Michigan Muskie Alliance

I have seen the term 'gel' and have seen it used with the Optima battery. I just read that the spiral cells are lead plates. If anyone could chime in and clear this up for this confused old man, I would be forever grateful. Thanks, Bruce.

Gel or standard lead-acid is the term used to describe the state of the electrolyte (fluid). Spiral cell is the term used to describe the optimas plate design. They do not use the standard vertical plate design common to other batteries. The gel is really only effective against the acid sloshing around and spilling/or leaking in a closed environment. There are some advantages to gel over liquid acid besides that but it is not significant in terms of your question.
Long story short Optimas rule- plate batteries drool!! I have used many different batteries over the years personally and at work as a mechanic. The optima is hands down the best battery I have ever seen or used. I own five of them and will never buy another brand.
Kevin

Cabelas lists them with a 3 year warrranty. I got 3 to 4 out of the Everstart from WallyWorld. They are 2 to 3 times the money. How long do Optimas last? Cna I expect 5 to 6 years out of a battery that is that pricey? Thanks.

Had Sears Auto on the phone today and he gave a 0ne year warranty on the blue Optimas. Cabelas says three years in their marine catalog. What gives? :?

Bought two blue top Optimas from Gander Mountian a month ago. 3 year warranty ( 18 month free replacement, remaining 18 month's prorated ).
Manufacturer's warranty, should be the same no matter where you buy it.

J.

Yes and yes. Optimas are estimated at 5 to 6 times the life of a standard plate unit. Warranty should be universal no matter where you buy them. Check the Optima website.
Kevin

Thanks guys. Stopping by Sears on the way to work to see their prices. They are local. Gander might be chosen if the price is better. Need a Grandma or two anyway.

Sears had only one style there....$169.99. That has to be the yop model at that price. They haven't been around long enough to see if they last 10 years.

finlander wrote:Sears had only one style there....$169.99. That has to be the yop model at that price. They haven't been around long enough to see if they last 10 years.

That is the less expensive of the two deep cycle models they have ( $200 for the D31M).
Make sure you charge it right after every use if possible. Good luck, there great batteries.

Jason

Maybe you with the big rigs use a dual system for starting and running your toys. I was given a starting battery for the Honda from the dealer. Alternator will maintain it even if i hook up running lights and a graph. A new deep cycle would be used to run the Minkota, that is all. If I spend 6 hours on the water and have better luck moving slow and casting, I would sure like a battery that would make it thru the day, not die after 3 hours. Those who fish this way, how many batteries do you have tied together??

finlander - Most of us are running a 24v system for our electric motor. If you are running a 12v system, you can gain some run time if you wire two batteries parallel.



The size of the battery is also a consideration. The largest deep cycle you can afford is the best bet. However, if space is a consideration you can run two smaller wired as above. Also be sure you're getting a true deep cycle and not one that is a dual purpose. The dual purpose have thinner plates and will not last as long.

If you decide to wire the batteries together I would highly recommend using a Perko switch. The switch will allow you to join your batteries together and still use each independently. 4 positions on the switch. 1, 2 both or off. Since you only have 1 trolling motor battery you could "cheat" if you go dead and still want to fish for a while using your main battery. However this is not recommended, we all know you can get away with it most of the time. This would only be recommended if your main battery was a true dual purpose (deep cycle or starting). I use the biggest yellow Maxx Dual Purpose ones from Walmart and have 2 wired via the perko and just draw from 1st battery until it goes dead and simply turn the switch to 2 and have a fresh topped off battery. I have a Minnkota 55PD and I can get 12-14 hours out of 1 battery under normal fishing conditions. If you need a diagram for wiring let me know.
Shane Blahunka

It is not advisable to drain a deep cycle is it? I may get a Trojan battery. I saw three different models, the two smaller ones had caps that came off, so you could add water. The largest was maintence free. My charger may not be the correct one as it can be set to 3, 6, or 12 amps. It's a Vector my wife bought for me at Christmas. I don'e believe it steps down. Salesman at Dunhams said this would reduce the expected lifespan of the battery. Does it really need to be charged this way or is a trickle charge not harmful? Thanks, the rookie.

I am running my 5th season on these guys and I have never had a problem. http://www.powertroll.net/tournyseries.html

I did a bunch of research before I bought mine and the guys on the Bass Fishing Home Page really spoke highly of this brand. I have the 2 of the group 27 and if you have the room, that’s what I would recommend. I am lugging nearly 3000 lbs around with a 65 lb thrust Minnkota in current without any trouble. I probably have over 150 days on these batteries.

This is probably the single best boat accessory that I have purchased over the years.

Well I don't nearly have the weight problem you do My boat is 310 lber with a 105 lb Honda and when loaded down with the gear and 2 people it can't weigh more than 1000. I have yet to try my Minnkota on it as I have no functioning battery. I will look into this brand. Thanks.