OPTIMA BATTERIES

[Art H.]

I am in need of replacing my trolling motor batteries once again, and a person very familliar with batteries told me to not waste my money on buying Optima. Is he wrong? If so, what color top do you reccomend. I have been told by others that they are awesome batteries.

I have used AC Delco batteries in the past, and I get about 2 years max on them. They are good batteries. Kirkland batteries from Costco last me about 8 months. I know they are both made by Johnson Controls, as is Interstate.

Thanks,

Art

[bustout]

I currently have costco's....4 years and 1 of the 2 went bad on me a few months ago. 4 years is really good.

I think the most important thing w/ trolling motor batteries is to not let them sit discharged for long periods of time. Basically, once you get home from fishing, immediately charge your batteries.

Hopefully this will help you...

[Rob Dickson]

I have 5 seasons on the trojan scs225

[Tony Lain]

I've run Blue Top Optimas on my last two Champion Boats. My opinion, best deep cycle batteries available. During one derby my on-board charger died and the Optima's held a charge for two days of practice and two days of the event. No joke, four days of trolling motor work with no charge... I run the D31M series.

[brambo0311]

Your kirklands went bad in 8 months? I missed the 100% warranty deadline 3 years ago, I used to get fresh ones every year. I am still running the same batteries without a problem. You must have got some bad batteries. I run mine hard 2 to 3 days a week on the delta. Figure the price if they do go out after a year. 79 bucks a battery and free replacement. Hard to beat that. I went through 2 motorguides (used ones) and put on a minn kota in the last 3 years. Batteries still like new. I add water every 15th charge, but thats it.

On the other hand I will only run Optimas in my rock crawler. The red top ones for vehicles are bullet proof. I put my jeep tits up and the battery broke free and arched out blowing off a terminal and opening up one of the cells on that thing. Rolled it back over and attached it to the screw in posts instead. It got me 2 more days on the trail and back home. So I think there good to.

[Bass Pro Shopper]

Art, my set of Optimas are 5 1/2 years old...still going strong. I am, however, pretty much a weekend angler, so they're not used often. I certainly got my money's worth out of them though.

[mark poulson]

I also have Optimas, blue top DM34's, and they are five years old. Still going strong.
If I have to replace them, I'm going to the DM31's, which have more amps.
I never have to add water, or worry about leaks, or offgassing when I charge them.
I use them at least once a week, and lots of times twice a week.

[Art H.]

What I failed to mention that some may not know, is that I am a guide, and I average well over 150 hours a month on my batteries. I may be taxing them more than the average weekend guy. I do also charge them as soon as I get home.

I appreciate the comments regarding the Optimas. Costco is getting a new shipment of them in tonight. I also found out while there today, that they have never seen an Optima returned. I did get a full return today on my money.

Thanks Again,

Art

[LEN B]

Art
Costco doesn't carry the blue top, only the red or yellow. I just put 3 blue top in my Ranger and you do get what you pay for, BPS has them for $219 D31M are the ones you need. No water and faster charge time.

[smoothmel]

costco otima batteries in san diego i just got four blue top 159.00 my old one were 5yrs old

[Tony Lain]

Art, check your PM for additional info... T. Lain

[Hollywood]

I have the Optima Batteries in stock in Valencia, near Castaic lake

[hippie]

I run optis in my truck and boat I have taken optis back both in truck and boat but i swear by them ive been running opti for years and ive even taken optis back to costco.

[Art H.]

Thank again everyone for your comments. I will be purchasiing the Optimas tomorrow. Tried today, but they were closed.

[Johnny C]

Art if you haven't bought the OPti's yet check out these from Sears. Three year "in use" full warranty...If you have a 36volt like me and run four batteries you will reduce weight in your boat by over 80 pounds using 34's vs. 31's.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... tionAnchor

[Oldschool]

Whatever battery you choose, look into Stay N Charge system
http://www.stayncharge.com/ Your batteries will be fully charged and last a lot longer.
Tom

[mark poulson]

Johnny C,
The Die Hards look good. More amps, a little more weight, less money, better warranty.
I'll be checking Sears out when it's time to replace my Optimas.
Thanks.

[Bass Pro Shopper]

I'm staying away from anything Die Hard. Had a lot of trouble with the ones in my truck. Went through three within a period of five years. On one, the case cracked and spilled acid into my engine compartment. The replacement shorted out after a while because a plate broke inside (could see it leaning over through the fill port). After that I traded up to an optima red top right there on the spot at Sears. That batttery has been great. The Die Hard brand just doesn't have the quality it once used to. Just my opinion.

[scottsweet]

Art, you ought to consider Odyssey batteries. They are more expensive but by far the best battery on the market. They have a 4 year, no proration, unconditional warranty. The only rule is the batteries must be charged.

NO ONE has that warranty.

If you have any questions on where to get them, let me know.

Scott

[macinckirk]

Who has the best price on them ?? I was thinking of getting them when I get new batts, called 1 place and there price WAS WAY OUT OF LINE in my eyes 31m's for 279.00 each and I would be getting 4

also I seen them at Auto Zone but there the smaller 34 M I think and there 209.00

Thanks

[some guy]

Sams Club hands down has the best price on Optima Blue tops. I have been running the blue tops for over a year now and have had zero problems.

I got them at Sams Club for 153 each. Go to Optima's website site and see if they have any mail in rebates. When I purchased my batteries they had a mail in rebate for 25 bucks each. So two blue tops ended up costing me around 270 with tax. I couldnt find a cheaper deal than that.

[Art H.]

I bought the blue tops yesterday at Costco, and the price was $145.00, the best price I have seen.

[macinckirk]

Thanks for the replys John and Art, I'm not a menber at those places but my Dad's best friend is a manger at the Costco here in victorville

I don't need them now but just thinking about what I'm going to do when the time comes, I have used the Everstarts for years but thinking of going to a batt where I don't have to check the water every few weeks.

[Art H.]

What amazed me was the weight difference. They are much lighter than normal batteries. Now if they hold up better than what I was running, I will be happy.

[macinckirk]

What amazed me was the weight difference. They are much lighter than normal batteries. Now if they hold up better than what I was running, I will be happy.

Art
Let me know what you really think about them in a month when you have been on them like we do, I'm using my boat 5 days a week right now so thats why I would really like to know what a guide thinks about them

you did get the 34 m's right the smaller 1's

[Kevin]

Art, you will love them. Best batteries by far I've ever used.

[kane-o]

I am in need of replacing my trolling motor batteries once again, and a person very familliar with batteries told me to not waste my money on buying Optima. Is he wrong? If so, what color top do you reccomend. I have been told by others that they are awesome batteries.

I have used AC Delco batteries in the past, and I get about 2 years max on them. They are good batteries. Kirkland batteries from Costco last me about 8 months. I know they are both made by Johnson Controls, as is Interstate.

Thanks,

Art

art, talk to ralph, he can get you the interstate with lifetime replacement, for his cost....phil