Batteries, what's everyone using?
#33
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: indianapolis
I buy cheap batteries and then replace more often. Even the best batteries will need replaced more often than a car battery so why bother spending 35% more on batts that will need replaced prematurely either way.
#34
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 167
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Something to think about? I quit using the lead acid batteries in my boat, do to 1 exploding! Caused a huge mess to clean up! It was on a very good (top of the line) on-board charger. Probably due to internal short in the battery which caused the explosion? It was a 2 year old named brand battery! Charger checked out fine, but now I only use the AGM (Odyssey) with no issues! I tried Optimas 3 times over the years with little luck.
#35
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 279
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From: Grand Rapids, MI
I'm going to replace all four batteries in my 47 Fountain, and am wondering if someone could chime in on what specs I'd need in a battery for high performance boats. I'm probably going to buy either Deka or Optima Bluetop, but don't really know the differences in terms of what offshore boats require. For example, the Optimas on this page (https://www.optimabatteries.com/en-u...e-and-starting) are twice the price of the Dekas on this one (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Deka-12-Vol...ttery/50183761), but I don't even know if these are comparable besides the CCA.
I don't mind spending more money on something better, but I don't want to spend another $500 if I don't have to!
I don't mind spending more money on something better, but I don't want to spend another $500 if I don't have to!
#36
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,198
Likes: 500
From: KY
I strongly recommend staying away from optima bats, and also strongly suggest AGM and not use lead acid. Have an odyssey in the PWC which is 6 years, 3 Lifeline bats in the Cruiser which also 7 years. Prior, PWC lasted 3 years and Cruiser lasted 3 if lucky but mostly lasted only 2. The bats cost more but last a real long time. Buddy has an AGM in his PWC which is 10 years and still going strong. Would even suggest Sam's Club Durecel AGM's, not as heavy as Lifeline, Trojan and others but well worth it.
Down side of AGM's, if your going to keep them on a charger when not in use, need to get a AGM changer, don't use a Lead acid on, charge rates are different. There is no issue with a trailer boat and running around.
Also loss in charge is much less then lead acid so charging is not as critical in keeping them fully charged
Down side of AGM's, if your going to keep them on a charger when not in use, need to get a AGM changer, don't use a Lead acid on, charge rates are different. There is no issue with a trailer boat and running around.
Also loss in charge is much less then lead acid so charging is not as critical in keeping them fully charged
#37
I strongly recommend staying away from optima bats, and also strongly suggest AGM and not use lead acid. Have an odyssey in the PWC which is 6 years, 3 Lifeline bats in the Cruiser which also 7 years. Prior, PWC lasted 3 years and Cruiser lasted 3 if lucky but mostly lasted only 2. The bats cost more but last a real long time. Buddy has an AGM in his PWC which is 10 years and still going strong. Would even suggest Sam's Club Durecel AGM's, not as heavy as Lifeline, Trojan and others but well worth it.
Down side of AGM's, if your going to keep them on a charger when not in use, need to get a AGM changer, don't use a Lead acid on, charge rates are different. There is no issue with a trailer boat and running around.
Also loss in charge is much less then lead acid so charging is not as critical in keeping them fully charged
Down side of AGM's, if your going to keep them on a charger when not in use, need to get a AGM changer, don't use a Lead acid on, charge rates are different. There is no issue with a trailer boat and running around.
Also loss in charge is much less then lead acid so charging is not as critical in keeping them fully charged
#39
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: Further South East of Dome Island
Sounds silly but my last 5 Die Hard/Interstates have lasted at least 10 seasons each, some 12-14 years. I live in the north however where batteries last longer. Get the group 27 or 29s, keep then fully charged when storing and enjoy 10 years not thinking about it.
#40
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,198
Likes: 500
From: KY


