Optima Batteries

[jraines]

So i just got a new 2015 24scwx and am in love. I pick up the new prop tomorrow and have also been able to get a new blue top Optima battery. The boat came with a new Interstate battery and that is what we had in our previous boat, but it had a 2 battery set up. Would you recommend using the Optima over the Interstate since we only have 1 battery in this boat? 

 

[cwag911]

Our first battery was a automotive battery and it lasted 7 years. Bought a replacement from Wally which is marine. It works for us. I'm sure the guys who like to spend on batteries will chime in Derrick.  

 

[guardrail22]

Put both in battery boxes and carry both on the boat.

 

[BigKahuna]

The Interstate cranking battery that came with our boat lasted 10 seasons. I just replaced it at the beginning of this season with an AC Delco Voyager Marine battery.......looked at the Optima batteries.......I'm sure they are a good reliable battery with the new technology (AGM) Absorbent Glass Mat........but was a bit pricy.......

 

[kaydano]

Put both in battery boxes and carry both on the boat.

Top notch advice. Throw in another $100 and install a charging relay, and you won't have to worry about jumper cables.

 

[kaydano]

The Interstate cranking battery that came with our boat lasted 10 seasons. I just replaced it at the beginning of this season with an AC Delco Voyager Marine battery.......looked at the Optima batteries.......I'm sure they are a good reliable battery with the new technology (AGM) Absorbent Glass Mat........but was a bit pricy.......

Some say you get what you pay for. I like to twist sayings like that to fit my personal life experiences, and I say you don't always get what you pay for. Sometimes you get screwed! I'd rather buy three new batteries spread over the next 20 years than one Optima. Derick will take my head off for saying that. If you have high powered stereo amps onboard, you may have good reason for the Optima. If your dealer is throwing it in, say thanks and take it!

 

[CTays]

I have Interstate on new Bennington on a automatic dual setup. I used Interstate on my previous boat and had no issues. Also use in most of my vehichles and the tractor. There may be better and more expensive but it is hard to argue with the many years of service I have got from my Interstate batteries.

 

[MrG]

I have not had good luck with Optimas. Imo Optimas are for small to medium systems 2-3 Batterys, and that's it, if you have serious system or demand then there is a few different brands and size batterys to choose from but that's a whole different subject and I'm sure there is no shortage of arm chair engineers here to tell to this brand is better than this brand but for what you seem like what you need a good deep cycle will do you fine

 

[MrG]

One thing about running a standard wet cell battery is that unless you have a digital (programable) voltage regulator you not charging your AGM or Gell Battey to its full potential.

Example Optimas are in there own class and the have there own unique charge algorithm. Same Gos for Gells and AGMs. When running these types of batterys you need to be able to program the alternators voltage output and amperage to match the batterys chemical make up.

The alternators on our boats don't have that ability. So if you want to run a nice Gell or AGM you should also invest in a system or charger that will charge them correctly.

Balamar.net makes the Best DC charging systems. If your interested you can go check it out and see how the big boys do it