Best Marine Batteries for a 310 Sundancer

[craigwitt]

Can someone recommend batteries for my 310? I need 2 for the boat and 2 for the inverter (they are connected in series but separate. So, the "boat" has one starting and one deep cycle, the inverter has two batteries. This doesn't mean it is correct, just looking for advice on buying 4 new ones. Thanks

 

[jason78]

Can someone recommend batteries for my 310? I need 2 for the boat and 2 for the inverter (they are connected in series but separate. So, the "boat" has one starting and one deep cycle, the inverter has two batteries. This doesn't mean it is correct, just looking for advice on buying 4 new ones. Thanks

This has been discussed here quite a few times. Here are some of those threads for you to review as well.

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/40306-Battery-Replacement


http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/37836-What-are-best-battries

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/40265-batterys

 

[Tonka Boater]

I bought the Optima Blue Tops at the beginning of last season and love them. I only have 2 batteries but I can go all day on one battery running the fridge and radio while saving the other battery for starting.

 

[MonacoMike]

I bought the Optima Blue Tops at the beginning of last season and love them. I only have 2 batteries but I can go all day on one battery running the fridge and radio while saving the other battery for starting.

Blue Tops, the only way to go if you can afford them. Check out Advance and Auto Zone for coupons or specials and don't forget they price match. I got my BT's at AZ with a coupon after matching Advance.

MM

 

[bajturner]

The blue tops may or may not be the best choice for the inverter application. They are very good at providing full amps over their discharge curve, and being able to withstand a lot of full discharge/recharge cycles, but they do not have really high Ah capacity. It all depends on how you will use your inverter. How big an inverter is it?

Also, you mention the two inverter batteries are connected in series, so I presume they are feeding a 24V inverter. Is this correct? If it is, you could consider a 24V marine battery or 4x6V batteries for the inverter. There are some good, high-capacity solutions available.

The other consideration is your converter/charger and whether or not it can handle AGM batteries like the blue tops. Finally, if you end up with a combination of AGMs for cranking, and wet-cells for the inverter, you will want to watch how they are partitioned for charging from the engine alternators.

 

[Loneranger]

I have been changing over to AGM batteries, not because I think they are that much more amazing than flooded lead cell batteries but I do not have to crawl into the bilge and check and fill water in the cells. Yes I know I pay a premium for this bit of laziness. The AGM (as opposed to gel) will work with the same charging profile as the flooded cell batteries. I use sears diehard platinum. They are made by odyssey and cheaper than an odyssey branded battery due to economies of scale.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850134000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

John

 

[MonacoMike]

I have been changing over to AGM batteries, not because I think they are that much more amazing than flooded lead cell batteries but I do not have to crawl into the bilge and check and fill water in the cells. Yes I know I pay a premium for this bit of laziness. The AGM (as opposed to gel) will work with the same charging profile as the flooded cell batteries. I use sears diehard platinum. They are made by odyssey and cheaper than an odyssey branded battery due to economies of scale.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850134000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

John

John, Are you using group 34's?

 

[jason78]

I switched over to Sears Die Hard Platinum Group 31 Batteries and have been very pleased. I chose those over the Optimas at the time for warranty purposes, at the time the reviews seemed a little better on the Die Hards and I had a friend who had some problems with the Blue Tops right about the time I was buying. Honestly, I think as long as you end up with an AGM Group 31 Battery you will be fine with either one. No more adding water for me!

 

[Loneranger]

John, Are you using group 34's?

I have only changed my starting battery in the cobalt and I did use a group 34. The flooded cells in the sea ray are still ok but when they die i will use 31s most likely.

John

 

[tcason]

I also used the Sears Die Hard Platinum Group 31 Batteries but bought CAR battery in lieu of marine battery for the longer warranty. I compared specs between car and marine and they appear identical.


CAR Battery Warranty4-year free replacement
100-month prorated limited warranty
MARINE Warranty3-year free replacement limited warranty

 

[MonacoMike]

I have only changed my starting battery in the cobalt and I did use a group 34. The flooded cells in the sea ray are still ok but when they die i will use 31s most likely.

John

Now it makes sense. MM

 

[Mike Blake]

Key word............Yes I know I pay a premium for this bit of laziness. I agree 100% I changed last fall. 3 Blue tops and a new zantrex charger. All is well, let ya know in 3 years!!!