Battery question

Hey ya'll,

Is anybody running Optima batteries? I have always run standard advance auto trolling batteries and since going to the 24 volt I pilot it seems like I am going thru batteries quickly and changing trolling batteries in my boat SUCKS. Just curious to see if anybody has any insight on the Optima. It's hard to stomach that price but if it means not changing out batteries constantly I might have to consider it. Thanks in advance for any input.

I've had good luck with the deep cycle Interstate batteries. I think the key is to have an onboard charger so you hook it up when you park the boat easy peezy.
I was told by a Minkota that the batteries are only good for 18-20 months. That was for someone who fishes like a pro.
I have 2 deep cycle and two "normal" batteries on the toon all are on chargers when they get parked

I have one. First used it for my trolling motor and could only get 4 hours use out of it. Took it back three times and they changed it out all three times. I now use it from my starting battery and bought a 31 series for trolling.

A good friend swear by them, he has a 90# minkota and uses 3 batteries and an onboard charger. Replaces batteries after 6 years. Fishes ~60 days a year

The key is the charging. Any brand name deep cycle battery will work, Walmart batteries work fine. Just use a good charger with 15 amps. Just my 2 cents.

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Originally Posted by BuckeyeKdog

A good friend swear by them, he has a 90# minkota and uses 3 batteries and an onboard charger. Replaces batteries after 6 years. Fishes ~60 days a year

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That's how I have been trying to look at it that way, because I could have paid for a couple of them with the money I have spent in batteries in the past 5 years.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScooperDude

I've had good luck with the deep cycle Interstate batteries. I think the key is to have an onboard charger so you hook it up when you park the boat easy peezy.
I was told by a Minkota that the batteries are only good for 18-20 months. That was for someone who fishes like a pro.
I have 2 deep cycle and two "normal" batteries on the toon all are on chargers when they get parked

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Thanks for the info. I have an Interstate cranking battery that has given me great service and was thinking about Interstate for the trolling batteries. I do have the onboard charger that stays plugged in when I'm sitting, I think I am going to have to up the quality of the battery either way.

I've got 2 interstate deep cycles running my I pilot 80lb. Been going strong for 4 years now

An on board battery charger should get you years of service from your batteries. They charge and properly maintain your batteris. Just unplug extension cord, go fishing. Come home plug in cord and go eat crappie. Always leave it plugged in.

Yes a good charger is the key like others have stated. I worry more about a good charger then what brand battery. I use Interstate deep cycle.