New battery dead!

[Gary H NC]

Anyone have a battery less than a year old die? It was put in the boat new by the previous owner in may of this year.Worked great then just died the other day.I charged it up and it goes dead in 2 days with nothing hooked up.
I don't think i'll be replacing it with another Interstate brand battery.
It will get a new gel battery come spring.
Think i would have got better service out of a Walmart battery...

 

[bruceb58]

Re: New battery dead!

How many times was it completely discharged? Was it stored in a charged state? Also, overcharging can kill these too.

 

[jtexas]

Re: New battery dead!

boat had an interstate deepcycle for a cranking batt when my dad gave it to me......it lasted about 5 years, I replaced it with another interstate about three years ago, still tests like new.............don't blame ya for switching after a bad experience, just thought I'd share mine........

now, I have traded in at least two walmart trolling batteries before a year was up..........that's their main advantage, free replacement no questions asked. plus which they're available 24/7

 

[MikDee]

Re: New battery dead!

Gary, I think it's just a "roll of the dice" with batteries sometimes.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New battery dead!

Gary i'm on my 3rd Trojan Group 27 1250 cranking battery, in a year. dead cells.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New battery dead!

Checked my new camper,it has Interstates in it too...

The boat battery was fully discharged once but won't recover.
I thought about it overcharging but i always keep an eye on my digital volt gauge,it usually stays around 13.8 to 14.5.Sometimes it may go up to 15 for a few minutes when the engine first starts.
I guess its just a bad cell. Heck,i went through two DieHards in my truck in about 3 years time.Put a Autozone back in it and its been fine.
I have had bad luck with Napa batteries also.I think all the brands have some bad ones.It would have been nice to get a couple seasons out of it though.

 

[Boatist]

Re: New battery dead!

Most batteries do not die they are killed. They are used and left discharged until before the next trip. They are not recharged when not used for a long time.
Starting batteries should not be discharged below 80 percent of full charge.
Deep cycles should not be discharged below 50 percent.
Anytime discharged recharge with at least a 10 amp Smart charger as soon as posible. Big deep cycle even a 30 Amp Smart or automatic charger will not harm the battery.
The longer it is left discharged the more damage is done.
Charge at least once a month in summer and at least every 2 month in winter.

Pay attention to your batteries water level and keep them charged and they will last 6 years or more.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New battery dead!

Gary, the trojans would take a full charge, and then spin the 88spl over one time really good, and then loose charge. they have warrantied each battery, but it's a pita to go exchange them. they want to keep it a day to do their load test. use to be able to get a good starting battery for $29.00.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: New battery dead!

All batteries will have a bad apple in the bunch. We use exclusively interstates in all of our boats, and trucks, and on everything at my dads shop. They will usually honor warranties real well. Had to do that to one the other day. Yours should still be under pro rata warranty.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: New battery dead!

I did find the reason for it being dead.Bilge pump switch on the dash was on.Only thing i can figure is my neighbors kids were in the boat before i covered it that day.
The battery was 100% discharged,no wonder it won't come back.Oh well,i got a couple months to buy a new one.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: New battery dead!

take it in for warranty exchange. i have not paid a cent for my replacements, just the pita of doing it.