Need to replace both of my batteries. What's everyone using and do you like them? Looking at the Optima batteries, but never used them before.

Everyone has their opinions and experiences. A lot of it comes down to maintenance and storage when not in use. To be perfectly honest. in my last boat I had O'Reilly brand batteries and they lasted 6 years before any issues. I have Deka batteries in my boat now. I think any good brand paired with good maintenance will suit you well.

Deka, Exide, Interstate etc...

Again, just my opinion.

Better off doing a search on the subject, there's plenty here to infom you.

Don't laugh but I'll vote for Walmart's batteries. Always ran Interstate or Optima but decided to try these based on warranty, price, and ease of return/replacement when they crap out- that was 2 1/2 years ago and haven't had a single issue.

Had Optima before, never had a single issue. Bought new boat with Interstates and had dead batteries (multiple times), ripped those out and put in new blue top Optimas. Never a problem again...run the stereo all day at the sandbar. You get what you pay for.

Ditto

In the past - Stowaway for the money has been the best for me like for 12 years running. And I installed / sold over 500 of them during that timeframe. 1000 MCA cold cranking amps 24 series for a starting battery and a 750 MCA deep cycle for the accessories 24 and 27 series. 27 series deep cycles for trolling motors as well.

I really do not sell batteries anymore so things might have changed. Interstate batteries has been good as well.

Maintenance is the main concern with any battery. Not to over charge them and not leave under charge either.

Worst batteries I see in boats that do not last are Costco, Walmart and O Reillys

Depends on what your needs are. If you just need it for starting and running a basic stereo, Optima will be fine. If you have a serious stereo or will be relying on the batteries to run the stereo all day, I would consider Odyssey group 31 AGM. Batteries Plus sells their band X Power in the same specs for about half the cost. A few winters ago I accidentally forgot to plug in shore power while boat was in storage and 7 months later the boat started right up in spring

I had the Sears Die Hard Platinum group 31 AGMs. They lasted about 4 and a half years. One just went bad a couple of weeks ago. Sears no longer has them, but West Marine sells what I think is the same battery, the Northstar group 31.

https://www.westmarinepro.com/buy/no...42?recordNum=6

i'm on my 3rd set of optima's since 2001.