recommendations for 12 volt batteries for Minn Kota Ultrex. I was looking at Odyssey and X2. Pricey.

I assume you're looking at batteries from Batteries Plus since those brands are both sold there.

I bought two Duracell Ultra AGM size 27 batteries from Batteries Plus Nov 2024 on Black Friday. They were each 15% off and I also got a $22 credit for each one when I returned two used lead acid batteries for the recyclable cores.

Your previous batteries in the other thread were AGM and the ones you mentioned here are lithium versions, so ya they're gonna be more expensive. You may also need a need a new charger.

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/SLI27MAGMDC?storecode=784&source=google&medium=search&campaign=ecommppc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23501381673&gbraid=0AAAAADgLl5VORLJ9Hz3T8wWuNre2sKm_Y&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrsyA3qTmkgMV8jgIBR1fbQNbEAQYAiABEgI1u_D_BwE

16 minutes ago, gim said:

I assume you're looking at batteries from Batteries Plus since those brands are both sold there.

I bought two Duracell Ultra AGM size 27 batteries from Batteries Plus Nov 2024 on Black Friday. They were each 15% off and I also got a $22 credit for each one when I returned two used lead acid batteries for the recyclable cores.

Your previous batteries in the other thread were AGM and the ones you mentioned here are lithium versions, so ya they're gonna be more expensive. You may also need a need a new charger.

https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/SLI27MAGMDC?storecode=784&source=google&medium=search&campaign=ecommppc&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23501381673&gbraid=0AAAAADgLl5VORLJ9Hz3T8wWuNre2sKm_Y&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrsyA3qTmkgMV8jgIBR1fbQNbEAQYAiABEgI1u_D_BwE

I was looking at AGM not lithium. My cranking battery is an X2 . (not lithium) Mercury does not recommend lithium on my model 225 opti max for cranking. A local shop (trustworthy) sells Decca Marine & RV. Presently checking them out. Thanks for your response.

The Duracell's gim listed are good batteries made by East Penn Manufacturing, a good outfit. If you have a Sam's club nearby, they have the same battery for $199.28 at my local club. Looks like there's a Sam's Club about 20 minutes from Colledgedale, TN for the same price.

10 minutes ago, Capt Ed said:

The Duracell's gim listed are good batteries made by East Penn Manufacturing, a good outfit. If you have a Sam's club nearby, they have the same battery for $199.28 at my local club. Looks like there's a Sam's Club about 20 minutes from Colledgedale, TN for the same price.

yes, you are correct. And I'm a member. Thank Cap'n

I’ve had a lot of brands of batteries. Interstates have not been reliable lately. Reverve capacity is something to look for the higher the number the longer you can stay out with power.

If you're going lead, then the duracells are the best value for money.

But I'd go lithium for the trolling motor and electronics.

I still use lead acid batteries as well and have no plans on changing either because the reserve capacity keeps me going all day and the next in part because of the energy saving electronics I use to drive my trolling motors with.

I can troll wide open full speed for hours and when I get home and hook up the charger it quite often says I am at 93% to 95% still charged much of the time.

As for batteries, brands are not the deciding factor for me. Location of where they are made is.

I use a company called Batteries, Inc. out of Orlando, Florida. This is a company who services batteries for commercial and industrial applications like bulldozers, forklifts, etc.

The reason for this is simple... when someone tries purchasing brand new batteries from well known stores, some mentioned here in this thread, you don't always know what you are getting.

Batteries, Inc. informed me that today there are some batteries that are making what is known as thin plate batteries that fail faster due to holes corroded through the thin plates, and plate warping from high current use, and they don't hold a lot of reserve capacity or as much as the higher quality thick plate batteries do, and Batteries, Inc. will not service those thin plate batteries. Those are scrapped and not worthy of restoring.

So when I go to Batteries, Inc, they only restore and rebuild thick plate batteries which is to my benefit because I know I am getting a higher quality battery than what is to be found in the consumer retail market- and it takes away the guessing game for me.

So all of my trolling motor batteries these days, and have been for years, are all old used batteries rebuilt and fully restored by Batteries, Inc. They cost $60 each and come with a 6 month warranty. They usually last 2 to 4 years average- in hotter Florida- which is a comparable lifespan to a lot of brand new batteries. Cooler climates get a couple extra years usually.

Another nice thing about using a company like them is that for one they stand behind their work, and for two, I can sell them old batteries and get I think like $9 each for old batteries. And since I am still connected to an old trolling motor warranty repair facility, I stop by there sometimes and pick up a pile of their junk batteries and turn them all in and get my "new" batteries for free basically plus some extra money to spend on lunch for us. So sometimes I don't have to pay a penny for a new set of trolling motor batteries. That's my payment for doing the shop a service.

It can't be any better for me really. Even if I did not have the shop to help them dispose of a pile of batteries from time to time, $120 every 2 to 4 years is dirt cheap for the largest size automotive batteries made. And all rebuilt batteries are load tested and fully charged and ready to go. As good as new, and industrial grade strength quality.

So in every major city of the country, you should be able to find one or more companies who specializes in rebuilding and restoring industrial and commercial grade batteries.

I have not put brand new batteries in my boat in more years than I can remember. No need to. Even my SUV has one of their rebuilt batteries. I've never had a problem with one either- until it just outright fails and won't take a charge any longer same as any other- and then sell it back to them for another one for $60 a pop minus whatever lead batts I can sell them to knock off the top of the price and back on the road again, er water.

I am trying to imagine how many fishermen are out there using brand new batteries at $200+ each from retailers selling them thin plate batteries? So rather than me trying to figure it on the front end of retail- and getting it wrong because that type of info is not provided by manufacturers. I just hire the pro's and let them take care of it for me. Its cheap and reliable.

Oh, and for $60 each, pick your size. Same price across the board. Won't get that at retail level. So I can get the biggest baddest automotive batteries made and troll for days on one charge. Can't beat it really. I've never found a better deal or anything close.

Batteries Inc. Orlando

Marine Batteries in Orlando | Starting, Deep-Cycle & Jet...

Batteries Inc Orlando offers marine batteries for boats, pontoons & jet skis. Starting & deep-cycle options with free installation & expert support.

Edited by moderator for policy compliance

Correct me if I'm wrong here but pretty much every battery out there is made overseas. Or at least the components are.

The one exception might be the East Penn example mentioned above.

North Star a division of EnerSys is made in Springfield MO.

They make the X2 which batteries + carries.

I just did a google search that resulted in an AI overview by asking the following question: What percentage of lead acid batteries are made in USA?

Approximately 90% of lead-acid batteries sold in the United States are manufactured domestically in North America. These batteries are highly sustainable, boasting a 99% recycling rate, with new batteries typically comprising over 80% recycled materials. The industry utilizes a closed-loop system, keeping over 130 million batteries out of landfills annually.

Battery Council International +3

Key Facts on U.S. Lead-Acid Battery Manufacturing:

• Domestic Production: Over 90% of lead-acid batteries in the U.S. market are produced in North America.

• Recycling Rate: 99% of used lead-acid batteries are recycled, making them the most recycled consumer product in the U.S..

• Recycled Content: New lead batteries are comprised of more than 80% recycled material.

• Domestic Lead Supply: U.S. manufacturers source about 85% of their lead from North American recycling facilities.

• Market Share: The U.S. dominates the North American lead-acid battery market with approximately 75% of the regional share.

  Source: Battery Council International 

While some options are increasing, the majority of lead-acid batteries for automotive and industrial use remain manufactured within the U.S. and North America.

Source: Association of Battery Recyclers

------

So the results backup my first comment above. What I am tapping into are those U.S. made batteries made from recycled lead sourced from a lot of those cheaper thin plate batteries recycled here in USA into much higher quality batteries with thicker plates. And this is what the professionals are also dealing with which is why I hire them rather than take a chance on front end retail selling me thin plate batteries at higher prices.

So when I do a similar search on "thick plate lead acid batteries" I find these AI overview results:

"Thick plate lead-acid batteries are specialized deep-cycle batteries featuring robust, thicker positive plates designed for sustained, long-term power delivery rather than quick, high-current bursts. They are engineered to withstand deep discharges (up to 80% DoD) and repeated cycling, making them ideal for solar storage, marine, RV, and industrial applications.

Source: Vasworld Power

Key Features and Benefits:

• Enhanced Longevity: The thick positive plates contain a larger reservoir of active lead dioxide, reducing the impact of corrosion and material shedding, which extends the battery's overall lifespan.

• Deep Cycling: They are designed to be discharged down to 20% capacity repeatedly, unlike automotive batteries which are designed for high-current, short-duration (starting) use.

• Durability: The stronger plate construction provides improved resistance to vibration and physical shock.

• Lower Power Output: They offer lower starting power (CCA) but superior long-term energy capacity.

Which is precisely what I want for trolling motor batteries. With trolling motors we do not need CCA. What we need is what that last line above says: "superior long-term energy capacity" along with the increased durability.

I can troll for 3 days straight without even thinking about charging them back up. And that is 8 hours a day constantly on the trolling motor too if need be.

Take your chances at front end retail on buying some thin plate batts and not even know it, or hire the professionals who make it their career to point us in the right direction that benefits us the most. That's how I see it anyways. Threads like this are meant to inform rather than mis-inform. This is what forums are for! Putting the "correct" information out there to benefit everyone.

Edited by moderator for policy compliance

Probably off topic but I know Lithium Batteries are becoming a "thing", when and if they do become unserviceable, can you turn them in as a "core" - probably not saying that right - like you can with acid batteries? I think that would be a concern of mine as well as instant combustion that you hear more and more now.

17 hours ago, Jig Man said:

I’ve had a lot of brands of batteries. Interstates have not been reliable lately. Reverve capacity is something to look for the higher the number the longer you can stay out with power.

You just taught me something ... Thank you my friend

@Jigfishn10 - there is no core for lithiums at this point. Maybe in the future we will recycle lithiums more broadly, but they would fit in the consumer electronics bucket for disposals.

The combustion issues you hear about are for lithium ION batteries, not LiFePo batteries that are used for boats. Two very different chemistries.

Thank you ... and pls pardon my ignorance

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