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Optima Batteries
For those that have these batteries, are they worth the extra $'s? What makes these superior to the other batteries? Do these have more consistent power? I need two trolling motor batteries and just want to get a valued product that will deliver performance? What is the best for a 24 volt trolling system?
Thanks for all the info and good luck to all at Dale - be safe.
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
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Re: Optima Batteries
Optimas don't have to have water added and they last longer too. They can remain charged up for almost an entire year. They are more vibration resistant that other batteries too. And they charge faster than other batteries.
I'm going on my 7 th year using an Optima Blue Top to start my boat and run my electronics. I used another Blue Top Optima to run the trolling motor for 6 years and just replaced it. However it was still holding a good charge and letting me fish all day long after 6 years.
I got my two Optimas back in 2003. I may replace the starting battery next year when it warms back up. But it's still a good battery.
I'm glad that I went with these Optima Gel Type as they are worth the extra money IMHO. They have not failed me in 7 years now. Oh and you can turn them upside down and they won't leak at all.
[QUOTE=jp;473445]For those that have these batteries, are they worth the extra $'s? What makes these superior to the other batteries? Do these have more consistent power? I need two trolling motor batteries and just want to get a valued product that will deliver performance? What is the best for a 24 volt trolling system?
Thanks for all the info and good luck to all at Dale - be safe.
Happy Thanksgiving!!![/QUOTE]
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Re: Optima Batteries
Absolutely, these batteries are worth every extra penny over wet cell batteries. I’ve got three in my Tracker and never seem to loose any trolling motor power at the end of the day and the big motor turns over first touch of the key.
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Re: Optima Batteries
What about winter still need to keep them hot, or do you all just leave them in the boat and not worry about charging, being gel cell will they still freeze and bust? May be a dumb question just wondering!
~Moon
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Re: Optima Batteries
I have 4 blue tops, 2 for trolling 24v, 1 for cranking and 1 spare for cranking just in case. Never had to use it but I go 30 miles out in Gulf so like to have a spare.
I use mine year round and don't have any problem freezing. On trolling they give more power and last longer for sure. You do need to keep them charged though gel batteries don't recover well if you draw completely then leave set with no charge.
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Re: Optima Batteries
Optima's are absorbed glass mat batteries (agm) different than either a gel cell or obviously a wet cell. I think they are worth their money. The only other thing I would add is if you have them you need a charger set up to properly charge them. Many chargers will come with a switch or something similar where you can designate wet, gel, or agm.