Sears Diehard Platinum Marine

[Skeetobite]

Just over 1 year ago I installed four Group 31 Sears Platinum Marine batteries. For the first year I was very impressed.

One had to be replaced just inside the warranty because it wouldn't hold a charge. The port side cranked off this battery.

Now another $238 battery won't hold a charge just a few months out of warranty. The starboard side cranks off this battery.

I'm wondering about a couple things... First, I was concerned my alternators were frying the batteries (my gauges read high charge and needed calibrating) so I sent them out to be cleaned, inspected and re-wound or replaced as needed. Both were found to be 100% to spec. Second, I have the OEM battery charger from 1992 and can't even tell what brand it is. I've read that older chargers are not compatible with the AGM batteries but know nothing about the subject.

Any guidance is appreciated.

 

[tdschafer]

I too am interested in this. I had two of west marines $379 gel batteries die in less than a year. When I brought them back the little tool that the vendor supplies the store with said they were good. The manager ultimately replaced one under warranty and offered me cost on replacing the other one which I did. I am wondering what caused these "State of the Art" batteries to expire prematurely?? Todd

 

[rcknecht]

I had an Optima gel battery go bad in one summer... I returned it and replaced it with lead acid... I like the diehard marine batteries, but would stick to the old technology....

 

[Alegria]

I too am interested in this. I had two of west marines $379 gel batteries die in less than a year. When I brought them back the little tool that the vendor supplies the store with said they were good. The manager ultimately replaced one under warranty and offered me cost on replacing the other one which I did. I am wondering what caused these "State of the Art" batteries to expire prematurely?? Todd

Todd your situation scares me. I am guessing you still have the old 30A charger like I do. I am concerned with using it to charge these AGM batteries. I know they should charge like a normal old type lead acid in theory but I am still concerned.

I would like to replace mine with the Sear's one's.

 

[michael bembas]

How long should a battery last? We sometimes go to the bay, and float about, our starboard battery goes dead after a few hours. Is this considered normal.

 

[rcknecht]

How long should a battery last? We sometimes go to the bay, and float about, our starboard battery goes dead after a few hours. Is this considered normal.

Your battery probably needs to be replaced... I would change the pair of starboard batteries if I were you...

 

[HUMPH]

This is exactly why I just bought 4 dual purpose batteries from Costco yesterday. I figure batteries are a maintenance item and will be replaced every 3 to 4 years. AGM, Gel.... that's fine but I stayed with standard wet batteries even though there are several "better" options.

If I cruised offshore I might reconsider but for my needs I am comfortable with this choice. These are manufactuered by Johnson Controls who also makes batteries for Walmart and many of the other brands. There are only a few manufacturers for these batteries but the labels are different. I do know there are different qualities but there is not too much difference between them and for $68 plus tax who can complain?