New Batteries?

[03Air210]

I think its time to update my batteries. What does everyone reccomend. I hear good things about the Optima but they are priced pretty steep. Are they worth it?

[mfloski]

RE: New Batteries?

just installed 4ea. optima D31T........can not go wrong with the optimas, worth every penny!

[bchesley]

RE: New Batteries?

http://www.batteriesplus.com/pc-28947-28947-PC1200.aspx

This is what I am running. My local dealer sells them. He said that he has started to have problems with warranting the optima batteries. I am really pleased with mine so far. I have had it about 3 months.

Brad

[east tx skier]

I'm on my fourth season with a Delco marine battery. Never even bothered to put a charger on it until last winter (used to just disconnect the negative cable for winter layupp). I would buy it again. It's been very reliable.

[campbelljo]

i cant complain about the big marine yellow walmart batteries for the money.

[TRBenj]

i cant complain about the big marine yellow walmart batteries for the money.

I wanted an Optima but couldnt justify the pricetag, especially since Im not running a stereo yet. I did read a bunch of online battery reviews and the Everstart Maxx-65N (sold by Walmart) was rated among the top 3 batteries. 800 CCA (1000 cranking) is plenty powerful. This is the same case size (65) that is used in the new boats and it fits my battery box perfectly. For $60, I figured I cant go wrong. I believe it has a 3 yr fill replacement warranty, and a pro-rated warranty beyond that. If it fails, there are Walmarts everywhere. So far, its been great.

Just an alternative if you want to keep the cost down.

[Rick]

I would agree with TRBenj. Unless you asre running a 5000W stereo system hours with the boat off you do not need Optimas. For atarting the boat and listening to the stock stereo I would put a second Everstart battery with a switch in before i went to an Optima.

[03Air210]

That helps a lot. I have a 1500 watt stereo but I have 2 batteries with a switch. Thanks

[MNSuperAir]

Optima Blue top here, cheapest was at Sam's Club. I think they were $150.

[Rick]

Do you run the stereo off of 1 battery or usually both. You could probably get away with 1 Optima and one standard Marine. The big think you want if you use both for the stereo is deep draw marine batteries. The only real advantage to the Optimas is that they can be mounted anywhere in any direction (ie. on their side). Other than that 2 standard lead acid marine batteries will probably perform the same. The real trick is to keep them charged. I use a trickle charger because we only get out about once every 2-3 weeks.

[darrel409]

Costco has a very good portable jump starter for about $65 bucks that i carry in lieu of a second battery. Less weight, less wiring...

[03Air210]

I run my stereo off one battery and the other is a starter/backup. I ended up buying one Blue Top Optima that I will hook the stereo to and then a standard marine battery as my starter. I appreciate everyones input.

Todd