Optima Marine Batteries?

DriftR · 08-08-2003, 08:08 AM

Need some advice. I've heard about these Optima batteries and have looked at them. They are fully encased and can be turned upside down, sideways or on end. Do any Salty Dogs have these in their own boats? And if so what are your opinions on them? Speaking with retailers for Optima one says to go with the Marine (Blue Top) another dealer says go with the Auto(Red Top) another said the Yellow. They are more $ than regular marine batteries but seem to hold a charge longer over the winter months. Besides the auto battery (red) optima, I was told, has studs and side terminals, has more deep cycle than the marine battery. But isn't cranking amps more important? Very seldom run electronics with the Merc 115 off. Any battery experts on the Salty Dogs?

Sea Foam · 08-08-2003, 08:41 AM

I'm no expert but I've had a red top on my boat to fire up a cummins diesel for at least 4 years and it is still plenty strong.

SlabQuest · 08-08-2003, 09:40 AM

I think your best value is the Costco batteries made by Johnson Controls.

I know of expensive "gel type" batteries that have failed prematurely. They can cost 2 - 3 times as much as the JC units.

Zippy · 08-08-2003, 02:14 PM

Cold cranking amps are very important and you should stay on the high end of the Mfg. recommened range for your motor.Found that one out the hard way when I suspected starter problems and it turned out the sale priced car battery did not have the cajones to do the job properly.

garyk · 08-08-2003, 02:39 PM

Ya might want to check the archives on the main board and here too. In the past - like 18 months+ - there were some really detailed posts about batteries.

timinthegorge · 08-09-2003, 01:07 PM

I agree with Garyk. Check the archives.

From my experience, I bought a blue top for my 14' Alumacraft about 3 years ago to use with my electric trollin' motor. Worked great. It's since been moved to my year old 19' Alumaweld and again, no complaints or problems.

Seems to take a charge quicker than any other batteries I've ever used, and when the battery that came with the boat dies, it'll be replaced with a new blue-top Optima... Just MHO....

Good luck with your search.... Tim

Mikeymoto · 08-09-2003, 04:46 PM

This may give you some light reading material.
http://www.windsun.com/batteries/battery_faq.htm
It was part of the previous battery posts.
Mikeymoto