I'm looking to put some new batteries in the boat. I see that there is a starting battery and a deep cycle(?) battery. What is the difference in the make-up of these batteries? I never run the stereo so I only care about starting, Optima has a blue top that they recommend for marine use that they say does both well...any experience with these?

I Use Tw Optima Batteries And Have Never Had A Problem Starting The Boat After Hours Of Listening To The Stereo.

If it a a stock style motor any regular style battery will work.I bought one from autozone with a 7 year warranty for 70 bucks

I bought some blem exides that look like the Optima blue tops. they were 50.00 each non blem was 108.00 Try and find a Exide warehouse [not dealer] in your area they will sell you direct. I found out that Sam's Wholesale buys from the same place.

I use Optima for starting and a deep cycle marine for house.

Which Optimas are you guys using?

27 series and 24 series have been the standard, Dep Cycle will recharge many more times than a starting, you can also buy a deep cycle starting , see what the Amp are, 500 to 900, 900 are the best, CCA means cold cranking Amps and MCA = marine cranking amps, CCA is figured at 0 degree and MCA is figured at 32 degrees
Good Luck
Don

BLUE TOP 27 AND 24

27 series and 24 series have been the standard, Dep Cycle will recharge many more times than a starting, you can also buy a deep cycle starting , see what the Amp are, 500 to 900, 900 are the best, CCA means cold cranking Amps and MCA = marine cranking amps, CCA is figured at 0 degree and MCA is figured at 32 degrees
Good Luck
Don

Could you repeat that one more time, Don?