Duralast marine battery?

[Halcyon Days]

I am considering replacing my batteries with 2 group 27 Duralast dual purpose marine batteries from Autozone. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience(good or bad) with these batteries. I have used the Duralast batteries in my cars& trucks for sometime and have been happy with them. The one in my truck is now in its sixth year of service and still starts the truck every day:smt001. Thanks for any feedback.

Tony

 

[chollyjohn]

I recently researched and reviewed different manufacturers. I always change out my batts every 3 yrs. I am more than satisfied with Wal-marts Deep Cycle batteries for cranking and for auxilary use. Group 27 or 31. Less than $100 each. Plate sizes are same as Interstate batts. I'm a happy customer.

 

[Riptide III]

I replaced one of my engine batteries at the beginning of last season with one. I dont remember what group/size. I havent had a problem and plan on replacing another this season. It is my understanding that there are a handful of battery manufacturers and some are sold under more than one name. In any case I am happy. Then again I am not beating the crap out of them in a 19 foot boat in rough water.
Phil

 

[tdappleman]

I recently researched and reviewed different manufacturers. I always change out my batts every 3 yrs. I am more than satisfied with Wal-marts Deep Cycle batteries for cranking and for auxilary use. Group 27 or 31. Less than $100 each. Plate sizes are same as Interstate batts. I'm a happy customer.

Wondering about where you're getting the plate size specs? The Walmart batteries are notorious for using less material (lead) which means less weight overall and they just do not last as long. They are most likely made by Exide who has various levels of batteries which they sell to OEM's to rebrand.

 

[wish2fish]

I've been using the Duralast for at least 10 years in multiple boats. I've been getting the dual purpose marine battery which a group 27 battery. I've never had one die on me. I've got 1 in the pontoon that is going into its 5th season and I have drained it multiple times. The one in the Sea Ray is going into its 4th season and appears to be in good shape. Time to think about some new batteries for me though as I don't expect 5 years out of them.

 

[Dave S]

All of these various store brands are made by a handfull of battery manufacturers. This article is pretty informative in terms of telling you how to go about identifying the manufacturer if that is important to you. http://www.jgdarden.com/batteryfaq/batbrand.htm

 

[2000SEARAY280SS]

I generally buy based on warranty. The reason is that no mater how careful I am I will run the batteries down on my boat. When I was replacing my inverter batteries i checked auto zone against NAPA and the NAPA unit had the better warranty. Surprisingly I was replacing NAPA gr27 and fully expected to use the autozone units. I got the price of one of the NAPA units refunded for the two failed units after a 18 months of use.