Need to put 2 new batteries in the beak, debating on the Optima ($$$$) or the gel batteries I saw on the West marine website. Don't want to have to keep buying batteries every year for this thing. I also have shore power with onboard chargers if that has any influence on what type of batteries I should get.

Thx....

I have always used standard Die Hard or Interstate Marine batteries. I've never had one that I installed go bad. I'm still on one of my Interstate batteries that was in the boat when I bought it 5 years ago. I replaced the other 2 years ago.

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...hlight=battery

Got a blue top Optima in the bed of my truck to get returned this week under warranty. It goes in a 15 Whaler with a new 60 HP 4S Yamaha with no electronics or even a radio yet after 10 months it won't hold a charge overnight. Totally overpriced IMO. If it wasn't a free replacement I woudn't bother to fill out the return paperwork!

Optima's and lead/acid are crap. Once you go to an Odyssey you will never ever go back. Spendy but you will find out why.

www.batterymart.com

Or try Teague... I think he sells them. These things are unreal.
The battery in my Dragboat weighs 12lbs and is 7 years old.

RT

30+ years boating, own several boats currently, worked in business, have tried them all and I am embarrassed to say a group 27 or 29 marine deep cycle Sears Die-Hard is the best one I have used. They offer several levels and you must buy the best one offered, around $70-$80. Never have done any maintenance to them, I simply make sure the battery is fully charged after I put the boat away for the winter, never have removed it from the boat, charged once a year before layup, leave it be for the northern New York -35F winters and got 11 seasons out of my last one, 8 out of current one so far. No other battery I have tried has ever come close, several brands were one seasoners, many were three which is not much better. My benchmark is now tens seasons minimum or you can do better. Surprising, very. I boat in the cold northeast with a long off season. Things may be different in the south with a short storage season. I think most of these super "specialized" marine batteries are mostly hype.

I've had 5 Optimas over the years (I get them at cost since my company makes them) and have NEVER had an issue with any of them.... including the one hooked up to my trolling motor that gets drained to 3 or 4 amps every time out. Charges back up every time.

I've used Interstate Marine batteries for 10 years without any issue or failure. I replace them every 5th season just as insurance, not as a necessity.

I've used Die-Hards for 17 years. Never an issue. Michigan.

You can spend more on a battery (ies), then buy a special battery holder (s), but I can't see why you would need to, or what you will gain.

I love my interstates