"Interstate" battery life

[River918]

I'm trying to put a charge on two deep cycle Interstate Batteries and they won't take a full charge. They are three years old (I took them off my old toyhauler and had them installed on the boat last year). How long do these things normally last? I still have the other two batteries, but I like to have three to run the stereo...

[HCS]

Interstate....I see them go bad alot.
That's why I bought a life time battery.

[YeLLowBoaT]

are they sealed? Check to see if they need water.( distiled only)

[River918]

Interstate....I see them go bad alot.
That's why I bought a life time battery.
Yeah, I know they aren't the best but I had them laying around, so I decided to use them....I used the hell out of them last summer at the river, so they are probably done...

[BDMar]

Interstate is a fairly good batttery. It doesn't seem to matter what the manufacturer is...... three years seems to be the life.

[River918]

are they sealed? Check to see if they need water.( distiled only)
They aren't sealed, but the water level looks fine ...

[HCS]

Man....My last battery lasted 11 years.
You guys must be alot harder on them that me. Of course I just have a little
tiny ski boat. http://www.***boat.com/ubb/rolleyes.gif
Guess there's no comparison with the big boys. ;)

[Screaming Pete]

Look like they last 2 years and 11 months....LOL......i get 4-5 years out of interstates in the car, truck or boat. never more than that

[Racey]

They are good batteries but like any battery they will die if left sitting, Keep em on battery tenders when the boat isnt in use and they will last about 4 years

[Desert Rat]

Buy the 36 month full replacements and just take them back every 35:D

[HCS]

Buy the 36 month full replacements and just take them back every 35:D
Make sure you drop it on the ground nice and hard before you return it. :D

[YeLLowBoaT]

They aren't sealed, but the water level looks fine ...
and did you get the hydrometer out and check it?

[DeltaSigBoater]

If you are using deep cycle batteries for both starting the engine(s) and your boat's 12 volt electrical system (stereos, mood lighting, & other accessories) you are shortening the life of you battery.
If you want to run the accessories all day and into the early evening then you should consider installing a 2 to 4 bank battery system. With dedicated Starting batteries and House batteries (Deep Cycle).
Or one could buy Dual Purpose Starting/Deep Cycle
I buy the batteries for my boat at West Marine so no matter where I'm at Lake Mead, Havasu, the River, or San Diego if a battery goes - I'm back on the water in a few hours drive time!