When I bought my boat last August I had no idea how old the batteries are. I knew one was weak and I planned to get new ones this year. Last Saturday I went down to the boat to start prepping it for spring launch. I turned on the battery switch and nothing, nada, batteries stone cold dead. Now which battery to purchase.

My last boat the 3055 had a 4 battery setup. When I bought the boat it came with a 2 battery setup. I had the dealer install 2 additional batteries so I had 4. My first battery failure happened late in the 2004 season. In the spring of 2005 I purchased 4 new Sears Diehard Deep Cycle Marine batteries. They were still going strong in August of 2011 when I sold the boat or almost 7 full seasons of use. When winter layup happened I just shut off both battery switches and I never had a problem come spring when I first fired up. I was mildly surprised in 2011 when the boat fired up on the first try.

I will replace the current batteries in the Carver before I take her out the first time. I went to Sears yesterday and I priced the Diehard Group 27 Deep Cycle batteries at $126 each.

Today I went to Sams Club and they have Duracell Group 27 Deep Cycle Marine batteries for $96 each. Has anyone tried or used Duracell Deep Cycle marine batteries and what was your experience with them. I am still leaning towards the Diehard because I had such a great experience the last time I bought them. I would consider the Duracell if they come with good reviews.

What say ye Carver owners. Duracell or Diehard or do you recommend another brand.