I've been having great success with the CT rebranded Exide Orbital Deep Cycle/Starter combo marine batteries. They used to be quite a deal. Not as much these days. I've heard other with problems though, so who knows.
I wonder when I see the different results people get if it is problems with their charging systems and they just do not know it is happening. I've found that a panel mount digital voltmeter has gone a long way to help see whether things are charging properly quickly.