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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5239 Posts
Initially Posted - 02/08/2015 :  12:04:30  Show Profile
While the prices of everything seem to be slowly creeping up battery prices have hit the roof! I bought my group 24 about 6 years ago and have been looking for a replacement. At the time, it was about $65 at WalMart, the same battery today costs $110. That's freaking crazy, its only lead, acid, plastic and not much more. Sure metals like gold, silver, palladium and copper have zoomed up, however baser metals like iron, aluminum and lead are plentiful and with recycling, less expensive than in the past.
What's the answer, should battery prices come down between now and April, or does it look like they'll stay high? Could this just be due to the fact that car batteries are generally more prone to failure in cold weather, so there's a "Winter Premium" on prices?
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts
Response Posted - 02/08/2015 :  12:58:03  Show Profile  Visit britinusa's Homepage
May have to add tax.

http://instoresnow.walmart.com/EnhancedRenderContent.aspx?id=101631

Paul
Joint Decision. (Sold)
PO C250WB 2005 Sail # 841.


Moved up to C34 Eximius

Updated August 2015
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 02/08/2015 :  16:18:29  Show Profile
Hence the argument for a solar panel - keeping your battery topped off for longer life.

1989 C25 TR/WK, #5822
1973 McVay Minuet 19
1975 Jester 12
1981 C25 SR/SK, #2428
1981 C22 SR/SK,
Tanzer 16
Sunfish

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Kenneth Grahame
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5239 Posts
Response Posted - 02/08/2015 :  22:16:03  Show Profile
Ray,
My 30W solar panel has kept the battery running and in good shape since 2007 (I checked the receipt). That's a good long time I'd say. However, I plan to pull the battery out this week, put it on the AC charger and bring it in to be tested at the Auto Parts store. But I reckon it's time for a new one. So do I need a Group 27? I have no high draw appliances (1-2A for the stereo, all LEDs except the steaming light, 1A for the VHF and no AC, no fridge or electric cooler, no laptop.
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3474 Posts
Response Posted - 02/09/2015 :  05:47:27  Show Profile
<< But I reckon it's time for a new one. >>

I always thought about changing mine every 5 years, but with a solar panel keeping them topped off it may be a whole different time line..

They may last 10 years for all I know..

Prices - I laughed out loud when the local West Marine wanted $53 for a 3/8 rubber snubber... Talk about criminal! Back to the used tire method...
Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 02/09/2015 :  15:23:42  Show Profile
Perhaps the price increase is due to the increase in lead. Priced bullets lately? Prices are at least 2x the prices 5 years ago.
DavidP
1975 C-22 SK #5459 "Shadowfax" Fleet 52
PO of 1984 C-25 SK/TR #4142 "Recess"
Percy Priest Yacht Club, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville, TN
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5239 Posts
Response Posted - 02/09/2015 :  22:57:13  Show Profile
While ammo prices have gone up due to political and social reasons, the price of lead has gone up and down, but largely has been the same in the past 5 years. See the following Kitco Lead
That said, battery mfrs and sellers really have no justification except that lead safety regulations have increased. But 100%? Inconceivable!
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3994 Posts
Response Posted - 02/10/2015 :  06:52:20  Show Profile
Open the window and yell, " I've had enough and I'm not going to take it anymore!"
Maybe wait for the Defender sale?
My battery in my P-Up just died last week,Original and just short of 9 yrs. Thought that was pretty good. Got a new one from Pep Boys and by ordering it online then going over to the store for free installation they gave a 25% off anything over $75. Ended up installed and out the door for $98.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


Edited by - islander on 02/10/2015 07:00:42
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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3474 Posts
Response Posted - 02/10/2015 :  07:08:53  Show Profile
<< Ended up installed and out the door for $98. >>

and I bet I spent something like $240 for an AGM from West Marine, so I'm hoping it will last at least 7 years.
Ray in Atlanta, Ga.
"Lee Key" '84 Catalina 25
Standard Rig / Fin Keel
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awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts
Response Posted - 02/10/2015 :  19:31:16  Show Profile
Try other retailers. I bought a group 24 a few months ago for around $80 on sale, it's currently showing at $89:
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/dyno-battery-group-24-dual-purpose-marine-battery-12-volt-m24m

This isn't even really all that cheap, it's just very convenient for me and Dyno batteries have a good reputation around here.
Alex W
Seattle, WA
Express 37 "re-Quest"
previously owned 1984 Catalina 25 "Lutra"
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5239 Posts
Response Posted - 02/12/2015 :  21:21:22  Show Profile
Alex
Thanks to a buddy in the power squadron I got a west marine coupon for $25 off. At that rate I can get a WM battery for about what the Wal*Mart battery cost, but I get a much better warranty! That's worth something...
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3994 Posts
Response Posted - 02/13/2015 :  06:52:37  Show Profile
Bruce, The WM batterys are made by Deka (EastPenn) and re-branded, IMO one of the best. I have a Deka group 31 in my boat and also a Deka in the Subaru. We used them at work for all of the machinery and trucks. They were the only batteries that held up to the vibration and tough conditions they were put through and we tried them all. I also got them at cost through work but now that I'm retired that perk is gone.
Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound


Edited by - islander on 02/13/2015 07:45:18
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bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1739 Posts
Response Posted - 02/14/2015 :  15:17:11  Show Profile
While I had planed on replacing my batteries this coming spring instead I replaced both my batteries this past fall at a West spiff where I got triple points, a "trade in" kicker, and the batteries were on sale: net for me was two batteries for less money than one . . . . and a known product as the West batteries they replaced had lasted seven years. Sometimes you get lucky with
Peter Bigelow
C-25 TR/FK #2092 Limerick
Rowayton, Ct
Port Captain: Rowayton/Norwalk/Darien CT
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5239 Posts
Response Posted - 02/14/2015 :  20:08:49  Show Profile
Nice move Peter, rather be lucky than good!
Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain — Milford, CT
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.