[Sailormann]

SURETTE (ROLLS) BATTERIES - 30H108M and T12136M

I bought two batteries last fall to replace the older ones that the boat came with. Had to get slightly different sizes in accordance with the boat's dimensions. Put them in quickly and didn't think about them.

Brought them home when the boat was hauled for the winter and put them in the garage. Noted at the time that one of the date stickers on one of the batteries seemd old. Was a bit concerned that this might have meant the battery had expired or was nearing the end of its life.

The charger that I was using seemed to bear out my suspicions. It sometimes indicated that the older battery was not holding its charge as well as the newer one.

Accordingly, when the boat show rolled around, I spoke to the Surette rep at their booth and voiced my concerns. He gave me his card and asked me to follow up with him by email after the boat show.

He was quite cordial and I didn't get the impression I was getting a brush-off.

Followed up with an email to the rep, who referred me to the quality control manager. I explained the situation to the QC person who explained to me that the batteries were stored dry, so the dating should not really be an issue. He sent me detailed information on how to test the batteries, and a results sheet to fill out.

I bought the voltmeter and hydrometer he suggested I should use and proceeded to check the batteries. As it turns out, it was my original meter that was faulty, the batteries are fine.

Had they not been, I have every confidence that they would have been replaced immediately no questions asked.

Kudos to Surette for providing patient and professional support ! It's a very rare commodity these days and they deserve to be mentioned for it.

I'll definitely stick with their products. I encourage eveyone else to buy their batteries as well. They may cost a little more up front but they're certainly worth it. The ones that I replaced were 9 years old and still totally serviceable. I gave them to someone else in the marina who installed them on his boat.