Optima Batterys

[barnacle]

I have received a few e-mails on these batterys. There has been problems with them when used on outboards. There was a study done by a company that makes the electrical items for some outboards out there. He was the letter we received on them:
I now have some results to share with you. READ the charging instructions on the back of the battery! Even if the front of the battery says it is a STARTING/DEEP CYCLE, DO NOT USE FOR A STARTING BATTERY FOR AN OUTBOARD ENGINE. The limitations on the battery are 14.4V @12 Amps. Most Outboard charging systems will produce 14.6V - 15.8V's @6 to 40 Amps. Like anyone else would do I saw the label on the front and assumed (Yea I know)that the battery would be ok for the starting battery. Unfortunately, the battery did not agree. Everything was fine until the engine was opened up. At WOT the battery voltage went to 17.5V all at once and when the trim was engaged for a high speed turn, the down relay fused. When the up relay was engaged, the trim motor went poof. After we got back to the dock and checked the battery, that was when I noticed the small print on the back of the battery concerning charging instructions.
These will be great batteries for the trolling motor, but I cannot recommend them for starting batteries at this time. The design of glass mat batteries limits the charging rate that the battery can take. In a normal acid battery, when hydrogen bubbles form on the plates, they rise to the surface and burst. In glass mat batteries, the bubbles gradually work their way up to the top. Too much charge rate and the bubbles don't rise, they cling to the plates causing the charging system to think there is no battery there.

[Brian Rice]

Great info Joe. What do you think about using them for a new Mercrusier Horizon?

[JohnS]

Well Joe, that doesn't sound good to me. My new boat came with two of those Optima batteries. I was a bit leary of them, especially for starting. They assured me that they have been using these batteries with no problems. Guess we will see and if I do have a problem, I know how to spell the word "warranty" very well........

John

[ScottM]

Thanks for the info Joe. Looks like we'll be returning those batteries.

[Runco]

I hope you have your receipts,blood type and 6 forms of photo identification.

[OptimaBatteries]

Hello Joe and all other interested marine battery users. I am the product manager for Optima Batteries and I recently read the message about Optima Batteries. The battery limitation information you refer to Joe (14.4V at 12Amps)is not relative to Optima Batteries. You are mistaken in the brand of battery you are referring to and using. The brand you have is the Orbital battery by Exide. The technology between Optima Batteries and Orbital is similar, but the manufacturing process, the internal chemistry, and the internal components are very different. Therefore, your information is incorrect and misleading. Please check your boat battery and you will see that it is not an Optima Batteries brand.
Optima Batteries offers a specific starting battery and two other deep cycle batteries for the high cranking demands of today's technologically advanced marine outboard engines. Optima Batteries has verfied battery compliance with the help of Honda outboards and Mercury Marine outboards and sterndrive/inboard engines. Please see our web site (www.optimabatteries.com) for models and specs.
As for charging Optima Batteries, they are capable of recharging much faster than traditional wet lead-acid marine batteries. Optima Batteries are capable of a rapid recharge of 15.6V constant with NO current limit within an air temp. of 125F. This is a big difference from the battery you are using and really sets the Optima battery apart from other batteries. Optima Batteries are a true maintenance free, non-spillable battery that will last you 2 times longer than traditional wet lead-acid batteries.
I'm done with my sales pitch now, but it is such a great product that it is hard not to keep going on all of the benefits. Please watch for print ads in popular fishing/boating magazines and TV ads on national cable TV. Try an Optima battery. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
Thanks, Tom - Optima Batteries

[JohnS]

Thanks for setting that straight Tom, of Optima Batteries. The sales pitch was just fine as long as all the fellow ClassicSeaCraft.com members can receive some test samples for our boats. Two batteries per member will be fine! We of course will test them thoroughly in REAL LIFE conditions and give you a report at the end of the boating season.

Just kidding!!!!! Ok, I was just having a REALLY good dream so don't spoil it...........

John

[ScottM]

Optima (Tom),
Welcome to CSC and thanks for clearing up this topic. With that said, I'll be keeping the batteries and look forward to using them this season.

I agree with JohnS, 2 batteries per CSC member sounds about right [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] . What better way to get good press.

[Jon G]

I won't be greedy I'll just take one [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] that way I can compare it to my other lead acid [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

[barnacle]

Tom sorry for the mix up. I guess time will tell.