6V AGM Battery - West Marine vs. O'Reilly

[AHoy]

Hello Everyone,
I am replacing my house battery bank. The previous owner installed (4) West Marine SeaVolt 6V Deep Cycle AGM 187 batteries. It appears these are no longer offered and have been replaced by the following: https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...82?recordNum=3
At 434.99 each these seem a little pricey.

After doing a lot of research I also found the following batteries at O'Reillys:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/s...agmgc2/4742649
At 201.99 this is the best price I have found for this style battery.

They are both 6V AGM deep cycle GC2 style batteries with a C20 rating of 190Ah. Am I missing some major problem? Seems like an easy decision but I don't want to be kicking myself in a year from now.

Thanks,
S/V Ahoy

[Stu Jackson]

OK, one never buys batteries at WM, they are rebranded and you're paying for the sticker alone!

I am sure that you can do even better than your example, although I don't know how much time you've had available to do your research, but good start. 2:1 is a good start!

Next, do you require AGMs? If not, you can do even better in GC FLAs. AGMs have their downsides. Are you aware of them?

AGM Battery Issues (from Maine Sail)
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com...d.php?t=124973

AGM Battery Issues and the Blue Seas Dual Circuit Switch (from Maine Sail) "DARN AGM Batteries"
http://forums.catalina.sailboatowner...ght=darn%20agm

Additional Observations on the Limits of AGMs Electrical Systems 101

[Phisher]

Check with Batteries Plus. Like Stu said make sure you know what you really need. I am installing 8 220 AH FLA on Salty Dreams. $85 each Delivered to the boat. Made the most sense for my situation. A good friend of mine worked for Johnson Controls making batteries. They made Interstate and Die Hards same battery differnt label.

[john61ct]

Duracell flooded GCs from B+ or Sam's, can't be beat for value.

Only go AGM if you really have to

[SecondBase]

Batteries Plus also delivers dockside with a little coordination. Helpful when cruising.

[AHoy]

Thanks for the feedback and information, after researching more I don't see any big advantage to using AGM on my setup. Looks like I will be going with some flooded GC2 style from Costco and going to use my savings to start the solar system!

[WSMFP]

I just went through this same senario and ended up with 6v duracell ultras from batteries plus bulbs. If you order online there's a 10% off code. I am also a costco member but the 6v they had in stock were dated 8 months ago and covered in dust. Make sure to check the dates on them at costco.

batteries+ also has alot more locations nationwide if you need to return one. Costco is somewhat more limited. I paid $369 before tax for 4.

[john61ct]

And the Costco ones are manufactured by Johnson Control, not nearly as good as those made by East Penn/Deka and sold as Duracell as I spec'd above.

There are claims that in some regions Costco's are made by Trojan, but I'm not convinced.

Trojan T-105 are better than any of the above, also great value if you find them within say 25% of the Duracell price.

The RE version are another big step up, more robust, greater longevity and deeper cycling, but usually sell for **lots** more.

[roland stockham]

Agree with going FLA unless you particularly need AGM and can put up with there problems. I find the best way to judge deep cycle FLA's is to look at the weight. Deep cycle should mean thick heavy plates, basically you are paying for the lead so how much do you get!

[Maka]

Everything at West Marine can be bought cheaper someplace else.
I buy all my engine needs from Car Quest. Batteries, filters, lubricants, belts, water pump.....you get the idea.
When you add "Marine" to the title of anything the price jumps up.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Maka

Everything at West Marine can be bought cheaper someplace else.

Yes this is true.

Originally Posted by Maka

I buy all my engine needs from Car Quest.

If you're talking a Starter batt, OK, but that is not the topic here.

For true deep cycling usage, which of course has nothing to do with "engine needs", I don't believe any automotive retailer sells anything worth buying.

Originally Posted by Maka

When you add "Marine" to the title of anything the price jumps up.

Yes, and because usage of that label is a scam, along with "deep cycle" in consumer retail, you need good information from impartial sources you trust to get good value.

[Maka]

john61ct says " I don't believe any automotive retailer sells anything worth buying."

Not true. For instance I can buy the same identical Trojan batteries anyone else sells cheaper at Car Quest than anyplace else. This goes for any engine related products too.

[Zil]

Here on the east coast. West Marine, Napa, Diehard, and others are manufactured by East Penn. Their house brands are Deka and Duracell, which are warranted by East Penn. Check the price differences for the same battery with a different label.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Maka

john61ct says " I don't believe any automotive retailer sells anything worth buying."

Not true. For instance I can buy the same identical Trojan batteries anyone else sells cheaper at Car Quest than anyplace else. This goes for any engine related products too.

again I'm not talking here about anything to do with engines

yes fine battery manufacturers, also Crown, US Battery

If it is 12V and in an automotive size like G-24, 27 & 31, for example Trojan SCS series, these are "dual purpose" starter batts, actually rated at a small fraction the cycle life of a true deep cycle battery.

Would be great if I were wrong, post some example models advertised as deep cycle and we'll see.

Now if 6V golf car or industrial batts for forklifts, scrubbers etc are sold there, that's different.

[john61ct]

Originally Posted by Zil

Here on the east coast. West Marine, Napa, Diehard, and others are manufactured by East Penn. Their house brands are Deka and Duracell, which are warranted by East Penn. Check the price differences for the same battery with a different label.

As above, quality mfg is necessary but not sufficient.

Research the different series and models.

Call or email their tech support, ask for the SoC vs cycle life charts.

If you can't get through pretty easily, don't use that vendor.

Marine shops do carry good stuff, but that one's way over priced.

And Diehard is Johnson Controls for years now I believe, the contracts do change over time.