true deep cycle fork lift and solar storage batteries, that's a whole other animal, though.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Sesmith;

When I met lower grade, many of the products are the lowest on amperage, shelf life with others lasting longer. It is my understanding there are less than 5 plants in the US making all the batteries under different brand names. Thus yu are correct about Johnson Controls. I had people argue with me on this in the past and chose not to say it. Good you quoted Johnson Controls.

I do like Interstate because of knowledge and staffing

crazy dave condon