Batteries
 

Let's talk batteries....what do you have in your boat? Currently have two 8-9 yr old Optima Blue Top and have been happy but thinking I need to replace for piece of mind. What ye say?

Wow! I had no idea the "new" gel batteries could last that long. That justifies the price over the three year Interstate Group 24 or 27 at over a hundred at my buddies cost. Interesting topic.

Part II

Chances are they both won't go at the same time. Keep an eye on them and watch for side swelling or cracks. If one goes, replace both and put the other on your workbench for testing your 12V stuff.
BTW: Mine were 7yrs when I sold her. Keep the trickle auto shutoff charger on when docked.

AGM batteries typically don't last much longer than that. I'd replace them. And I would charge and discharge them separately from now on.

I have a pair of Duracel (Deka) AGMs in mine and they seem to do very well and require no maintenance. Last set of Blue tops went 5 years before I replaced them and they still seemed fine then.

As far as separate charging, I have not gone down that road as it is just one more thing to hook up even though it may be the right thing to do. I use one of those expensive battery minders and have never had an issue ever but I understand the pros and cons. Until it bites me I will continue with what works.

The best thing I have found to solve most battery emergencies is the portable jump starters. I did my research at the time and ended up with the Antigravity brand. The one I have will start a diesel pickup and fits nicely in the glove box. I have tested it numerous times and am amazed how well wit works. To satisfy my curiosity I disconnected one of my batteries and hooked up the Antigravity powering up the whole boat. It started my 300 without hesitation no less than 5 time in a row. While idling on it everything appeared normal at the helm. I no longer own any jumper cables and have one for every vehicle we own.

""I have a pair of Duracel (Deka) AGMs in mine and they seem to do very well and require no maintenance""

These are what I'm considering. I have an on-board Guest "smart" dual charger that stays plugged-in when not using the boat (at home on trailer).

Thank guys!

I have one battery that never gets disconnected from the motor and a second one on a battery switch that powers electronics and the like. The last battery (on the motor), an Interstate starting battery (888 cca, 1000 mca), I took out after 8 years and put it in my camper. I replaced it with another of the same which is now 4 years old. I have bought other Interstates with not so good results. One lasted 1 month after the warranty ran out(1 year).

With that kind of longevity, most folks would stick with what they know.

I have 8 year old Deka AGM 27s, and will go right back to Dekas.

I saved about a C note each over the optimas back in 07 or 08. I got 3 years more than I expected out of them...

I am on my second set of Deka Seamate AGM (West Marine Group 31) The first set I bought for 150.00 each back in 2007, but did not launch the boat until 2008. I replaced them last year with two more (Exactly the same) except for the price was around 210.00 With my Port Supply Discount. I never had an issue with the first set, in fact my brother is still using one of them in his dump trailer and it is still going strong. The other one was damaged when I removed it from the boat. I have an on board battery charger (Even though it is trailered) I plug it in every now and then, especially in the winter to keep a trickle on them. Hope That helps. Great Batteries IMO