|
|
Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | Are any of you guys using Optima deep cycles for your bowmount? They're pricey but I like their size and weight. Sometimes you see them marked down in stores also. Looking at going to a 3 bank set-up up front and like the idea of the three batteries being lighter and smaller than three traditional deep cycles. Anybody have any feedback, good, bad or indifferent? Thanks. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I've never had them in my boat personally but have a buddy who has had his set for over five years without any problems. I know the Optimas are standard on many of the Professional Walleye tournament guys boats and I know they see a beating that many batteries don't see in two or three years. I've never heard anything bad about them. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 462
Location: Madison Wi. Chain | I was in Farm and Fleet this last weekend. I noticed a 25.00 dollar rebate per battery. Might be a good time to buy. BG |
|
| |
|
Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | Thanks guys, Wal-mart marks 'em down periodically too.
Does anyone have any insight re: which of their 3 products would be best for my application? Their website loads fast, is really sharp but didn't tell me a lot. I know there's a Blue Top, Yellow Top and Red Top. I think the Red and Yellow ones are a hybrid unit, they're listed as being both deepcycle and cranking. I'll be the first to admit that electrical is far from my area of expertise. Optima offers a pretty good range of sizes/power levels in all their products too. Thanks. |
|
| |
|
| I've had Trojan AGM's in my boat since 06, thousands of hours on them and they are still just as strong as the day I got them....well worth the money.
Look into those if you haven't yet.
I'm sure Optima's are good too |
|
| |
|
Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | Brad are those a traditional deep cycle or something like the Optimas? I've had good luck with regular deep cycles from Interstate and Nautilis. I need to run them in a three bank and want to cut size and weight.
I was just looking at a buddys 20' Targa with a 101lb up front and a 200 Optimax on the back..thats one serious machine. He's a tournamnet bass guy and is getting me an unreal deal on last years Maxxum 101lb. I need to run a triple bank for it. I have the spots for the batteries no problem, just want to keep the weight down. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2037
Location: lansing, il | I also have been running the Trojans since 06 and they are as strong as the day I got them. these are the gel batteries like the optimas. i love them and would buy another set when and if these ever poop out. I leave em in all winter in a uninulated garage and keep em touched up thru the winter and they have been awesome. Ive heard nothing but good things about the optimas as well. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | I've been reading as much as I can about these gel-style batteries. It seems you need a different charger and charging set-up than with a traditional battery?
Performance, size and weight aside, what is different about them? Ie: differences in charging, maintenance or other details. I've used pretty much every brand of deep cycle battery there is and they're all the same..kill, clips to terminals, charge, repeat. This site is about the best I've seen for getting technical/gear Q's answered, it's much appreciated. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | If you're looking for space & weight savings + performance, the Optima's are by far the battery of choice. You need the yellow top for your cranking battery/electronics and the blue top for your trolling motor. There's a reason they're more expensive - IMHO - you get what you pay for. These have to be toughest most power dense lead-acid battery on the market today.
Myth - They are gel cell technology: Absolutely false. They are AGM (absorbant glass matt) lead-acid technology. They are also known as VRLA AGM's. VRLA = valve-regulated lead-acid. Sometimes refered to as no-maintenance. There is no excess electrolyte/battery acid that can spill out of the battery. All of the electrolyte is captured in the micro-porus absorbant glass matt between the battery plates.
Gel cells and AGM's are two very different lead-acid battery technologies.
This is interesting:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/product_support/resuscitating_agmbat...
Do you need a different charger setup? Probably not. Most modern chargers including on-board have capability to charge either wet cells or AGM's/VRLA. If you really want Optima's call them and tell them what you have for charger(s).
From the link above:
"OPTIMA Batteries does not officially endorse specific chargers—we simply don't have the time to test all of the excellent chargers on the market. There are a few that our customers and staff have tried and liked. You can contact OPTIMA Batteries Customer Service at 888-8-OPTIMA (888-867-8462) or via email at [email protected] for charger recommendations based on different applications."
No, I don't work for Optima, nor am I affiliated with them in any way.
Have fun!
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | Two words Maniac" 'wow,' and 'thanks.'
Just the kind of info I was looking for. I read that link on their site yesterday, great tips. Thanks again. The triple set-up will be running strictly my electric motor. The bowmount sonar has its own power source. |
|
| |
|
| JBush
I have the Trojan AGM's...no maintenance...ever...If Optimas are as good or better that would be hard to beat as mine have been bulletproof, knock on wood...
I'd buy Trojans again in a second..even though they are now over 200 a piece..I got them when they were only around 140 for the 31 size....
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | Brad what are the specs on your 31 size in terms of weight/dimensions? Are you running a triple or double bank? I've got a call into a parts shop near me looking for the Trojans, sounds like they're top shelf too. Thanks for the help guys. I'm gonna be mouting and rigging the new 101lb next week and will likely have a ton more q's. I'm basically useless when it comes to electrical haha. |
|
| |
|
| Type
31-AGM
Weight lbs. (kg)
74 (34)
Dimensions inches (mm)
L W H
12 15/16
(329) 6 13/16
(173) 9 5/16
(237)
I have a 3 bank Pro Mariner Tournament 150 on it...works awesome...
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 311
Location: Ontario | Each battery weighs 74lbs or 34lbs? The regular deep cycles I use now weigh close to 70lbs each. Lets get this day over with and get on the water!! |
|
| |
|
| 74 lbs. |
|
| |
Optima Batteries