Optima Batteries at Sams

[Polebender]

Still trying to figure out whether or not to bite the bullet and get a couple of Optima batteries. I saw some at Sam's today---their number was 34DC, but the specs are the same as the D34M --- 750 CCA, 120 RC, 55 AH. I'm running a 70# 24v trolling motor. Is this the battery I need, or do I need the bigger one? The price is 155.82, which seems to be a really good price compared to what I'm finding elsewhere.

[luvin.fishin]

What you want (if you buy Optima) is the D34M (D=deep cycle and M = marine). The 34M is a marine starting battery. Both are Blue top. Look at the specs here.
Optima Battery Optima Batteries Free Shipping! Best Service! Deep Cycle Batteries Yellow Blue Red Top Optimum

the Optima SC34DM Marine has 870 marine cranking amps, 750 cold cranking amps with 120 reserve amps @ 55 Ah (amphour) and weighs 43.5# with a case size of 10 x 6.8 x 7.8"

Here is the Cabela's AGM battery with better specs and less $$ than the Optima AGM.

Cabela's Advanced Angler AGM Batteries

the size 24 has 1195 MCA, 945 CCA with 178 reserve @ 53.5 Ah and is 53.5# at 10.87 x 6.75 x 9.87......Reg: $169.99 Sale: $119.99

the size 27 has 1200 MCA, 950 CCA with 180 reserve @ 62.5 Ah and is 62.5# at 12.0 x 6.75 x 9.87......Reg: $189.99 Sale: $139.99

If you have the battery delivered, it'll cost you an extra $8. I can't drive there for that!

All of these are "dual purpose" batteries meaning you can use them for both starting and deep cycle use or a combination. All are large enough for your 24volt TM application.

Hope this helps......

[gasper_goul]

I just bought a super start agm from oreilly's with the same reserve and a little more cranking amps than the d34m optima but $60.00 cheaper..i did sacrifice on full replacement warranty with only 9 months and a 24 month prorate but they are local and i do like to trade with the locals when i can....it's hard for me to believe that the optima is that much better than other agms on the market

[Polebender]

Thanks for the great info. One more question on the Cabelas batteries: Statistically, there appears to be very little difference in the group 24 and group 27 batteries. It looks like the biggest difference, other than price, is the weight, and I assume one would get longer usage from more battery. Is this correct? I don't mind paying the extra 20 bucks if it will be an even better battery. Spring fishing is often windy, and I will stay out in 30 mph wind all day if necessary, so I don't want my batteries to let me down.

[luvin.fishin]

Thanks for the great info. One more question on the Cabelas batteries: Statistically, there appears to be very little difference in the group 24 and group 27 batteries. It looks like the biggest difference, other than price, is the weight, and I assume one would get longer usage from more battery. Is this correct? I don't mind paying the extra 20 bucks if it will be an even better battery. Spring fishing is often windy, and I will stay out in 30 mph wind all day if necessary, so I don't want my batteries to let me down.

notice the reserve current at the higher amp hour drains. the 27 is more battery and better for deep cycle use.

[Polebender]

I ordered the 27's. Gotta get 'em in and get ready for fishin'!!

[Polebender]

Ordered Sunday evening from Cabela's and they were sitting on my porch today (Thursday). Believe it or not, we have school SATURDAY this week Gotta make up some of those snow days we missed. Oh well, probably won't have a bunch of kids show up but man I hate to have to work on a Saturday! Saturdays are for hunting and fishing!

[luvin.fishin]

notice the reserve current at the higher amp hour drains. the 27 is more battery and better for deep cycle use.

I meant reserve MINUTES, not current! sorry 'bout dat! :o

Iffn' you got 2 of those 27's, you won't have any problem staying there all day! (especially if the TM is a digital maximizer type) I have run twin 34's on my motor in the past with no problems.