new batteries
 

any opinions on batteries, i've been looking at the optima blue tops, kinda pricey but nice warranty, any feedback appreciated.

Re: new batteries
 

I don't know that you will ever need the warranty with the optima blue tops. Mine are three years old. I hardly ever use the boat and I've never had to charge them. Motor fires up every time. I used to go thru batteries regularly before I bought the Optimas. It's the only battery made as far as I'm concerned.

strick

Re: new batteries
 

I have 4 Optima's in my boat. Very Happy except for the initial $600 I spent for them and 2 Trolling Fury box's.

Re: new batteries
 

Get the Optimas, you'll be glad you did. Just like Strick, I hardly use my boat and have not needed to charge them in 3 years also.

Re: new batteries
 

My batteries were purchased at Sam's club. Regular old wet cells. About $60.00 each. I have 2 group 31's and one huge D4 so I can run my electronics on overnight trips.

Re: new batteries
 

Here's another vote for the Optima or any AGM type battery. Lifeline is also a good brand, but a little pricey. Here's a site with relevant info:

http://www.pkys.com/batteries/
http://www.vonwentzel.net/Battery/

Also check the Jack Rabbit site.

One of the best features of the AGM's is that they loose less than 1% of their charge per month when stored. For boaters this means that they do not have to be kept on a battery charger when the boat is not in use.

Re: new batteries
 

Those Optima batteries look nice indeed. However, my two Walmart batteries have done the trick for nearly four years now.

Re: new batteries
 

I have a 2002 Kmart Group 24 battery and a 2003 Exide Group 27 battery in my Mako. They have been used extensively...but also get trickled charged twice in the offseason.

With that said, I am switching to Optima Bluetops and teh troll fury box this season....because I absolutely hate those plastic battery boxes and the mesh straps. Plus, I feel like I am really on borrowed time with my existing batteries...5 years is about 3 more years than I expected.

Re: new batteries
 

I installed a Guest dual charger on the 23' that stays on all the time. Pretty sweet really!! :)

Re: new batteries
 

If you want the best batteries on the market try Energy1. You CAN believe the hype on the website. They are Northstar batteries which are sold through energy1 for marine use. They are the most energy dense and indestructible batteries on the market.

Less weight = MORE SPEED!

Energy1 Batteries