Thread: Gel Battery

I use Optima (2) and use a Cabelas ProSport 8. I think its made by ProMariner. I keep it plugged up all the time and it has work great for me for 6 years now. Billy

Optima isn't exactly a gel cell. It's an Absorbed Glass Matt and yep I've used 'em both. The AGM is a home run, but pricey.

Minn Kota makes a good charger. There are many.

Originally Posted by luvin.fishin

Optima isn't exactly a gel cell. It's an Absorbed Glass Matt and yep I've used 'em both. The AGM is a home run, but pricey.

Minn Kota makes a good charger. There are many.

Bill's right. The Optima is an AGM so don't charge it like a gel cell. In my opinion the Optima's can't be beat. I have three of the blue tops in my Triton and I can fish for three full day (trolling) without having to worry about charging. The long life of the Optima makes up for the higher price plus you don't have to worry about changing them out as often.

I went with Guest brand on-board chargers and keep 'em plugged into the wall anytime the boat is parked at home. I've got a dual 5x5 on the TM batteries and a 6 amp single on the start battery wired parallel on the 115 VAC side so I can hook up one plug with an extension cord. The new 3 stage smart on-board chargers allow you to do this due to their "maintenance" mode and they are fine for Lead Acid, Gel and AGM batteries alike. Many folks claim the life of the battery can depend heavily on the quality of the charger. There's lots of web sites that will educate you on anything you want to know about deep cycle batteries and smart chargers. They mostly recommend that you maintenance charge 'em anytime they aren't being used.

thanks for the info!!

i heard a rumor that wally world was no longer including a 12 or 18 month warranty on their marine and lawn tractor batteries but a 30 day only so an optima might be the way to go in the long run

Originally Posted by luvpt

Bill's right. The Optima is an AGM so don't charge it like a gel cell. In my opinion the Optima's can't be beat. I have three of the blue tops in my Triton and I can fish for three full day (trolling) without having to worry about charging. The long life of the Optima makes up for the higher price plus you don't have to worry about changing them out as often.

How is the best way to charge them and what kind of portable charger do you recommend?

I've got the Cabela's AGM batteries and have been very pleased with them so far.