AGM Battery Questions

[BullShoalFisherman]

I bought a 2018 Xpress bay boat recently that had 2 interstate group 31 AGMs hooked to the terrova, it was rigged for serious crankbait trolling.

When I went to look at it originally to purchase the boat, we discovered one of the AGM batteries has gone bad (about 1 year old at the time). It was under the 3 year warranty and it was replaced for free before he sold it to me.

Now the other AGM battery has gone bad and the warranty (1.5 years old) will not be honored because it’s non transferable.

 

My options are:

1. Buy a matching group 31 interstate AGM for $350.  (Risking it doesn’t go bad, and these batteries were on different banks of an AGM approved MinnKota charger).

2. Buy a Duracell group 31 AGM from Sams for $180

3. Take both batteries out and replace with 2 group 31 lead acid Duracell batteries ($90 each).

Does anyone have any guidance?

[Dutch]

19 minutes ago, BullShoalFisherman said:

I bought a 2018 Xpress bay boat recently that had 2 interstate group 31 AGMs hooked to the terrova, it was rigged for serious crankbait trolling.

When I went to look at it originally to purchase the boat, we discovered one of the AGM batteries has gone bad (about 1 year old at the time). It was under the 3 year warranty and it was replaced for free before he sold it to me.

Now the other AGM battery has gone bad and the warranty (1.5 years old) will not be honored because it’s non transferable.

 

My options are:

1. Buy a matching group 31 interstate AGM for $350.  (Risking it doesn’t go bad, and these batteries were on different banks of an AGM approved MinnKota charger).

2. Buy a Duracell group 31 AGM from Sams for $180

3. Take both batteries out and replace with 2 group 31 lead acid Duracell batteries ($90 each).

Does anyone have any guidance?

I went through a similar deal with Interstates.  I went to Marine Repair Center and bought 3 Pro Guide agm batteries.  They have 245 rc.  I have been using them for a few months.  They are super strong and are recharging in just a couple of hours.  I am totally satisfied with them.

Did you buy the boat locally?  Can you get the original owner to get it warrantied?  Maybe you could sell the one that is new.....just some random thoughts.

[TRRANGER]

What ever you chose do not mix old and new batteries. Always replace in pairs when run in series, it is hard on the electronics. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, TRRANGER said:

What ever you chose do not mix old and new batteries. Always replace in pairs when run in series, it is hard on the electronics. 

You cannot convince some people this is the way to go.  

[champ203]

I just had a similar issue with pro guide 31s.  Bought them out of state, (family member manages a tire and battery shop).  They were just under 2 years old. 

Took them down to Battery Outfitters and they tested them.  Took a day or so on the testing of all three (36v system).  One tested bad......

Justin said: "we dont recommend only swapping out one, you'll just be back in here again with issues"....then he warrantied all 3 of them, without me even asking.

I dont known why I'd ever change brands again.

[Dutch]

6 hours ago, champ203 said:

I just had a similar issue with pro guide 31s.  Bought them out of state, (family member manages a tire and battery shop).  They were just under 2 years old. 

Took them down to Battery Outfitters and they tested them.  Took a day or so on the testing of all three (36v system).  One tested bad......

Justin said: "we dont recommend only swapping out one, you'll just be back in here again with issues"....then he warrantied all 3 of them, without me even asking.

I dont known why I'd ever change brands again.

Another reason for me to be glad that I switched to Pro Guide.