1997 Tracker 40 hp starting battery is dead. I can barely get any reading out of it whatsoever. What is a good brand? Is Walmart Everstart junk? Academy Exide junk? What about Interstate, and where can you find those? It's not a big motor but it's sometimes hard to start, so, I need a reliable battery.

Optima Blue top 34M

A-Jay

A-Jay, I prefer to buy just a regular battery. The battery above costs quite a lot of money. I'd need to really get sold on that type of battery before I'd pull the trigger on it. And I may not keep this boat much longer; I'd prefer buying a regular battery.

Deka from Wally World are good.

45 minutes ago, livemusic said:

A-Jay, I prefer to buy just a regular battery. The battery above costs quite a lot of money. I'd need to really get sold on that type of battery before I'd pull the trigger on it. And I may not keep this boat much longer; I'd prefer buying a regular battery.

 

Decent, inexpensive and seems readily available.

A-Jay

33 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

 

Decent, inexpensive and seems readily available.

A-Jay

I have had this battery in my boat since 2011 and still going strong.

Break out the owners manual for the motor and see what the minimum cranking amps required. Then buy a marine starting battery that meets or exceeds those. 

6 hours ago, livemusic said:

I prefer to buy just a regular battery

Sorry, I don't want to assume things but just making sure you mean a "regular marine cranking battery".  Don't use a car battery.  

The Exide batteries are trash. I bought 2 for a jonboat and they didn't even last a year with pretty light use and regular charging. 

 

The EverStart is probably your best cost/value ratio you're going to get if you're wanting to keep cost down. 

Bluebasser86, I get your sentiment about the Academy Exide brand. I have bought a trolling motor battery in the past and it did not last long! You confirmed my fear about that brand. I think I will just get the Walmart Everstart, a store is nearby, the boat motor is only 40hp and I may sell this boat and upgrade!

Before you buy....Do what slonezp suggested.

I buy Exide for cranking and trolling.  I've only had a problem with one time, battery wouldn't hold a charge and it was only 6 months old.  Contacted Exide, they have a 1 year warranty.  I emailed them a picture of the battery and proof of purchase from my credit card statement(i had lost receipt) and they sent me a reimbursement check.  

If you have an Interstate dealer, they make a good battery. 

46 minutes ago, slonezp said:

If you have an Interstate dealer, they make a good battery. 

I agree. they have preformed better than all other brands I have tried.

 

If you have an Interstate dealer, they make a good battery. 

I have always been a fan of Interstate Batteries in my car. I would imagine their boat batteries are just as good. They may not be the cheapest option, but you know you're getting a good battery.

On ‎1‎/‎13‎/‎2018 at 10:52 AM, slonezp said:

If you have an Interstate dealer, they make a good battery. 

I have had great luck with Interstate also thus far.