What is THE Best Battery

[BigDeck]

What is the premier boat battery? Optima? Which model? I was thinking of putting two new ones in before the Memorial week trip to Havasu? Thanks for your help.

 

[digger]

Do a search on batteries. There is lots of info.

 

[TPC]

Only three North American companies make batteries anymore. Everyone NOW just puts their name on them.

Ya get what you pay for.

Sears stuff seems pretty good but pricey. They offer a Die Easy Marine for about $260 that is really a great battery, but priced out for most of us, and the Sears name is kinda Hokey displayed in a $160.000 boat.

Optimas seem to have taken a hit in quality since the move to Mezzico.
But they seem to be hanging on to their reputation.

Wall Marts are the best deal, and a upgrade selection in CCA's for a few bux more.
Wal Mart is a PITA to return a battery too. Just not worth the hassle.

Costco Kirkland line has pretty good stuff, priced right, and an easy return policy.

I use the Costco 6Volts in the Golf Cart, but arguably the Trojan 150's are noticeably better (as in longer life and between charges), but more money.

When Brown stops being a smart alex for the 2 minutes each month,, Tom recomends Optimas. Preferable if you can save one from the salvage yard.

Brown is the Ayatolla of batteries in my opinion.
We starting buying them on the strength of his experiences,, and they have been great if ya keep them charged.

 

[Lavey5150]

Just buy an Interstate and call it a day................:thumbsup

 

[Nord]

I currently have two optimas and an interstate. I'm expecting the Optimas to take a shit here this year (3 years old) so I'm going to pick up another set. I am under the impression the company isn't what it used to be. Guess I'll find out.

 

[BigDeck]

What model Opima do you use?

 

[kgt]

a/c delco...only the 7 year...

 

[McRib]

Jan 05 my boat came with interstate deep cycles. In 08 I replaced them with centennial deepcycles. They r made by interstate. I paid 89 bucks a piece for them in 08. I did not nessicarily need to replace my interstates but I figured 3 years was enough on them with the stereo. I can't see myself spendin 200+ on a single battery imma haf to replace in 3 to 5 years n e ways. My batts seem to last as long as everybody elses blue tops. I don't play my radio all day n e ways. I usually get the dumb luck of some douchebag bandana wearin roll bar 2000 speaker drivein azz clown that wants to park next to me every where I stop. Soon as they show up my shizz goes off then my ears bleed from listenin to the crap they play.

If I wanted to spend money though I'd go with the Trojans

 

[Tom Brown]

When Brown stops being a smart alex for the 2 minutes each month,, Tom recomends Optimas. Preferable if you can save one from the salvage yard.

For what it's worth, I haven't recommended Optimas for the last couple of years. They're still good but they aren't the great batteries they used to be.

OptimaJim on PerformanceBoats.com claims there has been no change to the batteries but that simply is not the case. I've had both performance and longevity fall off in the last two years and I'm not talking about just a little. My sample set is 9 Optimas (8 red tops and 1 deep cycle marine blue top).

 

[26redline]

Optimas...JUNK, everyone else, normal batteries big and bulky, I use Odyssey PC1200, they are great, they don't take up much room, and I have been using them for years in car audio, you can mount them anywhere and in any position. I have a big stereo system in the boat, these IMO are the best batteries for a boat, granted each battery cost 250.00 but I think they are well worth it, plus they have a 3 year warrenty:champagne:

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

 

[TPC]

Optimas...JUNK, everyone else, normal batteries big and bulky, I use Odyssey PC1200, they are great, they don't take up much room, and I have been using them for years in car audio, you can mount them anywhere and in any position. I have a big stereo system in the boat, these IMO are the best batteries for a boat, granted each battery cost 250.00 but I think they are well worth it, plus they have a 3 year warrenty:champagne:

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

Doesn't Wicked carts sell them and Trojans at a big discount?

 

[TPC]

Best auto battery we ever have used are Panasonics.

The are limited in availability and application, but if you can get them they are tits.

 

[TPC]

For what it's worth, I haven't recommended Optimas for the last couple of years. They're still good but they aren't the great batteries they used to be.

OptimaJim on PerformanceBoats.com claims there has been no change to the batteries but that simply is not the case. I've had both performance and longevity fall off in the last two years and I'm not talking about just a little. My sample set is 9 Optimas (8 red tops and 1 deep cycle marine blue top).

Then I stand corrected. :blah:
You recently mentioned scoring a couple Optimas at a salvage yard and I took the post as a further recommendation.

All right then,, it's back to Wal Marts for us.

- But you're still the Ayatollah of batteries IMHO.

I'll be sure to face Regina at prayer call.
Or was that face the vagina ???,, Oh hell,,, I'll do both.

 

[Tom Brown]

You recently mentioned scoring a couple Optimas at a salvage yard and I took the post as a further recommendation.

The salvage batteries in my diesel truck are both Die Hards.

I know most of you guys consider salvage batteries on the same level as dumpster diving for partially eaten eclairs but at $10 each, I expect to get 4 more years of excellent service out of them. They were both marked at 1 year old when I got them last November.

The cool thing about batteries is they can be pulled with nothing more than a bolt cutter and 30 seconds of sweat equity. It's not like removing a part that requires a bunch of tools. Cut the battery clamps, cut the cables, and pull.

Of course, I'm partially retired so I don't have a bunch of cash to splash around. Maybe that explains my less sophisticated perspective on the used battery deal.

 

[rivermobster]

What is the premier boat battery? Optima? Which model? I was thinking of putting two new ones in before the Memorial week trip to Havasu? Thanks for your help.

Interstate makes the Optima. And there are THREE different models (red, blue and yellow), each model having in intended purpose.

If you go here, and search for distrubutiors, you can head to the one by you, and get the straight scoup on whats best for YOU!!

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/DealerLocator/Default.aspx?ZipCode=Zip Code

When I went in there to get batts for my boats, they actually talked me out of getting the Optima batts.

One size does NOT fit all.

 

[Abc123]

Ive always ran Optima Blue Tops. Never had any problems. Great batteries.

 

[74 spectra20 v-drive]

I have had great luck with NAPA gel cell blue top. I have had it in my flat sonce 2001. No radio, just motor... but still the best I have ever had.

 

[OCMerrill]

Interstate makes the Optima. And there are THREE different models (red, blue and yellow), each model having in intended purpose.

If you go here, and search for distrubutiors, you can head to the one by you, and get the straight scoup on whats best for YOU!!

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/DealerLocator/Default.aspx?ZipCode=Zip Code

When I went in there to get batts for my boats, they actually talked me out of getting the Optima batts.

One size does NOT fit all.

Sorry Bud but Optima was bought by Johnson Controls. Its right about the purchase time some of us feel the quality went down hill.

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/products/power_solutions.html

I have blue tops mounted sideways in my jeep but in my boat I run reg marine JC - Costco batteries. They are covered behind seats and dont have a billet hold down. This is why my boat lacks cool.

 

[TPC]

The salvage batteries in my diesel truck are both Die Hards.

I know most of you guys consider salvage batteries on the same level as dumpster diving for partially eaten eclairs but at $10 each, I expect to get 4 more years of excellent service out of them. They were both marked at 1 year old when I got them last November.

The cool thing about batteries is they can be pulled with nothing more than a bolt cutter and 30 seconds of sweat equity. It's not like removing a part that requires a bunch of tools. Cut the battery clamps, cut the cables, and pull.

Of course, I'm partially retired so I don't have a bunch of cash to splash around. Maybe that explains my less sophisticated perspective on the used battery deal.

Well, I got the salvage part right.
And the wife may be right too.

Wife says the kids are ready to keep me locked in the garage and feed me dog food and cash my checks.

Coulda sworn ya said Optimas,,,, oh brother.:drunk

 

[Tom Brown]

Coulda sworn ya said Optimas,,,, oh brother.:drunk

It was probably a poorly worded post. I apologize for the confusion.

Sometimes, like now, I post when I'm super tired. My writing skills go sour, along with my grammar and spelling.

 

[BigDeck]

I found the Optima blue 31's for $223 on amazon with free shipping. A little pricey, I might rethink this BEST battery thing and find decent!!

 

[OCMerrill]

Well, I got the salvage part right.
And the wife may be right too.

Wife says the kids are ready to keep me locked in the garage and feed me dog food and cash my checks.

Coulda sworn ya said Optimas,,,, oh brother.:drunk

Not sleeping? I know how that feels. I managed to get about three hours last night.

Let's just buy Sundance Ross. It would give us something to do all night. If I had 5 mil laying around ... we could start a new series of Sundance threads.

I fear we might have to kick out Riverbound though.

 

[Gramps]

IMHO more than half the battle in battery life is proper maintenance. On my bass boat I have a three battery setup. During the off season (snow and cold) the boat is out in the barn but not heated. I have a dual pro set up on the trolling motor batteries and a single setup on the main battery. You can find their stuff here http://www.dualpro.com/home/

I also have this charger for long trips on Powell when I cannot plug in to a 120 source http://www.dualpro.com/products/chargeontherun/. I have been able to run WalMart batteries for up to 5 years using their setups.

 

[Go-Fly]

I've been told over the years that a battery needs to be worked in order to stay fresh. In your car you start it every day and work the battery. You don't do that in a boat. I've tried the best chargers on the market and it still seems the batteries only last 2-3 years in my boats. So until I find something better I just change my batteries every two years. It's the cost of boating. I like to use the Optima in my boats, good and clean. Every time I'm at the ramp I see battery problems. Then you see the same people all summer long fighting the same old battery, why. I have friends I boat with that spend hours waxing, oil change, gear lube, new plugs, wires, all new ignition and anything cool they can buy and put on. They even will spend $200.00 a year on sunglasses. But buy a new battery, you would think they had to give up thier left nut. I for one don't want the stress of my motor going click-click when I take it out. Just me. The best battery is a fresh one.

 

[Zaairman]

I found the Optima blue 31's for $223 on amazon with free shipping. A little pricey, I might rethink this BEST battery thing and find decent!!

Kirkland marine batteries are what, $50-75? :skull I have two of them in my boat (without billet holddowns, so uncool), and have had no issues with them, including after having the stereo going for a few hours.

 

[Gramps]

I've been told over the years that a battery needs to be worked in order to stay fresh.

that's why I like the Dual Pro set up. More than just a charger, it brings the battery down, runs some test and then charges. It keeps repeating the cycle.

 

[Go-Fly]

Kirkland marine batteries are what, $50-75? :skull I have two of them in my boat (without billet holddowns, so uncool), and have had no issues with them, including after having the stereo going for a few hours.

No billet hold downs. What are we going to do with you. Add that to your list when we do the transom.

 

[rivermobster]

Sorry Bud but Optima was bought by Johnson Controls. Its right about the purchase time some of us feel the quality went down hill.

http://www.johnsoncontrols.com/publish/us/en/products/power_solutions.html

I have blue tops mounted sideways in my jeep but in my boat I run reg marine JC - Costco batteries. They are covered behind seats and dont have a billet hold down. This is why my boat lacks cool.

Interesting. They still sell em thru Interstate as far as i can tell, they had stacks of em at the wherehouse!

 

[CampbellCarl]

I know that this thread is about boat batteries...............

Just today, was doing oil change etc on my Chevy HD. Out of curiosity, I looked at the date code on the battery. 11-03! Energizer brand by Johnson Controls. I think I'll buy another!

CC

 

[BigDeck]

Well, today I went to CostCo. They had blue Optimas for $157. They had a Kirkland Marine for $62. I bought two Kirklands and put em in. I guess I was figureing for half the cost I could run new ones and change em out a little more often. Only time will tell. Thanks for everyones thoughts on this.

Now I just need to fix the stereo that is wired hot to the batteries and not throught the Perko. Thanks to the guys that chimed in on that one too to offer some help.

See you at havasu next week.