If Costco´s Kirkland marine batteries are as good as their automobile batteries, they should be considered.
My car is being runing on one for the last eight years.
José

Russ,check out lifeline batteries- the amp draw on optimas are not as long      Warning they are spendy !!!  They have AGM technology top of the line! Hands down best battery you wil find  why you say  they are sealed  no acid leaks or corrosion on battery post

Never had any problems with my maintenance-free AC Delcos.  Had them for 5 years now with not one single issue. Yes, 5 years.

The only reason I want to replace them is because, well... it's been 5 years.  I don't want to push it any further.  They're still working great, but I think I'm pushing the limit.

Since these lasted so long and performed so well, I have no ambitions to try anything else.  Not when my wife is on board every time.

All I use on my boat is a trolling motor so a good battery is important.  I will only by maint. free batteries now after ruining a lot of clothes due to spills, plus they are easier.  Orbital deep cycles are good - lasted about 3 yrs and still going as a back-up.  But I just picked up a Optima bc they have a larger Reserve capacity - costs about $200 w/ tax at costco - works well, but I have only had it for a little while.

Costco has deep cycle Marine batteries for around $50-$60.  Pretty sure those are readily available at most stores.  I purchased one in Federal Way and I am using it as a starting battery.  You'd be amazed at how well a new battery works compared to a dead one... the boat actually starts now!  I have friends using the Kirkland signature for 3 or 4 years now without any issues.

I've been reading posts on other fishing forums and have been considering those offered at Wally world, the price is reasonable, and they have a warranty. There is also a Wally world close to every bass lake.

Glen,

Atomic is still around just north of 167.
I think it has been renamed but they are still in business.
Russ

DUNE HOPPER wrote on 02/04/04 at 13:46:24:

Hey does Atomic Batteries still exist?  I'm having a hard time finding them.  If they no longer in business, anyone know a good place to get a good deal on AC Delco batteries?

Hay! Chuck for President! Good Idea.

Please, Rainyday, don't encourage him!   

As to batteries, if you remember a few years ago, the Beemans had a contact from the midwest that sold him a crate of Gel Batteries at rock bottom prices.  Why?  They were inserted in the tornado warning systems all over Kansas, or some other flat state.  But the law required them to be changed out every year for safety reasons regardless of whether they ever got used or not.  I bought two of them (20 dollars each) and they are still going strong - and being gel batteries there is no boil over problems).  I wonder if they still have a connection?  I wish I had bought a few more of them!  Next meeting lets pin him down on how he pulled that one off - maybe we can do it again!

Reading Larry's posts is better than "Laughter, the Best Medicine" in the Reader's Digest.  Cheered me up while I am home recuperating this week.  Keep up the good posts, Larry!
Rainy Day 

The Nitro has an assortment..... a Minn Kota and a AC Delco Voyager for the trolling motor, and a Die-Hard for cranking.

I definitely like the Minn Kota, recovers well form a deep discharge and no maintenance issues, almost three years old.

The Voyager seems OK.

The Die-Hard (from Sears) has really worked hard, and the warranty from Sears seemed pretty good too, and it was also good value for the money.

Like Steve H. stated, I've used Delco's for years without a problem, and gotten an average 4 years of life out of a set.   My new Stratos came with Trojan SC 200's and while they are new, they do seem to work well.  Time will tell.  
The problem with Delco batteries is trying to find them at a retail outlet for a reasonable price since K-Mart quit handeling them . ???  Atomic batteries at the intersection of Grady Way & Rainier Ave in Renton used to offer some darn good deals on blems in both Delco & Trojan.  You might check them out.

WWOOOOOOHOOOOOOHOOO I want what Larrys on!!

my 2 cents;
I have trojans in the Skeeter and haven't had much proble with them just learned that you can't trust an cheap auto charger. and boiled them dry. But I topped them off and recharged them. haven't been a problem since.