new batteries!

[TRO]

My 2 XS Power Batteries D3400's arrived today. can't wait to get them in the boat with the off-season stereo upgrades...

[Mikeski]

What were the determining factors for choosing those, were you limited by space? They are 65aH each so you should get similar performance as you would running two Optima D27 blue tops.

When I look at batteries it comes down to a few factors: cost, amp-hours, weight, orientation limitations.

If I can run them upright where I can easily access them I will run flooded lead acid batteries (golf carts). They offer the best combination of the other three factors.

If I am limited by space and cannot run them upright then AGMs are the call. AGMs are typically about double the $/amp-hour of a flooded lead acid battery. I usually choose the largest AGM I can fit in that space if I am not too concerned about weight.

[TRO]

i wanted 2 batteries that were the same size at the interstate starting batteries that i had so i could just drop them into the brackets and have them already hooked up to the switch. my 230 already had a dual battery set up with a switch. i wanted something more powerful than the interstate cranking ones that were in there, but something that was "drop in and go". i don't have a huge stereo so i didn't need a ton of power.

i didn't even look at the optimas. i have read TONS of stories from people who have bought them and they only lasted 1 year or 2 years. i will never buy an optima. i would imagine these are about the same price range as optimas, but i didn't check.

i also installed a Dual Pro 2 bank (10 amp per bank) on board charger to keep them charged.

[KPNautique]

I've got two blue top optimas installed that are 4 years old. I always have a battery tender on them and have great service from them.