Trojan vs Interstate Marine Batteries
Trojan and Interstate are two of the most familiar names in lead-acid batteries. Both make batteries that boaters trust, but they come at the market from different angles. Trojan is a deep-cycle specialist, while Interstate covers nearly every marine role, from cranking to lithium. This comparison uses our product listings to show where each one fits on a boat. Check product pages for current specs, warranty terms and stock.
The short version
- Choose Trojan for deep-cycle house banks and trolling batteries, especially 6V golf-cart pairs and high-capacity 12V flooded batteries.
- Choose Interstate for starting batteries, dual-purpose AGM batteries, enhanced flooded options and clear free-replacement warranties.
What each brand offers in our store
| Trojan | Interstate | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting batteries | No | Yes (flooded, high CCA) |
| Flooded deep-cycle | Yes (12V and 6V) | Yes (SRM) |
| Enhanced flooded | No | Yes (24M-EFB, 27M-EFB) |
| AGM | AES deep-cycle, 8D dual-purpose | AGM and AGM-A dual-purpose |
| Lithium | No | Yes (12V, 24V, 36V) |
| 6V golf-cart | Yes (T-105, T-125, T-145 and more) | No |
| Listed warranty | Not shown in our listings | 6 to 60 months free replacement, by model |
Group 31 AGM: Trojan 31-AES vs Interstate 31M-AGM
- Trojan 31-AES: 104Ah (20-hour), 180 minutes reserve capacity, 69 lb, deep-cycle.
- Interstate 31M-AGM: 100Ah, 200 minutes reserve capacity, 925 CCA, 1190 MCA, dual-purpose, 36 months free replacement.
Both are sealed group 31 AGM batteries with similar capacity. The Interstate lists cranking ratings and a free-replacement warranty, so it can start an engine as well as run accessories. The Trojan is presented as a deep-cycle battery. For a single-battery boat or a start-plus-accessories role, Interstate fits better. For a dedicated house or trolling battery, either works.
Group 27 flooded: Trojan SCS200 and 27TMX vs Interstate SRM-27
- Trojan SCS200: 115Ah, 200 minutes reserve, 60 lb.
- Trojan 27TMX: 105Ah, 175 minutes reserve, 55 lb.
- Interstate SRM-27: 88Ah, 160 minutes reserve, 600 CCA, 12 months free replacement.
The Trojans list more capacity and reserve in the same group size. The Interstate lists cranking ability and a free-replacement warranty. For trolling motors where run time matters most, the Trojan SCS200 stands out on paper.
Group 24
- Trojan SCS150: 100Ah, 150 minutes reserve, 50 lb flooded.
- Trojan 24-AES: 76Ah AGM, 137 minutes reserve.
- Interstate SRM-24: 81Ah flooded, 140 minutes reserve, 550 CCA.
- Interstate 24M-AGM-A: 70Ah AGM, 750 CCA, 24 months.
House banks with 6V batteries
Trojan’s 6V golf-cart batteries are a classic choice for cruisers and sailboats: two in series make 12V, and their thick plates handle daily deep cycling. Interstate doesn’t offer 6V batteries in our marine lineup. Compare Trojan’s 6V options in Trojan T-105 vs T-125 vs T-145.
Starting batteries
Interstate is the clear choice here, with flooded starting batteries like the 27M-XHD (800 CCA) and 24M-XHD (800 CCA), plus AGM dual-purpose models with high cranking ratings. Trojan’s lineup in our store is deep-cycle.
Lithium
Interstate offers LiFePO4 marine batteries in 12V, 24V and 36V. If you’re weighing a switch, see Interstate lithium vs AGM. Trojan’s lineup in our store is lead-acid only. For other lithium comparisons, see Battle Born vs EPOCH, EPOCH vs Dakota Lithium and Lithium Rhino vs EPOCH 36V.
Reading the specs fairly
Trojan lists capacity at the 20-hour rate, and Interstate lists amp-hours plus reserve capacity at 25A. Reserve capacity is the easiest way to compare the two directly, because both brands list it in minutes at 25A. By that measure, Trojan’s SCS200 (200 minutes) and Interstate’s 31M-AGM (200 minutes) are similar, while Interstate’s SRM-27 (160 minutes) sits below Trojan’s 27TMX (175 minutes). Cranking ratings only matter if the battery will start an engine; for a dedicated trolling or house battery, focus on reserve capacity, weight and maintenance.
Weight
Lead-acid batteries are heavy regardless of brand. Trojan lists weights for every model, from 47 pounds for the 24TMX to 69 pounds for the 31-AES. On small boats, the difference between a 50-pound and a 69-pound battery is noticeable, and a three-battery 36V bank can easily weigh 150 to 200 pounds. If weight is a priority, compare with lithium options before deciding.
Flooded, EFB or AGM?
Flooded batteries cost least but need watering, ventilation and an upright, covered installation. Interstate’s EFB models sit in between: still vented, but listed with better cycling durability and a 24-month warranty. AGM from either brand is sealed and spill-proof, which suits saltwater boats, hard-to-reach compartments and boats that pound in a chop.
Maintenance
Flooded batteries from either brand need regular watering, ventilation and a covered box. AGM models from either brand are sealed and maintenance-free. Use the correct charger profile: flooded or AGM.
Warranty
Interstate lists free-replacement periods by model, from 6 months on the SRM-4D to 36 months on AGM and 60 months on most lithium. Our Trojan listings don’t show warranty terms, so check Trojan’s current warranty directly.
Real-world scenarios
Center console with one outboard and a house battery: Interstate 27M-XHD start battery plus Interstate 31M-AGM or Trojan 31-AES house battery.
Sailboat house bank: four Trojan T-105 batteries in two series pairs.
36V trolling motor on a budget: three Trojan SCS200 flooded batteries for maximum run time, or three Interstate SRM-27s for lower cost and cranking ratings you won’t need on a trolling bank.
Pontoon, one battery: Interstate 27M-AGM dual-purpose.
More reading
See the brand hub at marine battery brands compared and the comparisons hub at marine battery comparisons.
Products mentioned
Frequently asked questions
Is Trojan or Interstate better for boats?
Trojan is a deep-cycle specialist; Interstate covers starting, dual-purpose and lithium too. Choose by the battery’s job.
Can a Trojan battery start my outboard?
The Trojan batteries in our store are deep-cycle. Use a starting or dual-purpose battery, such as an Interstate, for cranking.
Which has more capacity in a group 27?
Trojan’s SCS200 lists 115Ah, more than Interstate’s SRM-27 at 88Ah.
Which has the better warranty?
Interstate lists clear free-replacement periods. Our Trojan listings don’t show warranty terms; check with Trojan.
Does Trojan make lithium marine batteries?
Not in our current lineup. Interstate offers 12V, 24V and 36V lithium.